Gas Stove Not Lighting? Common Causes and Quick Fixes

When your gas stove, a household appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat for cooking. Also known as a gas range, it relies on a simple but precise ignition system to light the burners. If it’s not lighting, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common gas appliance problems in UK homes. The good news? Most of the time, it’s not a broken gas line or a dangerous leak. It’s something you can often fix in under 10 minutes.

The biggest culprit? A pilot light, a small, continuous flame that ignites the main gas burners when turned on. If it’s out, the stove won’t light no matter how many times you turn the knob. This happens when the gas supply gets interrupted, the thermocouple fails, or dust builds up around the flame. Another frequent issue is a gas stove igniter, the electronic component that sparks to light the gas when you turn the burner on. If it’s cracked, dirty, or worn out, it won’t spark properly—even if you hear clicking. Don’t confuse this with a gas valve problem; most modern stoves have electronic ignition, not standing pilots.

Before you call a technician, check the basics: Is the gas supply turned on at the wall? Are the burner caps and grates clean? Food debris and grease can block the gas ports, making it look like the stove isn’t lighting when it’s just clogged. Try cleaning the burner holes with a toothpick or needle. Also, make sure the stove is dry. If you recently cleaned it with water, moisture can prevent the igniter from working. And if you smell gas at any point—stop. Turn off the supply, open windows, and call a professional. Safety always comes first.

Many people assume a gas stove not lighting means it’s time to replace the whole unit. But that’s rarely true. The parts that fail—igniters, thermocouples, burner caps—are cheap and easy to swap. A certified gas appliance repair technician, a qualified professional trained to diagnose and fix gas-powered home appliances safely can usually fix this in under an hour. In Rugby, local experts see this issue weekly. They know which models are prone to certain failures and carry the right parts on their vans.

Below, you’ll find real-world fixes from people who’ve been there. From cleaning a clogged burner to replacing a faulty igniter, the posts here cover exactly what works—no fluff, no theory, just what to do and when to stop trying yourself. Whether you’re dealing with a single burner that won’t light or the whole stove refusing to ignite, you’ll find a clear path forward.