Gas Hob Not Working? Common Causes and Quick Fixes

A gas hob that won’t turn on when you’re hungry—a nightmare, right? The thing is, gas hobs are usually pretty reliable, but even the best ones can just quit on you. Before you swear at the universe, it helps to know what might be going on under those burners. A lot of the time, you don’t need to buy a new hob or panic about a huge repair bill.

Most problems with gas hobs come down to just a handful of things: blocked burners, ignition issues, or problems with your gas supply. Sometimes it’s as basic as crumbs or grease stopping the gas from flowing properly (yeah, just like when Whiskers jumps on the counter and leaves a trail of cat hair—stuff builds up fast). Other times, you might be dealing with a dodgy ignition switch or even an old spark plug that’s quit working. Knowing what to check first can save you time, money, and the hassle of cooking dinner in the microwave—again.

• What Usually Causes a Gas Hob to Stop Working?
• Troubleshooting: Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself
• When to Call a Professional
• Tips to Keep Your Gas Hob Running Smoothly

What Usually Causes a Gas Hob to Stop Working?

If you’re standing in front of a silent hob, don’t panic—most issues have pretty simple causes. Let’s break down what’s actually stopping your gas hob from working so you can focus on the right fix.

The most common problem by far: blocked burners. Over time, food spills, grease, and even dust can clog the little holes where the gas is supposed to come out. If the burner head or the cap isn’t sitting right after a clean, gas flow gets blocked and you’ll notice weak or no flame at all. With shared kitchens or nosy pets like my tabby Whiskers, you’d be shocked at what ends up clogging those holes.

Next up: ignition problems. Most modern hobs use electronic igniters—press down the knob, and a spark lights the gas. If you don’t hear the clicking sound or see a tiny spark, you could be looking at a worn-out igniter, a broken wire, or a dead battery (some hobs use batteries in the ignition system—yep, even if they plug in elsewhere).

Then there’s the gas supply itself. If you’re getting no gas, check that the gas valve is open. Sometimes building work or just moving things around the kitchen can accidentally close a valve or bend a pipe. And honestly, don’t rule out the obvious—make sure you’ve actually got gas coming into your home. People run out of bottled gas or accidentally turn off the main valve more often than you’d think.

Finally, don’t forget the controls and safety systems. Most hobs have a thermocouple (a little safety device that shuts off gas if the flame blows out). If that part’s dirty or fails, your hob won’t light up—even though everything else looks fine. If you hear a weird clicking noise or your gas cuts out after a few seconds, that’s a clue the thermocouple needs checking.

So, if your hob stops working, it really comes down to four main areas:

• Burners blocked by food or grease
• Faulty ignition system (worn spark plug, bad wiring, or dead battery)
• Problems with your home’s gas supply (closed valve or empty bottle)
• Safety device issues (like a faulty thermocouple)

Knowing these usual suspects makes it a lot easier to spot where things are going wrong, so you’re not poking around in the dark—figuratively or literally.

Troubleshooting: Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself

Before you start taking things apart or getting your wallet out, it's worth checking a few basics. Most gas hob failures aren't caused by anything fancy, just something simple you can spot right away.

First up, if none of the burners work, check your gas hob's main gas supply. It sounds obvious, but someone could’ve knocked the switch or valve by accident. If only one burner is dead, the problem is local.

• Blockages: Burners get gummed up with food, sauce, and—if you have a curious cat like mine (Whiskers)—random tiny objects. Turn off the hob, take off the caps, and give them a solid clean with a brush or a pin. You want those holes unclogged so gas can flow.
• Ignition problems: If you hear that clicking but still no flame, the igniter might be dirty or misaligned. Wipe around it with a dry cloth. If you don’t hear any clicks at all, the problem might be electrical, which could mean a power or fuse issue.
• Knob issues: Sometimes knobs can crack inside, so they’re not actually turning the switch beneath. Try swapping a working knob onto the dud burner’s post to check.
• Gas Smell: If you smell gas but nothing lights, turn everything off and ventilate fast. Don’t go hunting with a lighter—call your gas supplier. Safety first.

Here's a quick look at the most common, fixable gas hob issues people run into:

If you make it this far and the hob is still playing up, resist the urge to grab a screwdriver. Some problems really do need a professional, but in a lot of cases, these basic checks will get your hob cooking again without a fuss.

When to Call a Professional

Some gas hob problems are just too risky or complicated to tackle on your own. Safety comes first—always. If you even think your gas hob has a leak or you smell gas, leave the kitchen right away and call your gas supplier or emergency services. Don’t try to fix or clean anything when a leak is possible; it’s just not worth the risk.

Electrical faults are another reason to step back. If you spot sparking where it shouldn’t happen, hear buzzing noises from the ignition, or discover wires look damaged, get a qualified engineer on it. DIY fixes here could lead to way bigger problems—like a dead kitchen appliance or worse, a fire.

Here are the main situations when bringing in a pro is the smart move:

• You smell gas or think there’s a leak.
• The flame on your hob is yellow or orange instead of blue (could mean a carbon monoxide risk).
• Your house supply of gas seems weak (other gas appliances don’t work).
• Igniters keep sparking non-stop or not at all, or you hear clicking sounds that won’t stop.
• You see visible damage to gas pipes, hoses, or connections.

Gas Safe Register (UK) and similar licensing bodies elsewhere require that only certified technicians handle certain repairs—mainly anything to do with internal gas supply lines or replacing major parts. If you like stats, here’s a quick look at the kinds of issues most often solved by professionals:

If you’re ever in doubt, remember your gas hob isn’t worth risking your home or health. Experts can check pressure, seals, and connections with special tools you don’t have in your kitchen drawer. It’s money well spent.

Tips to Keep Your Gas Hob Running Smoothly

If you want to avoid the dreaded "why won’t my hob light?" moment, a little upkeep goes a long way. Here’s what actually matters if you want your gas hob lasting and working without tantrums.

• Gas hob burners get gummed up with grease and food bits. Take off the burner caps and get right into those nooks with a stiff brush and some soapy water—do it at least once a month.
• Don’t use harsh cleaners that can mess with the metal or clog holes. If you do spot any blockages, a toothpick or old toothbrush will usually clear it out.
• Wipe up spills right away. Even that tiny splash of pasta water can lead to rust if it sits there. After every big cook-up, a wipe makes a difference.
• Never pour water over the hob to clean it—if water gets in the ignition, you might be left with non-stop clicking or a hob that won’t light at all.
• If your flame's orange or yellow instead of blue, that’s a warning sign—call a pro. It usually means your gas isn't burning cleanly, which can be risky.
• Make sure the knobs turn smoothly. If they’re stiff or loose, they might be wearing out. Replacement isn’t expensive but ignoring it might end up with a broken hob right when you don’t want it.
• Once a year, call in a certified engineer just to check everything’s tight and safe—especially if you live in a rented flat or have kids around. Leaks are rare but not something to risk.

Finally, don’t forget the area around the hob. Keep tea towels, paper, and anything flammable away from the flames. Even if you’re super careful, things get forgotten in a busy kitchen. Quick checks each week and a deeper clean monthly beat any emergency repair bill or kitchen disaster.