When your stove stops working, it can bring your entire kitchen to a halt. Whether a burner won’t heat, the oven stays cold, or a gas flame refuses to ignite, these issues can quickly disrupt your routine. Some stove problems are simple to troubleshoot, but others require professional attention. Understanding the difference can save you time and prevent further damage.
The Electric Burners Don’t Turn On
Modern stoves run on either gas or electricity, and both types can experience problems. However, the troubleshooting approach differs between electric and gas models.
It can be difficult to see whether electrical elements are actually working. A sign that the burner isn’t working is that it stays cool even when its knob is turned on. If it stays cool, turn the knob to the off position, and ensure the element is seated properly. If it is seated properly and still isn’t heating, unplug the stove if you can and inspect the cord, plug, and outlet for damage. If they are, plug the stove back in. If the elements still don’t work, go to the breaker box to make sure that the circuit hasn’t tripped. If it has, it’s time to call a professional.
The Gas Burners Don’t Turn On
It’s a little easier to check if the gas burner is working since it clicks then produces a flame. If you turn the knob and don’t hear the usual clicking, don’t see the flame, or smell gas, you can assume that the gas is off. This means you’ll need to find the gas shut-off valve, which is usually on the pipe that feeds gas to the stove. In many homes, a horizontal lever indicates that the gas is off, and a vertical position means it is on. If you are unsure how yours works, contact a professional before adjusting the valve.
The flame from a gas stove should be blue. A yellow flame may indicate incomplete combustion, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide production. In many cases, this problem occurs because the burners are dirty. Turn off the stove, wash the burners, and let them thoroughly dry. When you replace them, the blue flame should return.
A gas stove might also have problems with its ignition system. You can suspect this when you try to turn on a burner, and you don’t hear the clicking sound. Though you can start the burner with an electronic lighter, this isn’t a permanent fix. You’ll need to call a professional to find the root cause and fix it. The spark module might be shot, and repairing or replacing it is a job for a professional.
Don’t let your stove upend your entire routine. If your stove needs servicing, don’t hesitate to call our skilled technicians at East Valley Super Techs of Queen Creek, AZ.