The ignitor makes the clicking sound you hear when switching on your gas stove. The starter creates sparks that meet the gas and ignite a flame. If it is clicking when the gas is not turned on or leaking, it is not dangerous. However, if your ignitor creates sparks with the gas leaking, it could lead to a fire. Bear in mind that if you suspect a gas leak and your stove is clicking, you should leave your house immediately.
There are several reasons why your gas stove keeps clicking when off. It is essential to find the cause of the clicking and make the necessary corrections. Bear in mind that when your stove is constantly clicking, there is a risk of a fire breaking out in your home. Below are some of the reasons why your gas stove is clicking and how to make it stop.
Burner problems
Problems with your burner can result in continuous gas stove clicking. Burner problems include moisture, dirt, and incorrect alignment. Check for the following burner problems on your gas stove.
Burner malalignment
If you notice that your gas stove keeps clicking when on, you may have an alignment issue. If you do correct burner alignment, the clicking will not stop and can be very annoying. Follow these steps to check for alignment issues.
- Ensure the cooktop is cool to avoid burning your hands. Make sure that you wait a few minutes after turning off the gas before touching it.
- Remove the grate, and you will see the cap inside.
- Remove the cap too.
- Align the cap with the base, ensuring that it is not askew and is securely in place.
- Replace the grate and turn on the stove and listen for the clicking sound. It should have stopped.
Moisture problem
If you realign the cap and can still hear the clicking sound, you need to check for moisture in your stove. Follow these steps to check for water in your gas stove.
- Start by removing the burner cap and inspecting it for moisture.
- If there are wet spots on it, air dry it.
- You can also use a towel or put it in the oven at 350 degrees.
- Replace it and then test the stove. If moisture was causing the clicking, it should have stopped.
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Dirt and food particles
It is advisable to clean your gas stove after you cook. Food particles and other debris can result in constant gas stove clicking. To check for food particles, follow these easy steps.
- Check the cap for food lodged in the burner.
- Use a metal pin or paperclip to remove the particles you find in the burner grooves.
- Your gas stove should stop clicking. If it does not, the problem could be elsewhere, for instance, in the switch.
Spark Ignition Switch Problems
If you are wondering where this switch is, it is right behind the knobs of your cooker. It controls electrical power flow to the spark electrode. When it stops working, it can result in the electrode not working or continuous clicking sounds.
When it is clicking, the switch is stuck in the on position, and electrical power flows continuously. The problem could occur due to a power surge, moisture in the knob, and many other issues. Since every burner has a separate switch, use a multimeter to check all the knobs for continuity. If you find continuity, then you have an ignitor problem.
Faulty Spark Module
After your switch allows power to flow, the spark module directs it to the electrode. The spark module is found behind your gas range or under your cooktop. If the spark module malfunctions, it will produce a constant clicking sound. If your switches are working correctly, this is the next logical place to check for a problem. If the module is not working, all your burners will be sparking, which increases the risk of a fire.
Defective Spark Electrode
If your stove has been clicking for a long time, the spark electrode will wear out. Bear in mind that the spark electrode is the one that produces the actual spark that ignites your gas. You can choose to hire a professional to replace your spark electrode as you will need to disassemble your cooker to get to it.
Tips to prevent clicking
As mentioned above, clicking and sparking poses some risk of a fire. It is advisable to turn off power if there is a gas leak and your stove is clicking. You should also walk out of the house and call for help. Here are essential maintenance tips to help prevent clicking.
- Clean your gas stove immediately after use. Food particles and other debris can get into your burner and cause clicking.
- Do not pour water into your gas stove as that will cause continuous clicking and other problems.
- When you clean burner channels, do not use toothpicks or kebab sticks as they can break in there and cause new problems.
- Do not ignore clicking on your gas stove or if the stove is making a popping sound. Instead, make sure that you make the necessary repairs immediately when you notice the problem. That will ensure your spark electrode does not get damaged.
FAQs about clicking gas stoves
Why is my gas stove clicking but not lighting?
If you can hear a clicking, see a spark, and smell the gas, but the flame does not ignite, you may have a clogged gas feed. To fix this problem, use a pin to clean the small hole at the back of the burner. Then wash it normally.
Check this too: Best Tea Kettle for Gas Stove
What to do if you spill water on a gas stove
If you spill water on a gas stove, start by turning the power and gas off. Allow the grate and burner to cool down and then remove and dry it using a towel. Next, remove the cooktop and check for water inside your gas stove. You can use a dry towel to soak it up. Please do not use your cooker for 24 hours or until it is dry.
Gas Stove Wrong Burner clicks when I try to turn on
If you notice that the wrong burner is clicking when you turn on the stove, remove your burners and clean off dirt and corrosion. Dirt and corrosion can affect the functioning of your gas burner.
How to Clean Your Stove Burners
The simple task of cleaning your stove burners can easily turn out to be a daunting task, especially that time when food spills and splatters go uncleaned for some time leaving your kitchen one huge piece of mess.
To avoid such intimidating occurrences in your kitchen you could set aside a few minutes after meals to clean up the stovetop and once in a while schedule a deep cleaning session for your appliance to maintain it looking all brand new through and through.
Cleaning and maintaining your burners sparkling neither require any rocket science nor expensive cleaners to be attained. In this article, we will explore ways of cleaning the popular stove burners in use today and they include the glamorous glass burners, the conventional electric burners, and the widely appreciated gas burners.
How to Clean a Glass Stove Burner
A clean glass burner is one of the most beautiful and inviting things in a kitchen. However, a few spills and oily splatters can easily ruin its beauty. The good news is that you don’t need to worry about your burner losing its glamour because it gets clean as easily as it gets dirty and grimy. To clean a glass stove burner you will need to assemble the following:-
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Microfibre dishcloth
- Soft sponge
- Mr. Clean magic eraser
1. Switch off the burner and power it down at the socket for safety. Give the burners time to cool down completely before setting to start the cleaning procedure. In the case that your burner does not have indicator lights to show when it is hot, carefully hold your hand above the burner not confirm if it has cooled.
2. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the surfaces of the glass stove burner.
3. Sprinkle baking powder on the surface for a thorough cleaning job. Cover the top of the burner with a damp, hot towel and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove the towel and use a wet sponge to wipe down the surfaces.
5. You can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser if stubborn stains don’t come out after using vinegar and baking soda.
6. Spay the stove burner with generous amounts of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser then wipe down the surfaces.
7. Use a dishcloth and clean water to wipe out any remaining traces of the cleaning agents.
8. Finish by wiping the glass stove burner with a dry microfibre for that glossy squeaky look.
How to Clean an Electric Stove Burner
Electric stove burners can be easily neglected sometimes due to the fear of getting into contact with the electric coils. It is however to clean your burner top by easily following the below safe procedure so you don’t have to continue using a dirty stovetop as you prepare your meals. you will need:-
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Sponge
- 2 dishcloths
1. Power down the cooker from the main socket and wait for the stove burners to cool down completely. Hold your hand above the burner to confirm the heat is all gone.
2. Remove the burners from the stovetop by gently lifting them from the point at which they are connected. Refer to your stove’s user manual if you experience any difficulties removing the burners.
3. Use warm water and dish soap to wipe down the burners. Gently scrub each burner, careful not to dip them in water.
4. Use a wet dishcloth to wipe the stove surfaces. Ensure all the stains and stuck-on food is cleaned from the surface. If the stains prove to be stubborn you can apply some baking soda paste and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes.
5. Scrub the surface with a sponge then wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
6. Wipe the burners dry and reinstall them on the stovetop. At this point, it is important to remember that water and electricity are still the worst enemies existing.
These six steps will leave you with a thoroughly cleaned electric burner top you will feel proud about.
How to Clean a Gas Stove Burner
Gas burners are a favorite to many as they feature precise control of heat which goes a long way in making great meals. However, clogged burners may hinder the effective performance of your cooker as they may produce a weak flame or no flame especially when the burners are badly soiled.
To maintain the gas burners working perfectly you should make a point of handling or cleaning any food spills as they happen to avoid stuck-on food on the burner heads. You should also schedule to give your favorite appliance a thorough cleaning every month and immediately you notice the burners produce a yellowish flame.
To clean your gas burner heads you will require:-
- Dish soap
- Non-abrasive scrub pad
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Paper clip
1. Take time to read the manufacturer’s guide on how to clean the various components of the gas burner top.
2. Shut the gas valve and ensure the burners are completely cool before removing the burner caps; these are the ceramic discs that sit on the burner heads to direct the size of the flame.
3. Carefully pull out the burner heads by simply lifting them upwards. Be gentle not to damage the ignition electrodes of the burners.
4. Soak the burner heads and caps in warm soapy water to loosen stuck-on food particles. Let the parts sit for 20-30 minutes as you wipe down other surfaces and knobs on the burner top as well as the drip pans and grills.
5. Scrub the soaked parts using a non-abrasive scrub pad. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the crevices and ports. It is important to note that sharp objects like toothpicks and knives can not be used to remove dirt from the burner heads. If there are stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste and a scrubbing pad to work around the stained parts.
Never use steel wool or household bleach to clean gas stove burner parts.
6. Rinse the parts in running water and remove excess water by shaking them. Use a towel to dry them then allow the parts to air-dry completely before reinstalling.
7. Reinstall the burner heads and replace the caps carefully not to tamper with the ignition electrodes. Replace the grills and relight the pilot lights.
8. Switch on the gas valve and test each burner to ensure they are all functioning well. Note that an unusual flame shape or color may be a result of the caps not sitting correctly on the burner heads or burner heads that have not been dried completely.