Why My Gas Stove Won’t Stay Lit?

There may be several causes where your gas stove won’t stay lit. These can be because of a sensor not heating up to signal to keep gas flowing, the heat pin not sitting inside the flame, gas line blockage, faulty pressure switches etc. 

It could also be due to thermocouple issues, poor flame or blocked jets, heat pin issues and igniter not lighting. All these problems with their solutions will be discussed in the following sections. 

Key Takeaway

Why My Gas Stove Won’t Stay Lit? 

Here are a few reasons why does your gas stove stay lit:

Clogging The Small Gas Hole

Clogging of the small gas hole prevents the gas from flowing properly. The small hole is where the gas comes out to ignite the burner. If the hole is clogged, the burner won’t stay lit. 

This can happen due to debris from cooking, such as food particles or grease. A pot may boil over and clog the hole. 

Debris Causing Weak Spark

Debris causing a weak spark can cause the gas stove to not stay lit. Because it can block the gas flow to the igniter. 

The igniter is responsible for creating a spark to ignite the gas and start the burner. If the igniter is dirty or blocked by debris, it may not create a strong enough spark to ignite the gas. So the burner may not stay lit. 

Dirty Or Misaligned Heat Pin

A dirty or misaligned heat pin can cause the gas stove to not stay lit. Because it can prevent the heat pin from sensing the heat from the flame. It also keeps the gas valve open. 

When the heat pin won’t sense the heat, it will shut off the gas valve immediately. Similarly, if the heat pin is misaligned, it won’t be inside the flame. Again, it won’t sense the heat, causing the gas valve to shut off.

Faulty Burner Valve

A faulty burner valve can cause the burner on the stove not to light. Because it can prevent the gas from flowing properly. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner. 

If the valve is faulty, it may not open properly. That means the burner will not stay lit. It can stop the burner from being lit altogether. 

Faulty Flame Sensor

A faulty flame sensor of a gas stove cannot detect that the pilot light is lit. For safety reasons, the gas valve will close. And the fire will go out if the flame sensor cannot feel the pilot light. 

Similarly, if the flame sensor is out of position, it assumes the pilot light isn’t lit. So it shuts off the gas. In some cases, you might be able to reposition the flame sensor, though it may require replacing. 

Pressure Switch Issues

A faulty flame sensor of a gas stove cannot detect that the pilot light is lit. For safety reasons, the gas valve will close. And the fire will go out if the flame sensor cannot feel the pilot light. 

An out-of-position flame sensor assumes the pilot light isn’t lit and shuts off the gas. 

You can also check out this video to find out more. 

How To Make My Gas Stove Stay Lit?

If your gas stove won’t stay lit, here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:

Check The Pilot Light: 

Make sure the pilot light is lit. If it’s not, re-light it by looking at the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean The Heat Pin: 

The heat pin is a small metal rod extending from the burner assembly. You need to clean the heat pin. 

Remove the grates and burner cap. This will expose the igniter. Now wipe the small hole of the gas stove burner with rubbing alcohol or a cloth.

Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth with a mildly abrasive cleaner or soap. If the ports (the notches that help spread the flame) are clogged, use a straight metal pin or needle to clean them.

Check The Flame Sensor: 

The flame sensor is usually located near the burner assembly. It has one wire coming off of it and is usually held in place by a screw.

Then disconnect the wire from the back of the flame sensor. Remove the screw that’s holding the flame sensor in place.

Be careful not to touch the porcelain part of the flame sensor. Only touch the steel rod. Steel wool or sandpaper can be used to clean the flame sensor, but be careful not to damage it.

Clean the flame sensor by removing it and wiping it with rubbing alcohol or a cloth. Here’s a detailed video on how to properly clean the flame sensor. 

Check The Gas Line: 

You may have a blockage in the gas valve if your gas stove won’t stay lit. A complete blockage often prevents the burner from lighting at all. 

A partial blockage, however, may allow the burner to light but will not provide enough fuel to keep it lit.

If you suspect you have a gas line blockage, shut off the gas supply to your home. Now call a plumber with experience in gas line repair. 

It’s not wise to take out and reattach the gas line by yourself. Similarly, don’t go on with that vinegar and soda mixture to clean blockages. A professional can diagnose the cause of the blockage and repair it.

You can also use a gas line filter. It can prevent debris from entering the gas line. Install a gas line filter to trap debris before it enters the gas line.

Check The Pressure Switch: 

A pressure switch is a safety feature installed on more modern systems. If your system’s venting pressure is off and the pressure switch detects that, it will shut down your heating system.

This will prevent your gas stove from venting poisonous gas into your home. This isn’t really a problem with your burners. But from your point of view, it can look very much like the burner is having trouble staying lit.

Check The Burner Valve: 

The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner. If the valve is faulty, it may not open properly, causing the burner to not stay lit. You can replace the burner valve or clean the gas orifice inside the opening using a needle or wire.

Check For A Poor Flame Or Blocked Jets: 

A poor flame or blocked jets make the flame not reach the thermocouple. Or not enough heat to reach it. Meaning that it does not heat up enough to hold the gas tap open. 

Remove the burners. Clean the small holes with a toothpick, sewing needle, or compressed air.

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