Pilot Lights, Igniters and Gas Stove Repair in Stow

Two Kinds of Ignition

Older stoves keep a small flame burning all the time, usually one pilot in the center of the cooktop that lights the burners through small flash tubes, plus another for the oven. They do not need electricity to light, which is handy in a power outage, but they burn a little gas constantly and add a bit of heat to the kitchen.

Newer stoves use spark electrodes on the cooktop and a hot surface igniter in the oven. They only use gas when a burner is on, but they need an outlet behind the stove to work.

When a Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

A pilot that will not stay lit is the most common complaint on older stoves. Before you relight it, sniff near the stove. If you smell gas strongly, do not light anything; leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. If there is no significant smell, it is usually safe to relight following the instructions on the stove or in its manual.

• A draft from a window, fan or nearby door blowing the pilot out
• A clogged pilot orifice making the flame small and weak
• Grease or food blocking the flash tubes so burners do not light from the pilot
• A pilot flame adjusted too low after cleaning
• On the oven side, a worn thermocouple or safety device that shuts off gas

Keep the Old Stove or Retire It?

An older stove can still be safe if its connection is sound and its burners burn cleanly. We check the flame on every burner, test the connector and valve for leaks and adjust the pilots. If parts are still available, we can usually keep it going.

Replacement makes sense when parts are hard to find, burners or valves are corroded, or the stove keeps losing its pilot despite cleaning. Many Stow owners of old stoves also find an uncoated brass connector behind them, which should be replaced regardless of which way you go.

Troubleshooting Newer Electronic-Ignition Stoves

If your stove is newer, the pilot advice does not apply. Instead, look for clicking that will not stop, burners that take many clicks to light, or an oven whose igniter glows without lighting the burner. These usually point to moisture, a worn spark switch or a weak oven igniter, all routine repairs.

New Hookups and Related Services in Stow

When it is time for a new stove, we connect it with a new connector, replace an old shutoff valve if needed, leak test and light every burner. For gas piping changes, see our gas line service in Stow. If you are considering a different layout, our Stow gas range page may help. We also serve Silver Lake, Munroe Falls, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge and Kent. Read more on our gas stove repair and installation page.