To fix a low flame on a gas burner, turn off the stove and let it cool. Remove the grate and burner cap. Use a straightened paper clip or a needle to gently clear the tiny gas port (orifice) in the center of the base. Wipe away grease and ensure the cap sits perfectly flat.
Clean out the burners and venturi tubes (burner stems) to clear any dust, dirt, or spider webs. These kinds of blockages may lead to a low or yellow flame. You can use a garden hose or air compressor to spray straight down into the burners; likewise, you can spray into the venturi tubes.
To increase a low or weak gas stove flame, first ensure the burner cap is seated correctly. Then, clear the gas ports with a straightened paper clip. For more control, adjust the air shutter beneath the burner or tune the simmer/low-flame screw located inside the control knob shaft.
To make a gas stove flame blue, you need to fix the air-to-gas mixture by cleaning blocked burner ports and adjusting the air shutter. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion, which produces soot and wastes energy.
Clicking on a gas burner at low flame often indicates the igniter is repeatedly trying to light the burner. This can be caused by a weak spark, dirty igniter, or moisture buildup. To troubleshoot, clean the igniter and burner ports with a soft brush, ensure the burner cap is properly aligned, and dry any moisture.
A gas stove that keeps clicking usually means the electric igniter is trying to light a burner but can't. Unplug the stove to stop the noise, then check for moisture on the igniter, misaligned burner caps, or stuck food debris around the spark electrode.
If you see an orange flame in the burner, it means there is dust, dirt, or rust stuck in the burner. Clean it now or gas consumption will increase. If the flame is burning yellow, understand that the gas is getting less air, which can create gas like carbon monoxide.
Properly functioning gas appliances are quite safe. A blue flame is one indication of proper function and complete combustion. As discussed, malfunctioning units may generate carbon monoxide, due to incomplete combustion.
(a) Air holes of a gas burner have to be adusted when the vessels being heated get blackened by the flame.
Wipe down the burners with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, soft cloth or cleaning wipe, like one found in this affresh® cooktop cleaning kit. If you have coated the burners in baking soda paste, rinse this off first to avoid damaging the finish. Use a soft bristled brush to remove stubborn, stuck-on food.
A low or weak gas oven flame usually indicates a restricted gas flow, a failing safety valve/igniter, or improper gas pressure.
To increase a weak gas stove flame, check that the burner cap is seated correctly. Next, clear debris from the tiny brass gas jet (orifice) using a straightened paperclip. Finally, adjust the valve screw under the knob to fine-tune the gas flow.
Fixing a gas stove when the burner does not light costs between $100 and $400. There are several potential causes of this. It might be an issue with the burner, gas flow, igniter, or something else. A professional technician must take a look and find the exact cause.
A rotten egg or sulfur smell, hissing sound, bubbling water, clouds of vapor, frozen ground when it's warm, or an area of dead plants or grass can all be signs of a gas leak. If you see signs of a gas leak, contact your gas provider's emergency number and call 911.
Quick Tip: If you've cleaned the holes and the flame is still low, make sure the burner cap is sitting perfectly flat. Even a tiny gap can mess up the gas flow. And remember—always make sure the stove is completely cool before you start cleaning!
Between 5 and 10 years – Compare the cost of repairs to buying a new one. If the repair cost is more than half of a replacement, consider upgrading. Over 15 years – Replacing is usually the better long-term decision. For example, gas stoves should be replaced every 15 years to maintain safety and efficiency.
An uneven flame on a gas stove is usually caused by clogged burner ports, a misaligned burner cap, or moisture trapped after cleaning. It can typically be fixed in a few minutes by allowing the stove to cool and thoroughly cleaning the affected burner parts.
It is also a good idea to know the signs of a potential CO problem:
The term "silent killer gas" almost universally refers to Carbon Monoxide (CO). It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels (like wood, coal, propane, and gasoline). It is deadly because it replaces oxygen in your bloodstream, preventing vital organs from functioning.
you always want to see a blue color flame. A gas flame appearing yellow or orange in color or behaving with pops of yellow or orange indicates an improper ratio of oxygen for combustion. Often this improper combustion is temporary and could be caused by dust particles or a dirty burner that needs cleaning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a "silent killer" because it is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas. The most common warning signs are "flu-like" symptoms without a fever, including:
The flames from a natural gas stove can tip you off to a possible hazard. If you see orange flames instead of blue flames, shut off the appliance and contact PG&E immediately at 1-800-743-5000. We will send a technician to your home to perform a safety inspection.