Why Doesn't My Gas Range Start After a Month of Not Using It?

The Pilot Light is Clogged

• According to The Family Handyman, cleaning the pilot light will solve 75 percent of gas stove problems. When used regularly, your stove's pilot light burns off the everyday dust and debris that wafts under the hood of the stove. During the month the stove was not in use, dust and other gunk may have settled in and clogged the pilot light. To get rid of the clog, pull the cap off of each of the pilot lights and clean them out. Clear the gas openings by sticking a pin into the hole.

The Pilot Light Electrode is Dirty

• Modern gas stoves often have an electric ignition assembly instead of a traditional pilot light. When the range's knob is turned on, the electric ignition emits a spark that lights the supplied gas. If your gas stove has electric ignition, you will hear a click when you try to turn a burner on. If the burner clicks, but does not light the burner, the electrode may be dirty. The pilot light electrodes are the small metal rods between the tubes that lead to your gas range's burners. If you have trouble finding them, consult your gas range's manual. Once you spot them, unplug the gas range and use a small brush to clear away any visible gunk from the electrode.

The Burner Assembly is Clogged

• The burner assembly sits underneath the stove's grate and is relatively exposed to debris. If your stove will not light after the pilot light is clean, access and remove the burner assembly. A small tube brush will clear out the tubes that connect to the gas line. A needle will scrape gunk out of the flash and burner ports, which are the small holes through which fire escapes the burner. If your burner assembly is sealed and cannot be removed from the stove, the gas lines are sealed and safe from debris. Focus on cleaning the flash and burner ports instead.

The Gas is Off

• Many homeowners turn their home's gas supply off to prevent any undetected leaks while they are away. It is easy to forget to turn the gas line back on before you use your gas range again. If you suspect that your gas line is off, access the gas line in the behind the stove and turn it counterclockwise to open it. Allow the gas line to feed the stove for a few minutes, then attempt to turn it on. If the gas is your problem, the stove will light immediately.