Gas cooktops are designed to produce even flames to cook food properly. However, one of the most frustrating issues is when the cooktop has weak flames. In such cases, most people assume that they need a cooktops repair expert, but that is not the case every time. Let’s take a look into what might be causing the issue and how you can troubleshoot it.
Misaligned Burner Cap
If you look closely, each burner on your cooktop comes with a burner head. It connects to the stove and has parts that help in producing and maintaining the flame.
While you may think that the burner cap is there for safety reasons but in reality, it has a more vital role to play and that is spreading the gas so that it comes out of the holes evenly. It prevents the gas from dissipating upwards and igniting quickly.
However, you should know that while the burner cap can be positioned in any way you like but it needs to be positioned correctly. If you look underneath the burner cap, you will see indentations and prongs depending on the make and model of your variant. These are meant to make sure the burner cap sits properly.
If the burner cap is not positioned properly, it will not allow the flames to come out evenly as it will act as a blockage.
Dirty Burner Head
Another common reason for your gas cooktop having a weak flame is the burner head going dirty. The reason it is normal is that oil, dirt, and dust accumulate on the burner head and block its functioning. The burner head has small holes through which the flames come out.
So, if the holes are covered with dirt, dust, and grime, the flames will not come out evenly. Therefore, the best way to make it work is by ensuring it is clean while cleaning the cooktop. If the blockages are removed, it will become even harder to remove them later on.
Before cleaning the burner head, you will need to shut off the gas supply and use a hard item like a toothbrush and some chemicals to break down the accumulation. In some models, try removing some parts to clean the accumulation. Ensure they are installed correctly to prevent the flames from being blocked.
Control Valve
If none of the issues solve the problem, then you might need a replacement. For instance, if your cooktop has a weak but even flame, it means the control valve needs to be changed. The control valve controls the pressure of the gas which controls the strength of the flame.
If you observe that you are not able to control the flame through the control valve, it most likely means it has malfunctioned. Replacing the control valve is not complicated. But you will need to shut off the gas supply first.
Depending on your model, you will need to remove the main cover and several other components to access the control valve. Take your time while replacing the control valve as cooktops contain several sensitive components that can easily break or get damaged.
And if you are not able to do so, consult an expert who will change the valve for you with minimum risk.
Clogged Gas Valve
Like a clogged burner head, your gas valve can get clogged too. This valve releases gas and if it happens to be blocked, the cooktop will find it hard to produce flames. But the good news is the gas valve rarely becomes clogged. The reason is that the tube is located under the burner cap, so the food particles will find it hard to make their way into the tube and block it.
One common reason for gas valves getting clogged is people using toothpicks to clean the burner head. The toothpicks break while inserting and find their way into the tube, blocking it. In the case of a clogged gas valve, you will need to call in a professional.
Final Word
To sum it up, troubleshooting your clogged gas cooktop mostly has to do with maintenance and cleaning. Unless the cooktop is very old, you are most likely to make it work by replacing minor parts or thoroughly cleaning it. If the problem isn’t fixing, connect with an appliance repair Alexandria service.
