Gas cooktops are a necessity in every household. When it comes to preparing hot and fresh meals, you can only rely on your gas cooktop to help you make the most delicious meals regardless of the time of the day. But, sometimes, homeowners tend to experience complications while using gas cooktops such as the flame being too high. This could impact the quality of the meals prepared and pose a hazard as well especially if you have kids in the house. To fix a gas cooktop with a high flame, we have compiled a list of some troubleshooting tips for you to consider.

Causes And Fixes For A Gas Cooktop That’s Flame Is Too High

Dirty Or Blocked Burner Ports

Dirty or blocked burner ports are one of the most significant reasons gas cooktops tend to have high Flames. What many people do not realize is that gas cooktops need maintenance as well just like other household appliances. With time, dirt, dust, oil, and grime tend to accumulate within the burners and make it difficult for the gas cooktop to produce even flames.

The burners have small holes through which the flames are produced. If these small holes are clogged, the flame produced by the other holes is going to be a lot higher as the pressure is diverted. The only way to prevent this issue from taking place is by regularly cleaning the burners.

Fortunately, cleaning the burners is not rocket science. All you need to do is invest in some cleaning agents and tools. Follow the instructions mentioned on the back of the cleaning products and spray them directly onto the burners. Let it sit for a while until the accumulations break down and use a damp soft cloth or a brush to both clean and wipe away the layers.

Burner Cap Or Head Not Sitting Flat

A gas cooktop comprises several different parts that work together to produce flames and contain them. If your cooktop has a crooked burner cap, it can result in a too low or too high flame. If you have noticed this while cooking, you will have to shut down the cooktop and wait for it to cool down a bit.

Once the temperature has dropped and it is safe to perform an inspection, you should check the installation of the cap and burner head. If you are not aware of the positioning of the burner cap or head, you should consult the user manual.

Make sure the components are aligned properly for the gas cooktop to work smoothly. It could be that your gas cooktop was recently serviced and the professional failed to install the components properly. And, if the situation still prevails, you will need to consult an expert.

LP Gas Being Used Instead Of Natural Gas

It is a common misconception that gas cooktops installed in homes can run on propane if natural gas is not available. The reality is, that for cooktops to run on propane, they need specific settings. Most household cooktops are made to run on natural gas. Propane is highly combustible and you should not be surprised if the cooktop is producing high flames.

The good news is that you can install a kit for the cooktop to use propane gas but you will need an expert for that. Plus, you should also know that propane is an extremely dangerous gas well. It is not recommended by experts to use it when there are kids and elderly people around the house.

Burner Flame Needs Adjustment

Sometimes, if the burner flame is too high or low, you might be able to adjust the flame yourself. You will need to consult the user manual to learn about adjusting the flame. Most of the gas cooktops are adjusted the same way manually.

To do that, set the surface burner a low or simmer option. Then, you will remove the burner knob and use a small screwdriver and drive it into the valve shaft. Rotate the valve adjustment screw for that.

This might take some time as you need to be patient with the adjustment. It will surely take a few attempts to adjust the flame especially if it’s your first time. Finally, re-install the burner knob and you should be good to go.

Faulty Pressure Regulator On Your Stove

Your gas cooktop comes with an internal pressure regulator. As the term suggests, it regulates the gas pressure and the burner flames. And if it happens to be faulty, the flames are going to be uncontrollably high. This can be a seriously dangerous situation to work with.

The good news is, that replacing the regulator on gas cooktops is easy. Consult the user manual to find out how to access the regular and replace it. If not, hire an expert and get it replaced as soon as possible before someone else in the house uses it and experiences burns.

How To Avoid Gas Cooktop Problems?

Avoiding the gas cooktop problem is not that difficult. The main problem with gas cooktops is that homeowners simply ignore maintenance. They are willing to call it an unnecessary expense but only end up paying a lot more for repairs and replacements down the road.

This is why preventive maintenance is the best way to go about your gas cooktop. Professional maintenance goes deep inside the unit and inspects any cracks, damages, repairs, and replacements. At the same time, it also deep cleans the entire unit.

This way, you are paying the experts to avoid a problem that could potentially pop up in the future. The frequency of maintenance depends on the usage. If you have a large family to feed, you will need to get the gas cooktop cleaned at least twice every six months.

In the meantime, you should make sure to clean the burners at the end of each day or every week.

How To Pick The Right Expert?

Because there is a sea of experts out there waiting to work on gas cooktops, you should only select those who are both licensed and certified by the state to carry out such tasks. Dealing with gas cooktops can be a risky business and you would not want an amateur working on yours as well.

This is why, narrow down your options by asking your friends and family members for referrals, and do not be tempted to opt for cheap quotes. Professional maintenance is expensive but will offer returns in the long run.

Conclusion

Gas cooktops are fairly easy to manage as long as you are willing to put in some time and effort. These units will run for a decade without any complications if you follow the tips mentioned above. But, do not hesitate to act immediately if you find something unusual. Gas cooktops can quickly and easily become a safety hazard if you are too lazy with your troubleshooting and prevention measures.