Banging noise when lighting a gas stove, Digi Mart USA News: A gas stove that makes a banging or thumping sound when a burner lights is often signaling an operational problem, according to Andrew Kuznetsov, President of ADRIUM Service Solutions, an appliance repair, HVAC and coffee equipment company in San Ramon, California, in an interview with House Digest.
Kuznetsov said that gas leaks or delayed ignition are the most common causes of the sound, and both require a professional inspection and possible repair. He explained that a bang usually means gas escaped before it caught fire and then ignited all at once, creating a larger combustion than normal.
A line leak or a delayed ignition on a particular burner can cause the problem. Gas can build up to a dangerous level, and inhaling it can cause serious health reactions.
Kuznetsov said a malfunctioning regulator serving the stove line could be one cause of a leak. If someone smells gas or suspects a leak, he advised leaving the area and calling the utility company’s emergency line, which can test for leaks.
Delayed ignition occurs when a blocked burner opening prevents gas from lighting within the usual couple of seconds. Kuznetsov said causes of a blockage might include food debris or moisture from soap after cleaning.
If the banging happens with only one burner, a repair person may need to clear the burner openings. A yellow or orange flame, instead of the typical bright blue, can indicate a partially blocked burner, and an improperly aligned burner cap can also cause delayed ignition.
Kuznetsov said the banging should not be ignored and that fixing these problems is better left to professionals. He said hearing a banging noise means calling professionals to test for a leak before using the appliance again.
He also noted that most municipalities require professionals to perform repairs on natural gas lines to comply with local building codes.
