My gas burner flames jump around a lot
A healthy gas burner has steady, even blue flames sitting neatly around the burner. Flames that jump, lift off the burner, flicker, roar, or burn yellow and lazy are a sign that the gas and air aren't mixing properly. Sometimes it's a quick clean. Sometimes it's a pressure or appliance fault that needs a gasfitter. Here's how to tell.
What the flames are telling you
Jumping or lifting flames
Flames that lift off the burner or dance around often mean too much gas pressure or air, or a burner cap that isn't seated properly.
Yellow or orange flames
Not enough air for the gas to burn cleanly. Usually dirty or blocked burner ports, or a misaligned cap. Can leave soot on pans.
Uneven flames
Some ports burning and others not means the burner holes are partly blocked by food or cleaning residue.
Flames that go out
A weak flame that blows out easily, or a burner that won't stay lit, can be low pressure or a faulty flame safety device.
Things you can check
- With the cooktop off and cool, remove the burner caps and rings and clean them. Clear the ports with a soft brush, never a sharp tool that could widen the holes.
- Make sure the parts are completely dry, then refit them so they sit flat and level.
- Check for draughts from a window, range hood or fan blowing across the flames.
- If the flames are still wrong, or all burners are affected, stop and call a gasfitter.
When it needs a gasfitter
If every burner is affected, the problem is often gas pressure or the regulator. If the cooktop was converted from one gas type to another, or recently moved, the injectors may be wrong. We test the gas pressure, check the injectors, regulator and flame safety devices, and repair or adjust them, with a fixed price before any work starts. If the cooktop is old and parts are hard to get, we'll give you the option of a new one. See gas cooktop installation.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Older cooktops in homes across Matraville, Maroubra and Pagewood often have worn burner parts and corroded caps, especially near the coast. A yellow, sooty flame is one of the most common things we see, and often a service sorts it out.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why do my gas flames jump around?
Usually a burner cap that isn't seated properly, too much gas pressure or air, or a draught across the cooktop.
Why are my gas flames yellow?
The gas isn't getting enough air to burn cleanly, often because burner ports are blocked or the cap is misaligned.
Are yellow gas flames dangerous?
They can produce soot and more carbon monoxide. Clean the burners, and if it continues, have the cooktop checked.
Can a gasfitter fix my cooktop flames?
Yes. We test the pressure and check injectors, regulators and burners, then repair or adjust them.
Related help: gas cooktop installation, gas safety guide, gas fitting and why gas smells. Local pages: gas fitting Maroubra, Matraville, Pagewood and Coogee.