Gas stove won't lite?

Question

my gas stove won't lite when i turn the nob to "lite" but gas comes out and if i bring a lighter close it ignites. what's causing this? should i call my landlord. there is a faint smell of gas so it could be leaking a little, would a leak cause it to night lite?

i've never had a gas stove before i don't know how to deal with it!

Answer 1

Gas stoves will light either one of two ways:  one, it will electronically ignite (you'll hear click click click click) when you set the k**b to light.  But you probably have pilot lights.  Try lifting up on the stove top like it's a car hood.  If it's like the stoves I've seen with pilot lights there will be two of them, one on the left in between the two burners and one on the right in between the two burners.  Use your lighter and light it, you should see a tiny blue flame.

*** When you put the stove top down, do it slowly or the breeze from the stove top can put the pilots out.  :)

Answer 2

sounds like your pilot light is out. call your landlord and have him show you how to light it.

Answer 3

There should be a starter, usually you just turn the burner adjustment to full, you should hear the gas and a 'clicking'.  If you do not, ask your landlord if the stove has igniters and they work (get HIM/HER to test them).  

Lighting them manually is fine (I do this with my outdoor stove aka the bbq) since the igniter is pooched and I don't need to replace it.

Just remember to be safe, use fireplace matches or a fireplace lighter to ignite the gas.  

DO NOT leave the burner on for extended periods of time if the gas will not light.  Turn it off.  If the smell of gas is strong, you should open some windows to ensure good air flow.  Most gas companies will check and inspect the connections if you are concerned about safety and most charge nothing or a small service fee.   If your a renter, call them and then tell your landlord about it.  They should reimburse your costs if any.  Do not allow 'handymen' make any claims, get a licensed gas fitter to do the inspection.  Anyone who works for a reputable gas company will have such a qualification.