Gas appliance repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What gas appliance repair is

Gas appliance repair covers gas ranges, dryers, water heaters, furnaces and similar units that burn natural gas or propane. A licensed technician checks burners, igniters, valves, regulators, venting and gas connections, and tests every joint for leaks before leaving the home. People call when a gas appliance will not light, burns with the wrong flame, or gives off a gas smell.

Signs you need it

  • You smell gas, which is an emergency: leave the home and call your gas utility from outside
  • A burner or pilot will not light, or the igniter clicks without catching
  • The flame is yellow, lifts off the burner, or flickers in a way that looks wrong
  • The gas appliance shuts off on its own or the safety switch trips
  • Soot or scorch marks show on the appliance, the wall or the vent cap
  • The venting for the unit is loose, disconnected, or shows signs of heat damage

What the pro does

  • Confirm the appliance and gas type, natural gas or propane, and check the gas supply pressure
  • Inspect the burners, the igniter, the flame sensor and the orifices for blockage and damage
  • Test the gas valve, the regulator and the safety shutoff with the correct instruments
  • Check the venting and combustion air for blockage, leaks and heat damage
  • Replace the failed part, such as an igniter, valve, regulator, sensor or venting section
  • Test every gas joint for leaks and confirm the flame and combustion are correct before leaving

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of gas appliance, since a water heater or furnace differs from a range or dryer
  • Which part failed, such as an igniter or a valve, and whether the valve needs replacing
  • Whether a gas line, shutoff or regulator needs repair or replacement
  • Venting condition and whether a vent section must be replaced
  • Brand and model, and whether the parts are stocked
  • Whether a part must be ordered, which can mean a second visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Make, model and serial number, plus the gas type and supply pressure recorded
  • Each failed part by name and the test that confirmed it
  • Each gas joint that was leak tested and the result
  • Whether venting work is included, and the vent material
  • Warranty on the parts and the labor, in writing, and the licensing status of the technician

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the technician licensed for gas work in my area, and can I see the license?
  • Will you test every gas joint for leaks before you leave, and show me the result?
  • What does the venting look like, and is it safe to run as it is?
  • Which gas part failed, and how did you confirm it?
  • Do you carry the igniter, valve or regulator for my model?
  • Does the warranty cover the part and your labor?
  • What should I do if I smell gas again after the repair?

Red flags

  • A technician who does gas work without a leak test at each joint
  • No licensing for gas work in an area that requires it
  • A gas valve replaced with no test of the supply pressure and the flame
  • A pro who disconnects the venting and does not reconnect or check it
  • Refusal to tell you what the gas repair involves

What you can do yourself

If you smell gas, do not operate switches or appliances, do not use a phone inside, leave the home, and call your gas utility or emergency line from outside. Otherwise, you can keep the area around the appliance clear, check that the vent cap outside is not blocked, and confirm the appliance is switched off before you move it. Do not attempt any gas valve, burner, igniter, regulator or venting repair yourself.

Licenses and permits

Gas appliance repair often requires a licensed gas trade, depending on where you live, and some hookups also need a permit. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department before hiring or doing any gas work.

Gas appliance repair questions

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave the home right away, avoid switches and flames, and call your gas utility or emergency line from outside. Do not try to find or fix the leak yourself.

Why does my gas burner keep going out?

A burner that goes out can have a dirty flame sensor, a failing igniter, a regulator issue or blocked venting. A licensed technician tests each one and checks the venting before anything runs again.

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About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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