Can Gas Ovens Be Repaired? Here's What You Need to Know

If your gas oven suddenly stops heating, smells like gas, or won’t light at all, you’re probably wondering: can gas ovens be repaired? The short answer is yes-most of the time. But not all problems are fixable, and some repairs are better left to professionals. Knowing what’s wrong and when to call in help can save you money, avoid danger, and get your kitchen back in working order faster.

Why gas ovens break down

Gas ovens are simpler than electric ones, but they still have parts that wear out. The most common issues come from five key components:

• Igniter: This is the most frequent culprit. If the oven doesn’t light, the igniter might be weak or broken. It glows red-hot to ignite the gas. Over time, it gets brittle and stops drawing enough current to open the gas valve.
• Gas valve: If the valve is clogged, stuck, or faulty, gas won’t flow even if the igniter works. This can happen from food debris, rust, or internal mechanical failure.
• Thermostat: A broken thermostat causes uneven heating or no heat at all. It might read the temperature wrong, causing the oven to shut off too early or never turn on.
• Thermocouple: Found in older models, this safety device shuts off gas if the pilot light goes out. If it’s dirty or worn, the oven won’t stay lit.
• Gas supply line or regulator: A kinked line, low pressure, or faulty regulator can stop gas from reaching the oven. This isn’t always the oven’s fault-it could be your home’s gas system.

Most of these issues are repairable. The igniter, for example, is a $30-$80 part and takes under an hour to replace. But if the gas valve or control board is damaged, costs can climb to $300 or more.

When repair is the right choice

You should repair your gas oven if:

• The oven is less than 10 years old
• The problem is isolated to one part (like a faulty igniter)
• You’ve had consistent performance and no major breakdowns before
• The repair cost is under 50% of a new oven’s price

For example, if your oven is 7 years old and the igniter failed, replacing it for $120 (parts + labor) makes perfect sense. You’re extending the life of a still-reliable appliance.

Many homeowners assume gas ovens are too old to fix after 10-12 years. That’s not always true. Some models from brands like Thermador, Wolf, or GE last 15-20 years with proper care. If your oven still heats evenly, has no rust damage, and the control panel works, repair is often smarter than replacement.

When replacement is better

There are times when fixing a gas oven isn’t worth it:

• The oven is over 15 years old
• You’ve had multiple repairs in the last 2 years
• The gas valve or control board is failing-these are expensive and often fail again
• There’s visible rust on the burner assembly or inside the oven cavity
• The oven smells like gas even when off (this could mean a leak in the manifold or valve)

Older ovens also lack modern safety features like automatic shut-off, flame failure detection, or child locks. If you’re replacing, consider models with these features. A new gas oven with a convection fan and smart controls costs $800-$2,000, but you’ll save on energy and avoid future repairs.

Cost of gas oven repair

Repair costs vary by part, location, and technician. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:

Typical Gas Oven Repair Costs

Part	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate
Igniter	$30-$80	$80-$150	$110-$230
Thermostat	$50-$120	$80-$150	$130-$270
Gas Valve	$150-$300	$100-$200	$250-$500
Thermocouple	$20-$50	$70-$120	$90-$170
Diagnostic Fee	N/A	$50-$100	$50-$100

Most repair companies charge a diagnostic fee, but many waive it if you hire them for the repair. Always ask. Some technicians will give you a quote over the phone if you describe the symptoms.

What you can try before calling a pro

Before you pay for a service call, check these simple things:

1. Make sure the gas shut-off valve behind the oven is fully open. Sometimes it gets accidentally turned during cleaning or moving the oven.
2. Check your home’s gas pressure. If other gas appliances (like your stove burners or water heater) aren’t working right, the issue might be with your supply line, not the oven.
3. For ovens with a pilot light, make sure it’s lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. Never use a lighter-use the built-in igniter button if available.
4. Reset the oven’s circuit breaker. Some models have a small internal fuse that trips if there’s a power surge.
5. Clean the burner ports. Use a toothpick or needle to gently clear debris from the small holes where gas comes out. Clogged ports cause uneven flames or no ignition.

Never try to disassemble the gas valve, regulator, or manifold. These parts are under pressure and require special tools and training. A small mistake can cause a gas leak.

Gas smell? Stop everything

If you smell gas-like rotten eggs-even when the oven is off, turn off the gas supply at the main valve. Open windows. Don’t turn on lights, use your phone, or create sparks. Leave the house and call your gas company or emergency services from outside. Gas leaks are serious. Don’t guess. Don’t wait. Get out and call for help.

How to find a reliable repair technician

Not all technicians are equal. Look for:

• Certified gas appliance technicians (ask for NATE or HVACR certification)
• Technicians who carry liability insurance
• Local companies with reviews mentioning gas oven repairs specifically
• Companies that offer a 30-90 day warranty on parts and labor

Avoid big national chains that outsource to third-party contractors. Local repair shops often have more experience with your exact oven model. Bring your oven’s model number when you call-it helps them bring the right parts.

Preventing future problems

A little maintenance goes a long way:

• Clean the oven regularly-burnt food builds up and clogs burner ports.
• Check the igniter every 6 months. If it glows weakly or takes more than 10 seconds to light, replace it before it fails completely.
• Don’t overload the oven. Excessive heat stress can warp components.
• Keep the area behind the oven clean and unobstructed. Dust and lint can interfere with airflow and sensors.

Replacing the igniter every 5-7 years as preventive maintenance can save you from being without an oven during holiday cooking.

Final thoughts

Yes, gas ovens can be repaired-and most of the time, they should be. The key is catching problems early, knowing the cost of repair versus replacement, and hiring the right person for the job. Don’t assume your oven is dead because it won’t light. More often than not, it just needs a small fix. But if safety is in question, or the cost of repair is too high, it’s smarter to replace it. Either way, don’t ignore the signs. A broken oven isn’t just an inconvenience-it’s a potential hazard.