Can Gas Ovens Be Repaired? What You Need to Know Before Calling a Technician

If your gas oven won’t heat up, smells like gas, or keeps turning off mid-bake, you’re probably wondering: can gas ovens be repaired? The short answer is yes-most of the time. But not all problems are worth fixing, and some can be dangerous if handled wrong. This isn’t like replacing a lightbulb. Gas ovens involve fuel lines, electrical components, and safety systems that need the right tools and training. Knowing what’s fixable and what’s a sign to replace the unit can save you money, time, and risk.

Common Gas Oven Problems and What Causes Them

Gas ovens don’t just break randomly. They fail because something inside wears out, gets clogged, or stops sending the right signal. Here are the top five issues you’ll actually see in homes around Auckland:

• Igniter failure: The igniter glows but doesn’t click or ignite the gas. This happens when the igniter gets weak after years of use. It might glow orange but not get hot enough to open the gas valve. Most igniters last 5-8 years.
• Gas valve malfunction: If the valve doesn’t open, no gas flows. This can be caused by a faulty control board, a blocked valve, or debris from cooking grease buildup.
• Thermostat or temperature sensor issues: Your oven heats unevenly or runs too hot. The sensor might be dirty, misaligned, or broken. A faulty sensor can make the oven think it’s hotter than it is, cutting off the gas too early.
• Blocked burner ports: Grease, food splatter, or even spider webs can clog the tiny holes where gas comes out. You’ll see uneven flames or no flame at all in parts of the oven.
• Gas supply problems: Sometimes the issue isn’t the oven at all. The gas line might be partially shut, the regulator faulty, or the appliance valve turned off behind the oven.

These aren’t guesses. These are the top five repair calls we see from local households in the last 12 months. Igniters and burner blockages make up about 70% of all gas oven service calls.

When Repair Makes Sense

Repairing a gas oven is usually the smart move if:

• Your oven is less than 10 years old
• The issue is a single part failure (like the igniter or sensor)
• You’ve had consistent performance until now
• The cost of repair is under half the price of a new unit

For example, replacing a gas igniter costs between $150 and $250 including labor. A new gas oven starts at $800. That’s a clear win for repair-if the rest of the oven is in good shape.

Also, if your oven has a built-in grill or convection fan that still works well, repairing it keeps those features intact. Replacing the whole unit means losing those unless you pay extra for the same specs.

When It’s Time to Replace

There are times when repair isn’t just a waste of money-it’s risky. Walk away if you see any of these:

• Cracked heat exchanger: This is rare but deadly. Cracks can let carbon monoxide into your kitchen. If a technician says this is the problem, don’t argue-replace the oven.
• Multiple repeated failures: If you’ve had the same oven repaired three times in two years, you’re throwing money into a sinking boat. The control board, gas valve, and wiring are likely all aging together.
• Manufacturing recalls or discontinued parts: Some brands stopped making parts for models made before 2010. If your oven is from 2005 and the igniter is out of stock, you’re stuck.
• Gas smell when the oven is off: That’s not normal. It means there’s a leak somewhere in the gas line or valve. Even a small leak can build up over time. Turn off the gas at the main and call a professional immediately.

One Auckland family replaced their 12-year-old oven after a repair failed twice in six weeks. The technician told them the control board was failing and parts were obsolete. They bought a new model with a 10-year warranty and saved money on future service calls.

What a Gas Oven Repair Actually Involves

Don’t expect a quick fix. A proper repair takes 1-3 hours and includes these steps:

1. Gas shutoff: The technician turns off the gas supply at the wall valve behind the oven. This is non-negotiable.
2. Diagnostic testing: They check voltage to the igniter, gas pressure, sensor resistance, and flame pattern using a multimeter and manometer.
3. Part replacement: Only the faulty part is swapped. No one should replace the whole control board just because the igniter failed.
4. Leak test: After reassembly, they use soapy water or a gas leak detector to check all connections. Bubbles mean a leak.
5. Performance test: The oven runs through a full cycle. They check if it heats evenly, reaches the set temperature, and shuts off correctly.

Any technician who skips the leak test or doesn’t explain what they found is not someone you should trust. Gas isn’t something you gamble with.

DIY Fixes: What You Can and Can’t Do

You can clean the burner ports yourself. Turn off the gas. Remove the oven racks. Take out the burner and soak it in warm soapy water. Use a toothpick or pin to clear the holes. Don’t use metal wires-they can widen the holes and cause unsafe flames.

You can also wipe down the sensor. It’s a thin metal rod near the oven wall. Gently clean it with a soft cloth. No cleaners. Just water. A dirty sensor is one of the easiest fixes.

But don’t try this:

• Replacing the gas valve
• Adjusting gas pressure
• Wiring the control board
• Opening the gas line

These aren’t just risky-they’re illegal in New Zealand without a licensed gas fitter. Even if you have a plumbing license, gas appliance repair requires a separate certification. Insurance won’t cover damage from DIY gas work.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Gas Oven?

Prices vary based on location, brand, and part availability. Here’s what you’ll typically pay in New Zealand in 2026:

Most repairs fall between $200 and $400. If you’re quoted over $500, ask if the part is genuine or aftermarket. Some cheaper parts fail again in 6 months.

How to Find a Reliable Gas Appliance Repairer

Not all technicians are equal. Look for these signs:

• Registered with the Gas Safe Register or New Zealand’s equivalent (Gas Fitter Licence under the Gas (Safety & Measurement) Regulations 2010)
• Shows proof of insurance
• Provides a written quote before starting work
• Explains the problem in plain language-not just technical jargon
• Offers a 3-12 month warranty on parts and labor

Avoid anyone who shows up without a company van, refuses to give a license number, or says “I’ll just take a look” without charging for diagnostics. Legit repairers charge for their time because they’ve invested in training and tools.

What to Do Right Now

If your gas oven isn’t working:

1. Check if the gas supply valve behind the oven is fully open.
2. Make sure the oven’s gas knob isn’t stuck or turned to “off.”
3. Smell gas? Turn off the main gas valve and leave the house. Call a gas emergency line immediately.
4. No smell? Try cleaning the burner ports and sensor.
5. If that doesn’t work, book a licensed technician. Don’t wait until you need to bake for a dinner party.

Waiting until the oven dies completely means you’re stuck without heat during winter. Gas ovens in Auckland often fail in May or June when people start using them heavily after months of silence.

Final Thoughts

Yes, gas ovens can be repaired-and usually should be. But only if you act early, hire the right person, and don’t ignore warning signs. A $200 repair today can extend your oven’s life by 5 years. A $700 replacement might be needed if you wait too long.

Don’t assume your oven is too old. Many units from the early 2000s still work fine with one part replaced. What matters isn’t the age-it’s the condition and the cost of fixing it.

If you’ve had a gas oven for more than 10 years and it’s never been serviced, now’s the time to get it checked. A quick 30-minute inspection can prevent a dangerous leak or a costly breakdown when you need it most.