Gas hob burners cut out when I let go of the dial

sourpuss2021

I have had this problem for a while with three of the four rings on my gas hob.   The rings do light okay, with a strong blue flame. The gas jets are not blocked and the hob is not wet.  

But every time I take my finger off the gas dial at the front of the hob, the flame goes out. This is rather inconvenient unless I want to stand there with one finger on the dial when I'm cooking!

It's a Smeg hob about five years old.  It does have an auto cutoff feature in case that's relevant.

It happens whether I light it with a match or using the electrical spark. Taking my finger off the dial results in the flame cutting out.

It's quite a good hob and it looks like £450 for a comparable replacement.   So I'd like to get it repaired if possible.

Who would I get to do this - a standard Gas Safe guy? Or an electrician? Or both?! And having ordered the part myself online first I guess.

Is it likely to be an economical repair to have done?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Hi,

a quick google suggests THIS could be your problem.

sourpuss2021

Thanks!   Will give it a watch, and these too:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JEEtAxQh6ms

https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/fix-it-yourself/hoods-hobs-and-microwaves/3953-gas-burners-not-staying-lit

sourpuss2021

I just rubbed the thermocouples with steel wool to remove some encrusted dirt.  

Right now I have them all working again!   I suspect they might be temperamental so I'll see how long this lasts. But for now they're all working.

I don't think I had ever paid any attention to the thermocouple when cleaning the hob before, or considered whether encrusted dirt might make a difference to its function.

Anyway if I did need to go ahead with a repair it looks like £12 for each replacement thermocouple.  I think it's £40 an hour for an electrician around here.   So probably £100-£120 all-in to get two or three burners fixed.

That makes sense when it would be £450 plus gas fitters cost to get a replacement (though newer) hob.  But looks now like it won't be necessary.

MarvinDay

sourpuss2021 said:

Anyway if I did need to go ahead with a repair it looks like £12 for each replacement thermocouple.  I think it's £40 an hour for an electrician around here.   So probably £100-£120 all-in to get two or three burners fixed.

Even though the thermocouples are an electrical part, as they are fitted to a gas appliance you will have to ensure that the electrician you get is Gas Safe registered so he can legally work on the hob. 

donemedosh

The thermocouple is part of the safety system for the appliance. Once it reaches a set temp it opens the gas valve which allows you to take your hand off the control. If cleaning the thermocouple works then there is nothing wrong with them as they are filled with gas. So they may just need cleaning & repositioning & your gas fitter can do this easily. I doubt very much they need replacing