A gas stove is a common appliance found in most homes, however, many people often have a fear that they are one error away from an explosion. While they might have a point, it’s extremely rare for this to happen.

Gas stoves are generally safe appliances, though knowledge of what might cause them to explode is a must-have for everyone who owns one. So today, we answer the question: “What causes a gas stove to explode?”

In this article, we explore some of the common reasons a gas stove may explode and share tips on how to prevent a gas stove explosion.

Gas stove exploded burners

 

The following are the obvious and not-so-apparent causes of gas stove explosions:

1. Gas leaks

Any natural gas leak can be a potential hazard waiting to happen. If your natural gas is leaking, there’s a good chance that it will eventually catch fire and cause an explosion. Be sure to vacate the scene and call 911 if you suspect a gas leak.

2. Faulty Venting

Improper or insufficient venting can easily lead to explosions. It is crucial to ensure that venting reaches the correct height and is not blocked by objects in and around your kitchen or cooking area such as a fridge.

3. Faulty Burner

Gas burners must be checked for any signs of wear, corrosion, or other damage that might cause leaks and otherwise lead to an explosion.

4. Improper Installation

If you just installed a new stove, make sure it is installed correctly and according to safety regulations before putting it to use. Do not install a gas stove too close to an open window or door.

5. Residue buildup

This can be anything from dust and paint to grease that has built up over time, so make sure you clean your appliance every once in a while.

6. Damaged Gas Lines

If the gas line is not connected correctly or if it is damaged, it can potentially lead to a buildup of pressure which in turn could cause an explosion.

7. Overheating burners

When an appliance such as a stove overheats, it can cause gas to leak and explode your range.

Precautions to prevent a Gas stove explosion

Gas stove explosions are easily avoidable. Here are some measures you can put in place to prevent gas stove explosions:

  • Install a gas leak detector near your stove. A carbon monoxide alarm will help you detect a gas leak before it becomes too dangerous.
  • Always maintain the correct clearance between your burners and any combustible materials while in use. These include electrical appliances like microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators, or even lit cigarettes.
  • Ensure that there are no gas leaks by checking for signs of corrosion, rust, or other damage regularly.
  • Do not use a flammable liquid to clean the stove.
  • Never leave a pan unattended on the burner while cooking, even if it’s set to low.
  • Do not install a gas appliance in an area with excessive amounts of dust, dirt, or other combustible materials that could possibly be drawn into the venting system
  • Clean your gas stove regularly to maintain the integrity of the surface. How often you clean your stove will depend on how much use it gets. A high-demand appliance used several times a day will need to be cleaned more frequently than one that’s seldom used.
  • Vent the gas stove to the outside of your home and do not cover it up. When installing new appliances that use natural gas, make sure they’re vented outside so any fumes can escape safely instead of being trapped inside your house.
  • Remember to always check if your gas stove is turned off properly before going to sleep or going away from home.
  • Timely servicing of your gas stove will go a long way towards preventing issues with your gas stove.

Buying a new stove? Make sure the stove you buy has the following features:

Gas shut off valve:

There are two main types of gas shut-off valves; The manual shut-off valve and the automatic shut-off valve.

The automatic gas shutoff valves can be turned on remotely which can be a huge advantage in some cases, but they also cost more money than the manual ones.

Gas shut-off valves are used to stop the flow of gas in a building. They are typically found near the pipes that deliver gas to the house.

Automatic gas shutoff valves will automatically turn off the gas supply whenever shaking at a given location is stronger than what the valve will allow. During earthquakes, automatic shutoffs can help prevent fires caused by leaking gas.

Tip-over protection

Tip-over protection is a safety device that prevents a gas stove from tipping over.

This safety feature will prevent the stove from being accidentally knocked over while cooking, which could cause the stove to ignite and cause an explosion.

Tip-over protection is especially important for children and elderly people who may not be able to help themselves if they were to accidentally knock over the stove.

Flame Failure Device

The flame failure device on a gas stove is designed to turn off the gas supply in the event of unstable or absent flames. It is designed to automatically shut off when there are no flames detected for a certain period of time thus preventing gas leaks.

Auto Reignition

The auto reignition feature automatically reignites the flame when it goes out thus preventing the accumulation of gas.

How often do gas stoves explode?

Gas stove explosions are pretty rare, though, they still occur. A 2018 report by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that an estimated average of 4,200 home fires per year start with the ignition of natural gas.

These the report says cause an average of 40 deaths per year.

Gass leaks are pretty common though, as the report states that local fire departments in the USA respond to an average of 340 natural gas or Liquified Petroleum Gas leaks per day with no ignition.

What to do when your gas stove explodes?

If for whatever reason your gas stove explodes, leave the scene immediately and call 911. Be sure to alert everyone around so they too can evacuate to a safe distance.

How big is a gas stove explosion?

Well, it depends on what caused the explosion in the first place, however, gas stove explosions can be quite big and extremely deadly.

Here is a video of a gas stove explosion:

Electric stoves and explosions

Did you know that electric stoves can potentially explode as well?

While many people often think that only gas stoves are prone to explosions, Electric stoves can also explode, however, this too is extremely rare.

The following are the most common causes of an electric stove explosion:

Loose connections: Loose connections can cause electric sparks which in turn could cause an explosion.

Dust buildup: This can reduce the airflow to the coil range element, eventually leading to a buildup of heat and then an explosion. It’s essential that electric stove coil tops are always cleaned free of any dirt or grease.

Damaged socket: If the plug and socket are damaged, it can lead to a short circuit and cause an electric stove explosion.

If you notice any sparks coming from your electric range’s plug and wire connections, turn off the unit immediately for safety reasons.

Read more about electric stove explosions here

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re using an electric or gas-powered stove, it’s essential to take care of your appliance by understanding what may cause it to malfunction and how you can avoid this from happening.

In general, it is crucial to check your stove for any of these potential causes and remedy them as necessary.

If you don’t want to manage the appliance yourself, it is best to call a professional and have them check over your stove for any potential hazards.

If you suspect a problem with your gas range, contact an appliance repair technician or reach out to the company that installed your stove.