When a gas stove starts clicking nonstop after getting wet, it usually means something deeper is going wrong with the electrical ground. The issue can show up during cleaning or after spills. If the spark keeps firing when it shouldn’t, it can wear down the igniter and frustrate anyone trying to cook a meal. At JAY Appliances, we’ve seen this type of spark misfire in many homes, and it often comes down to something called a ground path failure. Understanding what causes this and how to fix it safely can prevent future damage and unnecessary repairs.
How a Gas Stove Ignition System Works
Every time we turn a burner knob, the stove sends a signal to the spark module to create a spark. That spark lights the gas, and the burner comes on. Each igniter uses electricity to spark across a small gap at the burner. However, this process only works well when all the electrical paths are clean, dry, and properly grounded. If one part is wet or corroded, the spark may not reach the burner, or it may keep firing even after the flame is lit.
In most modern gas stoves, the ignition module uses a shared circuit, so if one igniter fails or gets wet, all burners may start clicking. The spark system relies on a good ground path to know when to stop sparking. Without that ground, the system behaves as if the burner never lit, sending out sparks constantly.
How Moisture Causes Ground Path Failures
Stove surfaces may look sealed, but water can still slip through the cracks around burners, grates, and control knobs. During routine cleaning, people often use too much water or cleaning sprays. Sometimes a pot boils over. Either way, water can drip below the surface and reach wires or the igniter base. That moisture interrupts the grounding path. As a result, the spark module keeps clicking because it doesn’t detect a proper ground to signal the flame has lit.
We often find moisture trapped in the spark switch harness. This happens more often in stoves where the knobs sit above the burners. Water enters through the knob shaft and reaches the switch, shorting the contacts inside. These wet switches can stay active even when the knob is off. In other cases, water reaches the spark electrode or its mounting screws and interferes with grounding.
For anyone facing this issue after a spill or cleaning, waiting several hours often helps. Moisture eventually evaporates, and the clicking may stop. However, if the stove clicks constantly every time it gets even slightly damp, it’s time to look deeper. That’s when our stove repair experts in Leduc can test the ground path and the spark circuit.
Diagnosing the Ground Fault Source
To figure out exactly what’s causing the continuous clicking, we start by inspecting each igniter. Our team checks for cracks, corrosion, or burned tips. After that, we measure voltage and grounding across the electrode and the chassis. If the igniter or the burner base isn’t properly grounded, the spark module never stops trying to light it.
Next, we inspect the spark switches. Each burner has a switch linked to the knob. If water or grease gets inside, the switch might stay stuck in the “on” position. Even though the gas valve is closed, the circuit tells the spark module to fire. When testing, we unplug the stove, remove the top, and isolate the switches one by one. If removing one stops the clicking, we know where the failure is.
In some cases, the spark module itself becomes too sensitive. If one igniter is poorly grounded, the whole system can behave unpredictably. That’s why we always test all burners before calling a repair complete. Every burner should spark only when turned on, and the clicking must stop once a flame appears.
How to Safely Dry the Ignition System
If someone recently cleaned the stove or spilled water and the clicking started right after, the first step is to unplug the unit. Leaving it plugged in while clicking continues can wear down the ignition module or damage other parts. After unplugging, we lift the stove top or remove burner caps and grates. Then we leave everything open to air for a few hours.
To speed up the drying process, we sometimes use a hairdryer on low heat. We aim it near the burners and the control knobs to dry out the igniter bases and switches. However, it’s important not to melt any plastic or wiring insulation. If the stove keeps clicking after drying for a day, there is likely a damaged part inside.
Wiping surfaces only dries what’s visible. Moisture trapped under the top or inside switch shafts can take longer to evaporate. Therefore, we always wait until everything is fully dry before plugging the stove back in and testing again.
Preventing Water Intrusion in the Future
Once we fix the root cause, we suggest a few steps to prevent repeat issues. First, never spray cleaner directly onto the stove. Instead, spray a cloth and wipe surfaces. This avoids water dripping down control shafts. Second, use burner pans and grates to catch spills. These pans slow down how fast water spreads and can give time to shut off the burner before it gets worse.
We also recommend drying burners fully after boiling over or deep cleaning. Even a few drops near the electrode can keep the circuit open. If water does get in, unplug the stove and let it dry before using it again. Small habits like these can reduce the chances of dealing with ground path failures later.
For stoves that frequently click without reason or take too long to dry, we inspect all wiring. Sometimes grease and dirt build up around grounding screws. Cleaning those contact points improves the stove’s ability to ground properly. In rare cases, we install new burner bases to restore full ground continuity.
When to Replace Spark System Components
There are times when drying the stove and cleaning connections doesn’t solve the problem. If clicking returns even after the area stays dry, the switch or igniter might have internal damage. Worn switches become sensitive to humidity or heat and trigger the circuit randomly. Corroded electrodes may look fine but have poor electrical contact inside.
Our team replaces only the failed component after isolating it. There’s no need to change the whole set unless all burners show similar issues. Sometimes the appliance repair in Leduc process includes replacing mounting screws or retightening the spark wire ground where it connects to the chassis.
It’s also helpful to test continuity on all grounding points before installing new parts. Without clean, solid contact to the metal frame, new switches won’t help. We always make sure the new components are seated properly, and the spark wires are snug and protected from moisture.
Why This Problem Happens More with Age
Older stoves often develop tiny cracks around the igniter bases. These cracks can hold water longer than new surfaces. Over time, these areas trap moisture even after they look dry. We see this most often on stoves used daily for cooking, where spills are common. Eventually, wear and corrosion make the spark system unreliable.
Besides wear, grease buildup affects grounding too. Grease acts as a barrier between metal contact points. If it covers screws or igniter brackets, the grounding signal weakens. That’s why cleaning only the visible part isn’t enough. We clean underneath and around the burner hardware to keep it working well.
Another reason older stoves struggle more is wire insulation wear. Heat and age make the spark wires brittle or cracked. That damage lets in moisture or causes arcing between wires. We always check for frayed wiring when diagnosing repeated ignition problems.
Best Long-Term Practices to Avoid Ground Issues
Once we repair the system and restore safe grounding, keeping it that way takes only a few habits. Clean the stove regularly, but do it gently. Use a cloth, not direct spray. Dry spills right away, especially around the knobs. Don’t let grease sit on burner caps or bases. If the stove clicks randomly again, unplug it first, then let it dry.
Some people choose to leave a small fan pointed at the stove overnight after deep cleaning. That extra airflow dries hidden areas faster. If clicking happens often even without moisture, the wiring might be damaged or the switches worn. That’s when it’s time to reach out for help.
To schedule trusted repair for persistent stove issues, visit our contact page and speak with a technician directly. Our team at JAY Appliances handles moisture-related ignition problems daily. Whether it’s a switch, ground fault, or worn igniter, we can help get your stove back to normal safely.
FAQ
Why does my gas stove keep clicking even after it lights?
It likely means the igniter doesn’t sense a good ground path. Moisture or a faulty switch can prevent the signal that tells it to stop.
Can I use my stove if it’s still clicking but working?
It’s not safe. Continuous clicking can damage the ignition module or lead to unplanned sparks. Unplug it and let it dry before using again.
What part usually causes this problem?
The most common cause is a stuck spark switch or a wet igniter base. Both prevent proper grounding, which keeps the spark going.
How long does it take for the moisture to dry out?
Depending on how much water got in, drying can take several hours to overnight. Using a hairdryer on low can speed it up.
When should I call a professional for help?
If drying doesn’t help or the stove clicks constantly without any spills, a technician should check the switches, igniters, and grounding points.