Left Your Gas Stove On Accidentally? Here’s What to Do!

Nothing makes you run harder to your home than remembering that you accidentally left the gas stove on without flame. 

So, what should you do? That’s what this guide is here for!

What Does It Mean If a Gas Stove Is Left On Without a Flame?

A gas stove can still be lit as you’ve turned on the burner knob. There’s no flame because the gas has not yet been ignited. 

However, this is not a matter to be taken lightly, as the gas will still flow out, usually in an invisible form and with an odor, and dissipate toxic air throughout the house.

This situation can happen if you’ve turned on an ignition source, such as:

• A pilot light. Older stoves have a small, always-on pilot flame under the cooktop. If the burner is opened near the pilot, the gas will ignite automatically, and you’ll see a flame at the burner.
• Residual flame. If you’ve just turned the burner off incorrectly after you finish cooking, a tiny leftover flame from another burner, or even a spark from static or an electric igniter, can result in escaping gas.
• Ignition Source Nearby an open flame. Similarly, a candle, lighter, or match close to the burner can ignite the gas stream instantly.

As a rule of thumb, when you open the burner knob without lighting it, the valve will let gas out, but the stove isn’t lit yet because gas by itself doesn’t burn.

Instead, combustion only starts when gas mixes with air and touches a spark of flame, also known as the ignition source.

So, be extra careful, because leaving a gas stove on with or without a flame not only risks dangerous buildup but can also shorten gas stove lifespan by straining valves and ignition components.

Immediate Steps If You Accidentally Left Your  Gas Stove On

A gas stove being left on is a cause for panic. Rest assured, it’s not the end of the world yet, and at times, you don’t have to rush into a new gas installation.

Your next steps will depend on the actual condition and the level of risk.

1. Check If You Smell Gas

If you don’t smell gas, you can simply turn off the stove. If there’s an active flame burning the gas, it’s less likely that unburned gas has built up inside your home.

Some modern stoves also have “auto-shutoff” settings baked in. If you have this stove, when you run back home, chances are, it will seem as if nothing happened.

However, if you’re unsure, treat it as a safety risk. Leave the stove off. Also, open all sources of ventilation, such as your doors and windows (and don’t forget to protect your pets from escaping, if any).

Next, dial a professional gas leak detection service like Melbourne Gas Plumber. Our trained responders will shut off the main gas valve by adjusting the gas meter.

Let us handle the job, and we’ll locate, isolate, and stop the leak before telling you it’s safe to return.

2. Do Not Toggle Any Switches

Instinctively, you might want to flip a light switch or unplug appliances or other electronic sources like your TV and PC. Resist that urge. Tiny sparks inside switches, outlets, or plugs can ignite gas.

This applies to broader things you can imagine. Turning on lights, pressing doorbells, unplugging chargers, the list goes on. 

Gas companies and fire departments consistently advise that electrical activity should stop until professionals have confirmed it’s safe to proceed.

For instance, if you need light, use a flashlight or rely on natural light instead of switching on any electricity.

3. Watch for Health Symptoms

Exposure to gas can look different on each person. Some people are more resistant, while others can show symptoms quickly. 

Even if you’ve left the building for some time, gas intoxication can cause delayed effects. Common signs to look out for include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Flu-like symptoms

These occur because escaping gas displaces oxygen in the air. If incomplete combustion has taken place, carbon monoxide and other hazardous by-products might also be released into the environment and your body.

Call emergency responders and tell them as soon as they arrive. If you’re with several family members, one healthy adult can stay behind to meet and brief the responders. The remaining members of the group can take any affected individuals straight to a nearby clinic or hospital for medical attention.

What Can You Do to Avoid Potential Leaks?

Avoiding potential leaks is part of gas stove maintenance, so that your kitchen appliances can run safely and reliably for the long term.

Here are some essentials you can invest in:

• An automatic shut-off valve. If you’re busy, often in a rush, or prone to forgetting, an automatic shut-off valve will help since it’ll turn off automatically after a period of no flame.
• Carbon monoxide detectors. These inexpensive devices, starting from $30, help protect your home by sounding an alarm if the CO levels rise to dangerous thresholds. Place them near fuel-burning appliances, such as your hair dryer, stove, furnace, and water heater.
• Fire extinguisher. In case of fire, an extinguisher lets you put out fires before they spread and cause serious damage or injury. If you already have this, make sure it is pressurized and operable annually.

FAQ About Accidentally Leaving Gas Stove On

Have questions? We’ll have them answered below:

1. What happens if you accidentally leave a gas stove on overnight?

Leaving a gas stove on overnight can be deadly, since it can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and explosion. 

To avoid these issues, install carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances inside your home.

2. How long does it take for a stove to be on to cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO poisoning is usually caused by incomplete combustion, or when gas is burning out with a weak, yellow, or smoldering flame. CO becomes hazardous when its concentration reaches 150 ppm. 

Health effects can appear in as little as 10 to 50 minutes instead of hours.

3. How long does it take to air out a house after a gas burner is left on?

Usually, when you can no longer smell gas, or around 30 minutes to two hours, it’s safe to walk back in. 

However, it all boils down to the duration and intensity of the leak. Just make sure to avoid turning on any electrical appliances during this period. 

Use light matches or lighters to minimize the risk of ignition. If the gas smell still persists even after a long time, call a professional gas company.

4. What to do if a gas stove is left on without a flame?

If there’s no gas smell, turn off the stove and go by with your day and ventilate your home to let air out. 

However, if there’s a gas smell, do not even bother to turn off the stove unless you are familiar with the safety measures. Focus on evacuation rather than ventilation.

5. How long does it take for gas to leave a house?

It depends on the severity of the leak, but under normal circumstances, gas should escape the house in 30 minutes to 2 hours. If it’s longer than that, it’s not normal, and it’s better to call an emergency service.

Conclusion

Gas stove left on without a flame? Stop blaming yourself. Humans forget, and that’s what makes us, well, humans. 

Instead, focus on what you can do. If you smell gas, remember, call a gas professional line ASAP, such as Melbourne Gas Plumber at 0420102283. We’re available 24/7!