Hob constantly clicking: what our engineers find
These figures come from NAC's own repair records: 41 hob jobs our engineers attended for this fault. Here is what they found, what fixed it and what it typically cost.
A hob that keeps clicking is a common complaint. There are several things engineers sometimes find. The small ignition switches that sit behind the control knobs can stick down, so the hob keeps sparking even when nobody is pressing a knob. Engineers sometimes find these switches clogged with food and grease that has worked its way down from the hob top. Sometimes a switch has become stiff or worn and won't spring back. Now and then the fault lies with an ignition button or a control knob that keeps pressing on the switch beneath it.
To find the cause, an engineer checks each knob in turn to see which one sets off the clicking. They then test the switches to see whether they are still making contact when no knob is pressed. If dirt is to blame, cleaning the switches can be enough to fix it there and then. If a switch is worn or stuck solid, the engineer replaces the row of switches, or the faulty button or knob. That part often has to be ordered and fitted at a second visit. Pressing the knobs down gently rather than forcefully may also help prevent the fault.
Written by our engineers from these jobs.
- Jobs attended
- 41
- Confirmed repairs
- 31
- This is not a success rate. Jobs inside their 60-day window, jobs still being classified, jobs held for review and visits that didn't end in a repair aren't counted.
- Fixed at the first appointment
- 13%
- about 1 in 8 of our repairs
- Typical total paid by customers
- £142 to £182
- including parts and VAT, from 30 repairs
No single cause has enough confirmed repairs behind it yet to show for this fault.
About the price. £142 to £182 is the typical total paid by customers, including parts and VAT: the middle half of what customers paid on 30 of these repairs. Repairs paid for by manufacturers and insurers aren't counted, because that work is charged at contract rates. It's a guide, not a quote. Your engineer confirms a fixed price before any work starts.
Before you check anything yourself
- Switch the hob off and unplug it, or turn it off at the isolator switch, before you touch anything. Our guide to safely isolating an appliance walks you through it.
- If it involves the mains supply, sealed parts, or you're not confident at any point, stop and book a qualified engineer rather than risk injury or further damage.
- If it's a gas appliance and you can smell gas, don't use it. Open the windows and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Rather leave it to us?
- Fixed-price quote before any work starts
- Same or next-day visits where available
- UK-wide engineer coverage