How to Repair a Broken Stove
Every seasoned and experienced homeowner knows that the key to keeping your appliances in good and working condition is prevention. Do whatever you can to keep your appliances in good repair and prevent them from ever needing to be “repaired” in the first place. However, prevention doesn’t always work, and before you know it, you find yourself needing to fix something. Broken oven? Frozen pipes? How to repair stove issues?
Sounds like you? If so, we’re here to help! Keep reading below to find all the info on how to fix a broken stove and get it back up and running in no time!
Check The Power Supply
If the power supply is the issue, the first step is to check the breaker. If the circuit is not tripped, then check the cord plugged into the wall and check the outlet. The outlet should have three slots; two of them should be on the same side, and the third should be in the middle. If there is no power being provided, the outlet is either broken or there is an issue with the fuse in the breaker. If the outlet works fine, it may be an issue with the stove itself, and the power cord needs to be examined in more detail. If a tester reveals a faulty power cord, then it needs to be replaced. If it tests fine, then it may need to be reset.
Inspect The Heating Elements
Begin by removing the cooktop or the back panel of the oven. Next, inspect the condition of the heating elements, paying attention to any signs of wear and tear, such as cracked, discolored, or burned sections. Make sure that the elements are securely fastened to the stove and still producing heat by testing with a meter. Check to see if any of the elements need to be replaced or if they can be repaired by adding new terminals. Also, check to make sure that the electrical wires have not been exposed and are not burned out. Repair or replace any elements that are no longer functioning properly.
Clean The Burners
Make sure that you have unplugged the stove and removed any grills and drip pans that may be present. Using a soft cloth, wipe away any food particles, grease, and dirt that may have accumulated on the burner bases or grates. Using a vacuum cleaner or a bristle brush, clean in and around the burner heads. A thin cotton swab may be useful for removing any debris that may be lodged in the burners or ports. To get a deep clean, you can take out the burner and the port and clean them with a solution of water and vinegar. This should help free up any debris and gunk that has accumulated. You can also use an aerosol stove cleaner or a toothpick for hard-to-reach areas. Reassemble the burner and port, carefully replacing any screws or gaskets needed. Once the burners have been cleaned and reassembled, you can reconnect the stove and use it as usual.
Test The Igniter
To test the igniter, start by manually opening the gas valve. Then, disconnect the electrical wire that leads to the igniter and check to see if the meter reads 0 ohms. If it does, that means the igniter is working. For electric stoves, check for the spark between the two components of the igniter when the switch is turned on. If the spark exists and a clicking sound is heard, the igniter is working. However, if the test reveals that the igniter isn’t working, it’s best to replace it with a new one. To do this, turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the stove and disconnect the wires. Then, install the new igniter and reconnect the wires. Make sure to double-check that the connections and wires are securely in place before turning the circuit breaker back on.
Verify The Gas Supply
One important step in the repair process is to verify the gas supply. Start by checking that the gas line valve is open. Depending on the type of stove, the gas may be coming from a tank or running through a natural gas line. Next, make sure the regulator is open, usually found on the wall or near the stove. You may also need to check for clogs in the gas line.
Clean The Gas Jet Ports
If your stove is not working properly, you may need to clean the gas jet ports. This can be done by first turning off the gas supply valve. Then, open the access panel on the stove and take out the burner tubes. Use a vacuum with a long, thin nozzle attachment to gently clean all of the gas jet ports. If needed, you can use a pipe cleaner or a wire brush to dislodge any stuck debris. Be careful not to scratch or damage any of the ports. After you have thoroughly cleaned the jet ports, replace the burner tubes, close the access panel, and turn the gas on. The stove should now work properly.
Check The Control Knobs
The first step to repairing a broken stove is to check the control knobs. From the off position, turn each of the knobs to their respective settings, listening for a click as the knob is moved into position. If any of the knobs do not move smoothly or simply don’t work, you may be dealing with a broken knob. You can remove the control knobs to inspect them further. If they are stuck, soaking them in warm soapy water may free them up. Lubricate the stems and reassemble the control knobs. Once the knobs are fitted back onto the stove, test them out again to make sure they operate correctly. If they still don’t move, you may need to consider replacing the control knobs altogether.
Inspect The Thermostat
When inspecting the thermostat of a broken stove, be sure to have all the necessary tools at hand. Disconnect the electricity from the stove before beginning any repair. Now remove the back panel, raise it away from the stove, and disconnect the wiring that leads to the thermostat. Then unscrew and remove the thermostat. Inspect it for any visible damage, such as broken or missing wires. If it is in good condition, screw it back in, reconnect the wiring, and secure the back panel. If it is damaged, replace it with a new thermostat. Be sure to use the same wiring configuration as the old setup while installing the new thermostat.
Replace Faulty Switches
To replace faulty switches in an electric stove, you will need a flat-head screwdriver, pliers, a voltage tester, and replacement switches. First, make sure the stove is powered off and unplugged to avoid any risk of electric shock. Remove the screws securing the control panel to the appliance, and then use the voltage tester to check all wires within the appliance. Next, locate the broken switch, remove any wiring connected to it, and remove the defective switch. Fit the new switch into place, reconnect the wiring, and make sure it’s secure. Finally, test the new switch with the voltage tester to ensure it’s connected properly. Replace the cover of the control panel and the screws.
Repair Or Replace Wiring
This includes checking for loose wires, breaks in the insulation, and any other damage which may have been caused by power surges. If necessary, you may also want to check behind the stove itself to ensure that the wiring is secure and not exposed. If the wiring is found to be damaged, then you should replace it entirely. If the wires are secure, then you can use insulated electric tape to patch any gaps or reinforce any weak points in the wiring. Finally, use a surge protector or other protective device to ensure that your stove is protected from voltage surges in the future.
Consult The Manufacturer Or Seek Professional Help
If you have a broken stove, it’s a good idea to consult the manufacturer or seek professional help. First, find out what type of stove you have and then contact the manufacturer for the necessary replacement parts. If the manufacturer is unable to help you directly, they may be able to provide you with the contact information for a qualified professional. Professional repairs are usually the best option since they are more reliable and less likely to cause further damage. Once you have the necessary parts, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Be careful to make sure everything is installed correctly and to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you require any replacement parts, visit your local appliance parts depot and take advantage of their wide selection of replacements.
Fixing Your Broken Stove
The key to repairing a broken stove is diagnosing the issue, gathering the necessary tools and supplies, and finally, completing the repair. Taking the time to properly repair the stove will keep it in working order for many years. Now that you know how to repair stove problems, why not get started on your repair project? Do you need more information on home-related concerns? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more tips.
