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When your stove breaks, it can be a real hassle. Not only is repair costing you money, but it takes an incredibly long time to identify and address the issue. Luckily, many parts of stoves can easily be purchased online to repair themselves; but if the problem lies elsewhere, that won’t be an issue for long.
But there are many issues you can fix yourself if you know what to look for, such as a burner that won’t ignite.
- Check the Burners
When your stove burners stop working, it could be indicative of some underlying issues that need fixing. It is essential to remember that any repair should only be undertaken by an experienced and qualified individual.
If one of your burners isn’t lighting, it could be due to an issue with the igniter. This can be checked using a multi-meter or by calling an experienced appliance repair service for assistance in identifying what caused the problem.
Burners that don’t get hot enough may be an indication of an issue with the temperature control system. This issue could be due to a broken infinite switch or malfunctioning ignition.
No matter if your stove is electric or gas, any cooktop that takes longer to heat than usual could be indicative of an issue. It could be a sign of a restricted gas line or need for replacement with a flow regulator.
- Check the Ignition
If your stove burners aren’t lighting up, it could be due to an ignition problem. This is often the case with gas stoves that use spark ignition systems.
The ignition system of a stove relies on three elements: the pilot flame, spark module and spark ignition switches. Each spark switch sends an electric current to the spark module, ignites the flame and starts your stove.
However, spark switches may become shorted or stuck in an open position due to moisture, power surges or other causes.
To ensure your safety, always inspect your stove ignition for any problems before beginning cooking. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a hazardous situation.
- Check the Connections
A common issue with electric stoves is a loose connection to the coil element. This can occur for various reasons.
With a loose connection, the coil element may start to wiggle or shift around when connected to the burner. This could result in either a short circuit or improper ignition.
Sparks from the coil element can come off and damage the cooktop assembly if left unchecked. To resolve this problem, check both igniter wire connectors and the ceramic-insulated spark igniter element itself for any signs of nicks, shorts or wetness along its entire length.
If you identify any of these issues, replacing the igniter and its wiring may be necessary. This repair can be tricky so unless you are an experienced technician with all necessary tools, don’t attempt it yourself.
- Clean the Burners
Gas stoves often experience problems due to food residue and sticky spills clogging the burner ports. This reduces their effectiveness, causing them to light unevenly or fail completely.
You can resolve this problem by thoroughly cleaning the burners. Begin by taking out the grates and burner caps.
Place them in a sink or bucket filled with hot, soapy water and let soak for 15 minutes.
After that, use a scrub brush to scrub away any food debris from the burner heads and caps. Rinse and dry all parts before reassembling them.
If your burners remain dirty after being cleaned with soap and water, try using a baking soda/water solution to loosen any caked-on grease. Scrubbing them will make it much easier to clean them thoroughly.
DIY stovetop repair can be a great way to save time and money when your stove breaks. However, it is important to remember that any repairs should only be done by a qualified individual. Issues such as a burner that won’t ignite may be due to an issue with the igniter and can be checked with a multi-meter. Other common issues such as a loose connection to the coil element or clogged burner ports can be addressed with thorough cleaning. For more complicated repairs, it is best to call a professional stovetop repair service in Toronto.