An oven is often a reliable and trouble-free kitchen appliance, but it may throw your family’s routine out of balance if things go wrong. Here are three common oven problems and basic appliance repair techniques for fixing them.

Oven Problems & DIY Appliance Repairs

1. Gas Burner Won’t Light

If the burners on your gas stove won’t ignite, try to light them with a match. If a match doesn’t work, check the power. The electricity that causes the igniters to fire may be out.

If the burners still won’t ignite, take off the grate, cap, and base to remove food particles and grease. Examine the wires that connect the igniter to the control module. A loose connection may need to be tightened. Clean the burner components as well and then reassemble. If the burner still doesn’t light, call an appliance repair professional.

2. Electric Element Won’t Heat

If one of your burners won’t heat up, gently pull it out of its socket and switch it with a burner that you know is operational. If the swap works, then the burner should be replaced with a part from an appliance repair store.

If the burner doesn’t heat, the socket or the infinite switch, which controls the power to the burner, may be at fault. Inspect the socket for signs of damage or a charred appearance. Sockets and infinite switches can be easily replaced with parts purchased from an appliance repair supplier.

3. The Oven Doesn’t Heat

If you have a gas stove and neither the burners nor the oven heats up, the issue is likely in the gas line. Neither is a DIY fix. If you use propane tanks, you may be out of fuel.

If the burners work, the igniter in the oven may be damaged. For electric stoves, the likely culprit is the heating element. To replace an igniter or heating element, turn off the power to the appliance. Next, remove the old part from the oven and replace it, taking the broiler drawer out first, if necessary. If you can’t get to the element, call in an appliance maintenance specialist to do the job.

If you need parts to complete an appliance repair, call the professionals at Appliance Parts of Radcliff. They carry a full line of appliance and HVAC parts for major brands. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff have assisted new and seasoned DIYers in Hardin, Meade, Larue, Grayson, and Breckenridge counties for over 21 years. Call (270) 352-2900 to check inventory status, or visit their website to view the brands they carry.