5 Common Range Repair Issues (And How to Fix Them)

If you own a gas or electric range, chances are it’s seen better days and might be in need of some repair. These appliances are not quite as durable as other home appliances, like the refrigerator or washer and dryer, so range repair is often needed sooner rather than later. Here are some common issues that occur on ranges and how to fix them yourself without calling the repairman (who will likely charge you an arm and a leg).

Problem #1: The Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If your range’s pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be due to a blocked vent or poor ventilation in your kitchen. This is an easy fix—just clear out any blockages or make sure your range is placed on a flat surface with sufficient ventilation. Additionally, if you’re using your range on a very frequent basis and there are multiple people cooking in it, you may need more gas. Call Range Repair North Bend WA for help! 

An alternative explanation is that your range’s thermostat is set too high. The simplest way to fix this issue is by turning down your thermostat by 10 degrees Celsius; if that doesn’t work, consult HOW TO REPAIR COMMON HOME APPLIANCE ISSUES about getting your range serviced so they can replace worn-out parts. These parts include thermocouples, pressure relief valves, catalytic burners, and pilot lights – but don’t worry!

Problem #2: There Is No Flame When the Burner Is Turned On

This means there is no gas entering your burner at all. It may be that you have a clogged gas line, or it could be that you need a new pilot assembly (the part of your range’s control system that lights up when turned on). This is probably one of those fixes you don’t want to do yourself. When in doubt, contact a pro. If you try and fix it yourself and end up damaging your range further, any warranty you might have had will be voided. The cost for professional help will likely outweigh what hiring a plumber would cost anyway. If possible, consider calling someone who can provide some sort of guarantee – like Angie’s List or Home Advisor – because they won’t work with just anyone and are often very picky about who they hire.

Problem #3: The Surface Burners Don’t Work Properly

If you notice that there’s no flame on one or more of your surface burners, there’s a good chance that you have air in your gas line. To clear it out, simply turn off your gas completely and unscrew each burner valve. Once they’re all off, you should be able to unscrew each remaining valve by hand. The gas line will empty quickly once one of these valves is opened, so be ready! When you’ve finished, turn your gas back on and try lighting up each burner individually. If everything works properly now, go ahead and reattach them to their knobs before turning them back on.

Problem #4: The Oven Doesn’t Heat Up Properly

If your oven takes a long time to heat up, you can probably fix it by cleaning out any buildup on its heating element. Turn off power at the breaker box, unplug your range and disconnect the power cord from the back of the range. If you’re using a gas range, turn off gas or propane at your gas valve. Open up your range, remove burner grates and loosen screws that hold the bottom drawer in place. Remove the drawer and clean around the heating element with a wire brush attachment on an electric drill. Replace the drawer, reattach all wires and plug the unit back into an electrical outlet. You may need to reset your clock if it was affected by a power outage. The issues most people faced are!

The Oven Door Doesn’t Close Properly:

Make sure door hinges are tightened properly and check that they’re not bent. You may also want to tighten hinge screws with a screwdriver or pliers if they seem loose. Check that there is no debris stuck under the door seal, which could prevent it from closing properly. Check for cracks in the glass panel, as these will allow hot air to escape. 

The Oven Won’t Turn On: 

First, make sure your circuit breakers aren’t tripped. Next, make sure there isn’t anything blocking the pilot light; check for clogged vents or broken glass panels. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, try replacing the gas control valve. Finally, test the thermal fuse located behind the top right corner of the control panel. If the fuse has blown, replace it with one that matches the original size and rating. 

The Oven Runs Too Hot: 

This problem can be caused by dirty burners or incorrect settings on your thermostat dials.

Problem #5: The Oven Door Won’t Close Correctly

This problem is caused by a build-up of grease and carbon on your oven door’s hinges. Use a soft cloth to wipe down any gunk that may be hanging around, then lubricate both hinges with silicone spray before gently closing your oven door. Once you’ve done that, make sure there aren’t any stray crumbs or bits of food stuck in between your oven and its rubber seal. To fix that issue, just remove your oven racks and clean out all residue from under them. If you can see light through your oven window, it means there are still air pockets—and if those aren’t fixed, they could eventually cause smoke damage. If you find yourself facing these issues regularly, consider installing a self-cleaning feature for easier maintenance.