Thanksgiving Emergency and How to Fix It

It's the day before Thanksgiving. You go to preheat your oven, patting yourself on the back for getting started early with your holiday preparations. Then, to your complete horror, nothing happens. No heat comes from your oven. No fear! Check out these common oven problems below and how to fix them!

1. The Oven Won't Heat - An oven that won’t heat is usually the result of a faulty igniter (for a gas oven) or heating element (for an electric oven). You may be able to replace the heating element or igniter yourself.Use a screwdriver to remove the old igniter or heating element. Heating elements are usually located inside the oven, while you can access an igniter from underneath.To get to your igniter, remove the broiler or storage drawer.Make sure to turn off the power to your oven before servicing it.If your heating element is of the hidden variety, you may need to call a repairman to replace it for you. Or if the problem is with your gas line, you'll need to call in the experts.

2. The Gas Burner Won't Light - With your gas stove, you can always use a match or a lighter if your igniter isn't working. It may just be some food debris has gotten in the way. Take some time to Clean any food debris out of the burner with a toothpick or some compressed air. Clean the grate, cap and case while you’re at it. Check the wires connecting the igniter to the control module. If there’s a loose connection here, tighten it.

3. The Range Burner Won't Heat - Switch out the faulty burner with one that you know works. Simply unplug it from the burner socket and plug the working one in.If the working burner heats up, the problem is your burner. Replace it.If the working burner doesn’t heat up, the problem is either the infinite switch or the socket. Does the socket look burned or damaged? You may need to replace it.Test the burner again. If it still doesn’t work, test and replace the infinite switch.

If you still can't fix the problem, come see us down at Santee Hardware and we'll set you on the right path.