Do-it-yourself step-by-step instructions for repairing a gas stove, causes of malfunction
Gas stoves are dangerous appliances. To perform work on this equipment, you must obtain an appropriate permit. However, in some cases, you can do it yourself by repairing a gas stove. But for this it is necessary to understand the structure and principles of operation of the equipment. This approach will save money that will have to be spent on paying for the services of a third-party master.
How does a gas stove work
The design of gas stoves varies depending on the type of equipment. But all these devices include:
- burners;
- plaque;
- oven.
Some types of gas stoves are completed with an electronic control unit for the burner and other components. In particular, the equipment is often equipped with a sensor which, in the event of the fire going out, cuts off the “blue” fuel supply.
The stoves also include gas pipes and taps. A number of models are supplemented with fans, heating elements, a thermometer and other accessories.
Hot plates
The heating plates consist of the following elements:
- gas supply nozzle;
- whirler;
- Throttle Lever;
- guides;
- lid;
- divider.
The latter divides the total flame flow into several uniform tabs extending outwards. Diffusion and kinetic burners are used in older slabs. The first are installed in ovens. Diffusion burners are distinguished by the fact that the gas mixes with the air (thanks to this process, the fuel ignites) in a natural way. Combi burners are used in modern stoves.
Gas flow control
A thermocouple is located in the center of the burner near the stoves, which regulates gas flow. This element, when heated, generates a current supplied to the electromagnet. The latter keeps the shutter open, so that the gas flows continuously to the burner. If the burner fire goes out, the thermocouple begins to cool. As a result, the magnet is discharged, which causes the damper to automatically close, interrupting the gas supply.
This configuration considerably increases the security level of the plates. However, because of the thermocouple, you have to hold the button down for a few seconds.
Self repair
You can only repair the burners and the oven door yourself. In the event of more serious failures, it will be necessary to call in a third-party technician with the appropriate access to work with such equipment.
For self-repair you will need:
- Phillips and straight screwdrivers;
- pliers;
- adjustable wrench 15-20 millimeters;
- gas lubrication;
- FUM tape for gas equipment.
Depending on the cause of the problem, a cleaning agent and a soft brush may be necessary.
What to do if the electric ignition has failed
Electrical ignition problems mostly come from a short circuit caused by a water leak. To eliminate this malfunction, you will need to strip and dry the wires laid from the generator block (located at the end of the stove, under the hob) to the burners. Then these parts should be placed on plastic supports. In addition, the electric ignition fails due to fatty deposits accumulated on the spark plugs. To eliminate this malfunction, you will need:
- disconnect the wire from the candle installed on the burner;
- remove the retainer plate and remove the spark plug;
- rinse the candle in a strong solution of detergent, dry and put back in its place.
Both of these causes of electrical ignition failure can be eliminated on your own.
How to fix the oven door
It is necessary to repair the oven door when this element does not fit tightly against the body of the appliance. Such problems arise for two reasons:
- fasteners are loose;
- the gasket is worn.
If the reason for the door's loose fit is due to loose fasteners, then the fasteners should be tightened. A leaking gasket should be replaced with a new one.
How to adjust the gas supply
This procedure should be performed if the flame disappears or burns intermittently. In this case, you will need to close the valve through which gas is supplied and remove the partition. Next, you need to find out which shock absorber has failed. After that, unscrew the adjusting screw that blocks the plate.
At the end of the procedure, you need to recheck how the gas is supplied and, if necessary, readjust.
How to replace injectors
Over time, gas stove nozzles clog, causing the flame to burn unevenly. To eliminate this problem, you will need to disassemble the burner and clean it with a wooden toothpick from traces of carbon deposits and other particles. If the burner stops working, the part must be removed and replaced with a new one. To do this, you need to unscrew the screws that secure the element to the hob.
First steps if not on
If the stove does not ignite, it is necessary to find out the causes of the malfunction. This happens due to:
- clogged nozzles;
- spark plug damage;
- the electrical wiring insulation is damaged;
- the electric ignition unit is out of order;
- the power button is worn (oxidized);
- Faulty thermocouple or electromagnetic sensor.
Since all the described procedures require some knowledge of the characteristics of gas stoves, if there is no flame after turning on the equipment, it is recommended to clean the nozzles first.
Common failures, causes of failure
Over time, in the rooms where the stove is installed, a characteristic smell of gas may appear. This is due to a decrease in the tightness of pipes and hoses through which fuel is supplied. To find the source of the "etching", it is necessary to apply a soapy solution to the joints of the specified parts. If the foam begins to bubble, there is a gas leak there.
In addition to these malfunctions, stove owners have other malfunctions that can be eliminated by hand.
The hot plate turns on and off
This problem occurs due to insufficient gas pressure.To eliminate the malfunction, you will need to check the condition of the connecting pipe. It is possible that this element pinches the plate. If only one heating plate goes out, the nozzles need to be cleaned. In other cases, you will need to contact the gas utility.
It burns poorly, extinguishes when released, and does not burn at all
This malfunction is caused by a failure of the thermocouple or the electromagnetic sensor. Due to the two faults, the gas shut-off valve closes automatically. Only a third-party master can fix this malfunction.
Power button malfunctions
Engage knobs do not turn properly for the following reasons:
- Excessive amount of fat. This malfunction is typical of old-fashioned stoves. To restore the functionality of the handle, it is necessary to disassemble and clean the element.
- Thick deposits of grease or dust are present. In this case, remove and wash the handles with soapy water. The parts can be put back in their place after drying.
- Lack of lubrication. With such a malfunction, you also need to disassemble and clean the handles. After that, it is necessary to apply a new layer of lubricant.
Less often, the handles of gas stoves are turned without opening the damper. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the broken part.
Not all burners ignite
If all the burners do not ignite, the cause of this malfunction lies in the failure of the electrical ignition. Also, the absence of flame may be due to the fact that the gas supply is cut off. In other cases, you need to call the wizard.
Electrical equipment not working
If the built-in electronic units do not work, but the power supply is not interrupted (the plug is inserted into the socket, there is light in the house), you should call an employee of the gas service. In this case, it is not recommended to repair the stove yourself.
When is it worth calling a specialist
Since gas stoves are classified as high-risk appliances, such equipment cannot be repaired on your own. The only thing that is allowed to be done is to clean clogged burners. In other cases, if the device does not work or works incorrectly (gas does not go to a burner, the flame is weak, etc.), you should contact the services of a third-party specialist.
Rules of operation
When using a gas stove, you should be guided by the following rules:
- if there is a smell of gas in the room, you need to turn off the general tap, open the window (window) and call the master;
- do not place flammable objects near the burners;
- do not light the burners if the ventilation is faulty;
- do not use the stove to heat the room;
- do not flood the cooking zones with liquids.
It is forbidden to transfer gas stoves to a new place (the location of this equipment is reflected in the technical plan of an apartment or house).