Lend Me A Hand

Any attempt to make a gas cooker repair must be approached with caution and delicacy. This is not a car that will be overhauled, but a fine piece of cooking machinery that can get more damaged if you run roughshod over the repairs.

Before doing anything, turn off the gas. If you can disconnect the gas line, then do so, but only if you know how. Otherwise, just shut off the valve carefully and tightly.

The common reasons for problems with freestanding gas cookers are:

• Clogged burners and heater
• Pilot lights
• Internal range plug malfunction
• Malfunction of the ignition modules
• Dirty air shutters

If the problem is your gas line, then stop. This kind of job is for the experts only. Do not try to fix a gas line if you have no experience at doing so. Trial and error could be too risky.

On the other hand, if the problem is any of the earlier mentioned causes for malfunction, then the solution is either to clean or replace the part.  Pilot light, plugs, and ignition modules may need replacement. Clogged burners and air shutters will only need a good cleaning. You can do this by poking the burner holes and rubbing it gently with a soft brush. Never use steel brushes because they will damage your gas cooker. You should also never use a steel pad because this causes scratches and can leave metal shavings behind. If this happens, then you will experience sparks and shorts when you turn on your gas. It could even cause a bad accident.

Also, you need to check and refer to your owner’s manual before starting on any repair work. Find out if the parts are available and how you can get them. If it is going to take some time before you can get your hands on the free standing gas cookers parts, then don’t remove it first. Try alternative cooking or use the other oven if you have one of those double ovens.