How to fix a broken hob

A malfunctioning hob can be a huge inconvenience, especially when you don’t have the funds to call out a professional to get it fixed. So, that’s why we’ve pulled together a guide filled with insights on how you can troubleshoot common hob issues yourself at home.

Simply try the tricks we’ve outlined below before forking out the funds for a professional repair.

Safety first…

Before doing anything, remember that your safety is paramount.

If you have an electric hob, your first task should be turning it off and ensuring it is disconnected from the mains. Or if you have a gas hob, ensure the gas supply is off and that it is fully cooled before you begin any repairs.

If you have any serious concerns about safety, then consult an expert – it might mean waiting to get your hob fixed, but your safety, your health, and your life are the most important things to look after.

How to fix an electric hob

There are a range of issues which might arise with an electric hob, some of which can be costly to fix. So, if you’re looking for ways to avoid payday loans, and are searching for some quick DIY fixes, let’s dive into it.

Heating issues:

One of the most common complaints when it comes to electric hobs is heating issues. Perhaps the desired temperature can’t be reached, or maybe your electric hob isn’t working but your oven is? If so, here are some solutions…

1. Check your power supply

When it comes to heating problems, the issue is usually something to do with your power supply. If your electric hob won’t turn on, sometimes it might be something as simple as making sure your oven is firmly plugged into the wall, and that the connection to the power supply is secure.

As well as a faulty outlet, you should also check for blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers. For advice on where to find these in your specific model, simply refer to your hob’s manual.

2. Inspect the heating element

With electric hobs, you’ll be able to visually inspect the heating element for signs of damage. If you spot any cracking or discolouration, this may be where your problem lies, and it might be time for a replacement.

You can replace the element yourself by unscrewing the four screws which are holding the top of your hob in place. You’ll then need to locate the faulty element, remove the electrical connections (these can be tricky to reconnect, so we recommend taking a picture before disconnecting them) then swapping out the old for the new.

Control issues:

Sometimes with ceramic hobs, there’s the issue of the hob’s controls being unresponsive. So, what can you do about it?

1. Reset the hob

Modern electric hobs can be easily reset by turning off the oven at the mains, leaving it for a few moments, then turning it back on again. Control issues such as a hob which won’t turn off or frequent beeping can usually be resolved in this simple way.

You should also check whether the child lock has been accidentally enabled. If it has, dig out the manual for advice on how to disable this. (On many touch hobs, this usually involves simply holding down the lock button until the light dims).

2. Ensure it’s clean

Ensuring the controls are free from grease and debris is extremely important, especially with touch controls. Simply wipe them down with a cloth and some mild soap or a non-abrasive hob cleaner.

A grease-free hob will ensure full functionality, and it’s also extremely important when it comes to hob safety too!

How to fix a gas hob

Uneven flame distribution, a failure to light, and strong odours are among the most common issues when it comes to gas hobs. But can these issues be fixed at home before calling out a professional?

Well, before we get into it, when working with any gas appliance it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions. These include:

• making sure your gas supply is off

• unplugging your appliance (if it has an electric ignition)

• Avoid lighting any open flames to be on the safe side

Heating problems:

Perhaps the flames on your gas hob appear weak or uneven? Or maybe it won’t light at all? If this is the case, you should:

1. Check your gas supply

Whether your hob is emitting a weak flame or perhaps won’t light at all, your first port of call should be checking the gas supply. Simply ensure that it’s turned on and that the gas valve is open. If you suspect low gas pressure, you should contact your provider for advice.

2. Check your burner’s efficiency

The flame on your gas hob should burn blue, with a weak flame appearing yellow or orange (this often happens when there’s an issue with clogging).

Weak or erratic flames might indicate a clogged burner, or perhaps a misaligned burner cap. Our top tip is to use an old soft bristle toothbrush and use mild soapy water to clean your burner cap as well as the rings. You’ll want to keep your burner covers off for an hour or so to allow the igniters to completely dry.

Constant clicking sounds

Sometimes the ignition system struggles to switch off, resulting in persistent clicking despite lit burners.

1. Check the ignition switch

Inadequate maintenance and frequent spillages can cause problems for ignition switches. Thoroughly cleaning the area (including the ignition circuit) should do the trick in this case. But bear in mind that if the fault lies with the spark generator, it might be time to call the experts.

2. Dry the burner

If you’re hearing clicking sounds but the burner isn’t igniting, it may be wet or blocked. So, you should do regular checks to ensure this remains both clean and dry. Again, a soft brush and simple airdrying should do the trick.

Strong gas odours:

When it comes to stronger-than-usual gas odours being emitted, it’s important to promptly switch off the gas supply and contact a professional. A thorough leak inspection may be necessary, and when it comes to gas, it’s always better to prioritise safety.

With gas hobs, it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance to check for leaks. This will ensure top hob performance plus all-important safety.

When should I seek professional advice?

Hopefully the above solutions have been helpful, and you’re now feeling ready to troubleshoot your malfunctioning hob yourself. However, if these DIY solutions don’t get the job done, it might be time to seek professional advice.

Certain problems require a professional diagnosis and repair. These might involve persistent gas smells and complicated ignition issues as mentioned. Plus, if you’re wondering how to fix an induction hob, a professional who is trained in repairing coils may well be required.

Repairing your hob doesn’t always require professional assistance, and sometimes there’s a simple fix which can get it back up and running in no time. So, why not give the above solutions a go? But remember, when in doubt, refer to your hob’s manual and contact an expert.

Before you go, head over to the Moneyboat blog for more insights! You can read about 10 money mistakes to avoid, as well as diving into some tips for avoiding winter car repairs this year.

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