Are you struggling to take away your over-the-stove microwave? You are not alone. This seemingly easy job will be surprisingly difficult, nevertheless it would not need to be. With the best instruments and a step-by-step information, you may safely and effectively take away your microwave with none pointless problem. Earlier than you start, collect all the mandatory instruments, together with a screwdriver, a socket wrench, and a pair of pliers. After getting your instruments prepared, comply with these detailed directions to take away your over-the-stove microwave like a professional.
Earlier than you begin, it is vital to verify the microwave is unplugged from the outlet. As soon as it is unplugged, you may start by eradicating the screws which are holding the microwave in place. There are usually two screws positioned on the prime of the microwave and two on the backside. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you may fastidiously elevate the microwave up and off the mounting bracket. If the microwave is heavy, you could must ask somebody that can assist you elevate it. As soon as the microwave is off the bracket, you may disconnect {the electrical} wires. There are usually two wires, a black wire and a white wire. To disconnect the wires, merely squeeze the connectors and pull them aside.
Now that the microwave is disconnected, you may take away it from the wall. To do that, you have to to take away the 2 screws which are holding the mounting bracket to the wall. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you may fastidiously elevate the mounting bracket off the wall. Watch out to not drop the bracket, because it may harm the wall. As soon as the mounting bracket is eliminated, you may discard it. Now, your over-the-stove microwave is efficiently eliminated. Now you can clear the realm the place the microwave was mounted and set up a brand new one if desired.
Dismantle the Microwave Unit
Earlier than you start, make sure that the microwave is totally unplugged from the facility supply and that the facility has been turned off on the circuit breaker. Collect the mandatory instruments, together with a Phillips-head screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, and a socket wrench. After getting your instruments and have taken the mandatory security precautions, comply with these steps:
- Take away the mounting screws: Find the screws that safe the microwave to the cupboard above it. These screws are usually positioned on the highest and sides of the microwave. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to take away these screws.
- Disconnect the wiring: As soon as the mounting screws are eliminated, you have to to disconnect the wiring that connects the microwave to the facility supply. To do that, find the wire harness behind the microwave and use the flat-head screwdriver to launch the wire connectors. Watch out to not harm the wires or connectors.
- Take away the microwave from the cupboard: As soon as the wiring is disconnected, you may take away the microwave from the cupboard. To do that, fastidiously elevate the microwave up and out of the cupboard. You’ll want to assist the microwave with each palms to stop it from falling.
Deactivate Energy Supply
Security is paramount relating to eradicating an over-the-stove microwave, and deactivating the facility supply is the primary essential step. There are a number of strategies to disconnect the facility, every various barely relying on the kind of setup you’ve got:
**1. Circuit Breaker Panel:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the circuit breaker panel in your house. |
| Establish the breaker that controls the microwave circuit. It would often be labeled “Microwave” or “Kitchen.” |
| Flip the breaker to the “OFF” place. |
**2. Fuse Field:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the fuse field, which is usually in a basement, utility room, or storage. |
| Establish the fuse that controls the microwave circuit. This info could also be discovered on the fuse field cowl or in your house’s electrical system diagram. |
| Take away the fuse utilizing a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers. |
| Insert a brand new fuse of the identical amperage as a replacement. |
**3. Unplug the Energy Wire:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the microwave’s energy twine behind the equipment. |
| Fastidiously pull the plug out of {the electrical} outlet. |
Disconnect Electrical Cords
After getting eliminated the mounting screws, you want to disconnect {the electrical} cords which are powering the microwave. To do that, merely unplug the facility twine from the outlet. If the microwave is hardwired, you have to to show off the circuit breaker or fuse that’s supplying energy to the microwave earlier than you may disconnect the wires.
Listed below are the steps on find out how to disconnect {the electrical} cords:
- Unplug the facility twine from the outlet.
- If the microwave is hardwired, flip off the circuit breaker or fuse that’s supplying energy to the microwave.
- Find the junction field the place {the electrical} wires are linked to the microwave. The junction field is often positioned on the again or facet of the microwave.
- Open the junction field and disconnect the wires from the microwave.
Here’s a desk of wire colours and their corresponding features:
| Wire Colour | Perform |
|---|---|
| Black | Sizzling |
| White | Impartial |
| Inexperienced or Naked Copper | Floor |
After getting disconnected {the electrical} cords, now you can take away the microwave from the wall.
Unplug Fuel Line
Okay, so we have a gas-powered stovetop. There is a fuel line that goes on to the stovetop and the microwave that is mounted above it. We’ll want to show off that fuel line earlier than we take down the microwave, so here is how we do this:
1. Flip off the fuel provide.
Find the fuel valve close to the stovetop. Often, it’s a small deal with that you would be able to flip both by hand or with a wrench. Flip the valve clockwise to cease the circulation of fuel.
2. Detach the fuel line from the microwave.
Observe the fuel line from the stovetop to the microwave. On the level the place the road connects to the microwave, there might be a becoming that you would be able to disconnect. This becoming could also be held in place by a nut or a clamp. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the becoming and take away it.
3. Cap the fuel line.
As soon as the fuel line is disconnected from the microwave, you want to cap it off to stop fuel from leaking out. There are a couple of various kinds of caps that you should utilize, however the commonest is a rubber cap. Merely slide the cap over the tip of the fuel line and safe it with a hose clamp.
4. Examine the fuel line for leaks.
Earlier than you flip the fuel provide again on, verify the fuel line for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of a soapy resolution to the fuel line and fittings. If there are any leaks, the soapy resolution will bubble up. For those who discover any leaks, tighten the fittings or exchange the fuel line as wanted.
As soon as you have inspected the fuel line and verified that there aren’t any leaks, you may flip the fuel provide again on. Now you are able to take away the microwave.
Take away Mounting Bracket
As soon as the microwave’s energy provide is protected, eradicating the microwave is easy. Find a small panel on the prime of the mount. That is the place the microwave’s assist brackets are hid. These assist brackets are what maintain your microwave in place. To take away the microwave, you want to take these brackets off.
Verify when you can entry these brackets together with your hand or when you want a device to take action. For those who want a device, use a screwdriver or drill to take away the screws securing the brackets. Needless to say some screws could also be laborious to take away attributable to rust or particles. For those who encounter any resistance, apply some lubricant to the screws. Moreover, guarantee you’ve got the best dimension and kind of screwdriver or drill bit for the job.
As soon as all of the screws are eliminated, gently pull the microwave in direction of you to detach it from the mounting bracket. Be cautious to not drop the microwave when doing this. For those who want a helper to assist the microwave whilst you disconnect the mount, ask for help. As soon as the microwave is indifferent from the bracket, set it apart in a protected location whilst you work on the remaining steps.
| Instruments You Might Want: |
|---|
| Screwdriver or drill |
| Lubricant (elective) |
Carry and Take away Microwave
1. Disconnect Energy
Earlier than dealing with the microwave, guarantee it is unplugged from {the electrical} outlet. Security first!
2. Take away Mounting Screws
Find the mounting screws on the prime of the microwave. Utilizing a screwdriver, fastidiously take away them.
3. Carry Microwave
Grasp the microwave firmly on either side. Carry it straight up and off the mounting bracket.
4. Slide Ahead
As soon as the microwave is lifted, gently slide it ahead to detach it from the wall bracket.
5. Unplug Wires
Disconnect the facility twine and another wires linked to the microwave. Be cautious and keep away from pulling on the wires.
6. Take away Mounting Bracket
Relying on the kind of microwave, there could also be a mounting bracket connected to the wall. Observe these steps:
| Microwave Sort | Bracket Elimination Steps |
|---|---|
|
Over-the-range |
– Take away screws securing the bracket to the wall. |
|
Constructed-in |
– Open the microwave door. |
Reconfigure Cupboard House
Repurposing the cupboard area above your range after eradicating the microwave requires considerate planning. Think about these choices:
1. Open Shelving
Take away cupboard doorways and set up open cabinets for straightforward entry to often used objects like spices, cookbooks, and cookware. This ethereal resolution creates a extra spacious really feel.
2. Taller Higher Cupboards
Prolong the peak of the higher cupboards above the range to maximise storage. You’ll be able to add doorways or cabinets to accommodate bigger objects or cumbersome home equipment.
3. Equipment Storage
Set up a cupboard door with a roll-up or slide-away function to hide small home equipment like toasters or blenders when not in use. This retains your countertop clutter-free.
4. Pull-Out Cabinets and Drawers
Make the most of pull-out cabinets and drawers to arrange and entry objects in deep cupboards. These options make it simpler to succeed in the again of the cupboard with out straining.
5. Lazy Susan
Set up a revolving Lazy Susan in nook cupboards to maximise accessibility. This lets you simply rotate objects and get rid of useless area.
6. Above-the-Door Storage
Mount cabinets or baskets above the higher cupboard doorways for storing objects that are not often used, similar to additional serving dishes or seasonal décor.
7. Custom-made Storage Options
Think about using customizable storage methods like adjustable cabinets or drawers that may be tailor-made to your particular wants. These options present a versatile and environment friendly technique to manage your area.
| Possibility | Options |
|---|---|
| Open Shelving | Quick access, ethereal really feel |
| Taller Higher Cupboards | Maximized storage, extra vertical area |
| Equipment Storage | Hid home equipment, clutter-free countertop |
| Pull-Out Cabinets and Drawers | Organized, accessible deep cupboard objects |
| Lazy Susan | Maximized nook cupboard accessibility |
| Above-the-Door Storage | Storage for sometimes used objects |
| Custom-made Storage Options | Tailor-made storage for particular wants, flexibility |
Patch Holes and Clear Floor
As soon as the microwave is eliminated, you will must take steps to restore any holes or harm it might have left behind.
Patching Holes
To patch holes within the drywall, you will want the next supplies:
| Materials | Use |
|---|---|
| Drywall restore package | Comprises all vital instruments and supplies for patching holes |
| Putty knife | For smoothing and making use of patching materials |
| Sandpaper | For smoothing the patched space |
Observe these steps to patch the holes:
1. Clear the realm across the gap with a moist fabric.
2. Apply drywall patching compound to the opening utilizing a putty knife.
3. Clean the compound evenly and let it dry.
4. Sand the dried compound till it is flush with the encircling floor.
Cleansing Floor
As soon as the holes are patched, you will want to wash the floor the place the microwave was mounted. Use a moist fabric and a gentle cleansing resolution to wipe down the floor and take away any mud or particles.
Think about Skilled Help
If you’re uncomfortable or lack the mandatory expertise, it’s strongly really useful to hunt skilled help for eradicating an over-the-stove microwave. Certified technicians have the experience and instruments to securely disconnect and take away the equipment with out inflicting harm to your private home or the microwave itself. Skilled help may guarantee correct disposal of the previous microwave, which can be required in some areas.
Whereas it’s doable to economize by trying to take away the microwave your self, the potential dangers and difficulties make it advisable to contemplate skilled help. A talented technician can full the duty effectively and successfully, providing you with peace of thoughts and stopping any unexpected problems.
Here’s a desk summarizing the important thing components to contemplate when making the choice:
| Possibility | Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Help |
|
|
| DIY Elimination |
|
|
Observe Security Precautions
Earlier than starting the elimination course of, observe these vital security precautions:
- Disconnect the microwave from the facility supply by unplugging it.
- Flip off the electrical energy to the range on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Permit the microwave to chill utterly earlier than dealing with it.
- Put on gloves to guard your palms from sharp edges.
- Have a helper help you in eradicating the microwave.
Take away the Mounting Bracket
Find the mounting bracket holding the microwave to the wall or cupboard. Take away the screws securing the bracket to the microwave utilizing a screwdriver.
Disconnect the Energy and Fuel Strains
Find the facility twine and fuel line linked to the microwave. Disconnect the facility twine by unplugging it. If the microwave is linked to a fuel line, flip off the fuel provide and disconnect the fuel line utilizing a wrench.
Carry and Slide the Microwave
With the help of a helper, fastidiously elevate the microwave straight up. As soon as the microwave is evident of the mounting bracket, slowly slide it ahead off the range.
| Screw Sort | Software Required |
|---|---|
| Phillips Head | Phillips Head Screwdriver |
| Hex Head | Hex Key (Allen Wrench) |
Take away the Electrical Wires
Find {the electrical} wires linked to the microwave. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws holding the wires in place. Gently pull on the wires to disconnect them.
Take away the Microwave
As soon as all of the connections have been disconnected, fastidiously elevate the microwave off the range and transport it to a protected location for disposal or restore.
The right way to Take away Over-the-Range Microwave
To make sure security throughout the elimination course of, ensure that the microwave is correctly unplugged and {the electrical} circuit is turned off.
Find the mounting bracket that holds the microwave in place. This bracket is usually mounted to the underside of the kitchen cabinetry and the highest of the microwave.
Utilizing a screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the mounting bracket to the cabinetry. Gently elevate the microwave up and off the bracket.
Disconnect {the electrical} wiring harness from the microwave. Be aware the situation and orientation of the wires for correct reinstallation later.
Fastidiously elevate the microwave down from the cupboard and take it to a protected location for cleansing or disposal.
Individuals Additionally Ask
Can I take away my over-the-stove microwave myself?
Sure, it’s doable to take away an over-the-stove microwave your self with the right instruments and security precautions.
How a lot does it price to take away an over-the-stove microwave?
The price to take away an over-the-stove microwave varies relying on the precise mannequin, location, and availability of knowledgeable. Sometimes, it might vary from $50 to $200.
Do I want to rent knowledgeable to take away my over-the-stove microwave?
Whereas it’s doable to take away an over-the-stove microwave your self, hiring a professional equipment restore skilled is really useful for security and to keep away from potential harm to your kitchen or the equipment itself.
What security precautions ought to I take when eradicating an over-the-stove microwave?
All the time unplug the microwave and switch off {the electrical} circuit earlier than eradicating it. Use warning when lifting and shifting the microwave as it may be heavy. Put on gloves and eye safety to stop any accidents.
