Are you struggling to take away your over-the-stove microwave? You are not alone. This seemingly easy job could be surprisingly tough, however it would not need to be. With the proper instruments and a step-by-step information, you possibly can 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 you have your instruments prepared, observe these detailed directions to take away your over-the-stove microwave like a professional.
Earlier than you begin, it is essential to verify the microwave is unplugged from the outlet. As soon as it is unplugged, you possibly can start by eradicating the screws which might be holding the microwave in place. There are sometimes two screws situated on the high of the microwave and two on the backside. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can fastidiously raise the microwave up and off the mounting bracket. If the microwave is heavy, it’s possible you’ll have to ask somebody that will help you raise it. As soon as the microwave is off the bracket, you possibly can disconnect {the electrical} wires. There are sometimes 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 possibly can take away it from the wall. To do that, you have to to take away the 2 screws which might be holding the mounting bracket to the wall. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can fastidiously raise the mounting bracket off the wall. Watch out to not drop the bracket, because it might injury the wall. As soon as the mounting bracket is eliminated, you possibly can 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 ability supply and that the ability 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 you have your instruments and have taken the mandatory security precautions, observe these steps:
- Take away the mounting screws: Find the screws that safe the microwave to the cupboard above it. These screws are sometimes situated 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 ability supply. To do that, find the wire harness in the back of the microwave and use the flat-head screwdriver to launch the wire connectors. Watch out to not injury the wires or connectors.
- Take away the microwave from the cupboard: As soon as the wiring is disconnected, you possibly can take away the microwave from the cupboard. To do that, fastidiously raise the microwave up and out of the cupboard. Make sure to assist the microwave with each arms to stop it from falling.
Deactivate Energy Supply
Security is paramount in terms of eradicating an over-the-stove microwave, and deactivating the ability supply is the primary essential step. There are a number of strategies to disconnect the ability, every various barely relying on the kind of setup you have got:
**1. Circuit Breaker Panel:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the circuit breaker panel in your house. |
| Establish the breaker that controls the microwave circuit. It is going to normally be labeled “Microwave” or “Kitchen.” |
| Flip the breaker to the “OFF” place. |
**2. Fuse Field:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the fuse field, which is often in a basement, utility room, or storage. |
| Establish the fuse that controls the microwave circuit. This data 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 Twine:**
| Steps |
|---|
| Find the microwave’s energy wire behind the equipment. |
| Rigorously pull the plug out of {the electrical} outlet. |
Disconnect Electrical Cords
After you have eliminated the mounting screws, you could disconnect {the electrical} cords which might be powering the microwave. To do that, merely unplug the ability wire 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 possibly can disconnect the wires.
Listed here are the steps on find out how to disconnect {the electrical} cords:
- Unplug the ability wire 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 related to the microwave. The junction field is normally situated 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 capabilities:
| Wire Colour | Perform |
|---|---|
| Black | Sizzling |
| White | Impartial |
| Inexperienced or Naked Copper | Floor |
After you have disconnected {the electrical} cords, now you can take away the microwave from the wall.
Unplug Gasoline Line
Okay, so we have a gas-powered stovetop. There is a gasoline line that goes on to the stovetop and the microwave that is mounted above it. We will want to show off that gasoline line earlier than we take down the microwave, so this is how we do this:
1. Flip off the gasoline provide.
Find the gasoline valve close to the stovetop. Often, it’s a small deal with you can flip both by hand or with a wrench. Flip the valve clockwise to cease the stream of gasoline.
2. Detach the gasoline line from the microwave.
Comply with the gasoline line from the stovetop to the microwave. On the level the place the road connects to the microwave, there will likely be a becoming you can 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 gasoline line.
As soon as the gasoline line is disconnected from the microwave, you could cap it off to stop gasoline from leaking out. There are a couple of various kinds of caps that you need to use, however the most typical is a rubber cap. Merely slide the cap over the tip of the gasoline line and safe it with a hose clamp.
4. Examine the gasoline line for leaks.
Earlier than you flip the gasoline provide again on, test the gasoline line for leaks. You are able to do this by making use of a soapy answer to the gasoline line and fittings. If there are any leaks, the soapy answer will bubble up. If you happen to discover any leaks, tighten the fittings or exchange the gasoline line as wanted.
As soon as you have inspected the gasoline line and verified that there are not any leaks, you possibly can flip the gasoline 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 secure, eradicating the microwave is straightforward. Find a small panel on the high 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 could take these brackets off.
Examine in case you can entry these brackets together with your hand or in case you want a device to take action. If you happen to want a device, use a screwdriver or drill to take away the screws securing the brackets. Take into account that some screws could also be arduous to take away as a consequence of rust or particles. If you happen to encounter any resistance, apply some lubricant to the screws. Moreover, guarantee you have got the proper measurement and sort of screwdriver or drill bit for the job.
As soon as all of the screws are eliminated, gently pull the microwave in the direction of you to detach it from the mounting bracket. Be cautious to not drop the microwave when doing this. If you happen to 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 secure location whilst you work on the remaining steps.
| Instruments You Could Want: |
|---|
| Screwdriver or drill |
| Lubricant (optionally available) |
Raise 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 high of the microwave. Utilizing a screwdriver, fastidiously take away them.
3. Raise Microwave
Grasp the microwave firmly on either side. Raise 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 ability wire and every other wires related 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 hooked up to the wall. Comply with these steps:
| Microwave Kind | 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 house 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 incessantly used gadgets like spices, cookbooks, and cookware. This ethereal answer creates a extra spacious really feel.
2. Taller Higher Cupboards
Prolong the peak of the higher cupboards above the range to maximise storage. You possibly can add doorways or cabinets to accommodate bigger gadgets or cumbersome home equipment.
3. Equipment Storage
Set up a cupboard door with a roll-up or slide-away characteristic 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 gadgets 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 gadgets and get rid of lifeless house.
6. Above-the-Door Storage
Mount cabinets or baskets above the higher cupboard doorways for storing gadgets that are not incessantly used, equivalent 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 option to manage your house.
| Choice | Options |
|---|---|
| Open Shelving | Quick access, ethereal really feel |
| Taller Higher Cupboards | Maximized storage, extra vertical house |
| Equipment Storage | Hid home equipment, clutter-free countertop |
| Pull-Out Cabinets and Drawers | Organized, accessible deep cupboard gadgets |
| Lazy Susan | Maximized nook cupboard accessibility |
| Above-the-Door Storage | Storage for occasionally used gadgets |
| 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 have to take steps to restore any holes or injury it might have left behind.
Patching Holes
To patch holes within the drywall, you will want the next supplies:
| Materials | Use |
|---|---|
| Drywall restore package | Accommodates all essential instruments and supplies for patching holes |
| Putty knife | For smoothing and making use of patching materials |
| Sandpaper | For smoothing the patched space |
Comply with these steps to patch the holes:
1. Clear the realm across the gap with a moist material.
2. Apply drywall patching compound to the outlet 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 material and a gentle cleansing answer to wipe down the floor and take away any mud or particles.
Think about Skilled Help
In case you are uncomfortable or lack the mandatory expertise, it’s strongly beneficial to hunt skilled help for eradicating an over-the-stove microwave. Certified technicians have the experience and instruments to soundly disconnect and take away the equipment with out inflicting injury to your property or the microwave itself. Skilled help may also guarantee correct disposal of the previous microwave, which can be required in some areas.
Whereas it’s attainable to economize by trying to take away the microwave your self, the potential dangers and difficulties make it advisable to think about skilled help. A talented technician can full the duty effectively and successfully, supplying you with peace of thoughts and stopping any unexpected problems.
Here’s a desk summarizing the important thing components to think about when making the choice:
| Choice | Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Help |
|
|
| DIY Elimination |
|
|
Observe Security Precautions
Earlier than starting the removing course of, observe these essential security precautions:
- Disconnect the microwave from the ability supply by unplugging it.
- Flip off the electrical energy to the range on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Enable the microwave to chill utterly earlier than dealing with it.
- Put on gloves to guard your arms 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 Gasoline Traces
Find the ability wire and gasoline line related to the microwave. Disconnect the ability wire by unplugging it. If the microwave is related to a gasoline line, flip off the gasoline provide and disconnect the gasoline line utilizing a wrench.
Raise and Slide the Microwave
With the help of a helper, fastidiously raise the microwave straight up. As soon as the microwave is evident of the mounting bracket, slowly slide it ahead off the range.
| Screw Kind | Software Required |
|---|---|
| Phillips Head | Phillips Head Screwdriver |
| Hex Head | Hex Key (Allen Wrench) |
Take away the Electrical Wires
Find {the electrical} wires related 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 raise the microwave off the range and transport it to a secure location for disposal or restore.
The right way to Take away Over-the-Range Microwave
To make sure security through the removing 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 often 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 raise the microwave up and off the bracket.
Disconnect {the electrical} wiring harness from the microwave. Observe the situation and orientation of the wires for correct reinstallation later.
Rigorously raise the microwave down from the cupboard and take it to a secure location for cleansing or disposal.
Folks Additionally Ask
Can I take away my over-the-stove microwave myself?
Sure, it’s attainable 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 associated fee to take away an over-the-stove microwave varies relying on the precise mannequin, location, and availability of an expert. Sometimes, it could actually vary from $50 to $200.
Do I want to rent an expert to take away my over-the-stove microwave?
Whereas it’s attainable to take away an over-the-stove microwave your self, hiring a professional equipment restore skilled is beneficial for security and to keep away from potential injury 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 transferring the microwave as it may be heavy. Put on gloves and eye safety to stop any accidents.
