7 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Gas Stove and Oven in Good Condition

Given their versatility, gas stoves and ovens are considered staples in many households, allowing people to boil, fry, saute, simmer, bake, and roast a variety of dishes. Hence, if a gas stove or oven starts malfunctioning, it can disrupt daily routines and even lead to additional expenses, such as having to order food instead. Related issues, such as gas leaks, can also be dangerous if left unchecked. So, if your gas stove or oven is in need of repairs, it’s best to call on plumbers Dunedin residents have trusted for years. 

Mains Plumbers has been providing top-quality plumbing, gas fitting, and drainlaying services to the wider Dunedin community for decades. Thus, we have both the expertise and the local knowledge required to tackle any plumbing issue you may have.

We completely understand how a faulty gas stove or oven can be a source of frustration for any household or small business, so we focus on quickly diagnosing the problem and fixing it in a timely manner. That being said, it’s also best if you know how to conduct some basic maintenance to keep your gas stoves and ovens in top shape. To guide you in keeping your gas stove and oven in good working condition, we’ve also compiled some tips for you to keep in mind.

1. Clean Burners and Grates Regularly

Food debris and grease from cooking can build up over time, leading to clogged burners that provide uneven heat distribution. This causes your food to cook improperly or take longer than usual. As such, it’s a must to regularly clean your stove burners and grates to ensure they’re able to output heat properly. 

To do this, remove both components and soak them in warm soapy water. Then, scrub them gently with a brush to thoroughly remove hardened grease or food debris. You may also use a toothpick or pin to carefully clean the burner ports to ensure they’re free from any blockage.

2. Check and Clean the Igniters

Dirty igniters can cause intermittent sparking or ignition failure. This can lead to gas accumulation, posing a safety hazard in your kitchen. Thus, regularly check your igniters and keep them clean to ensure safe and effective ignition. An effective igniter also minimises gas wastage and reduces wear on your stove’s spark module, which saves you money from additional gas expenses or having to buy part replacements. Note that the proper way to clean an igniter is by using a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the igniter tips, removing grease or grime without damaging the component.

3. Inspect and Tighten Connections

A gas leak poses serious safety risks. Not only can it cause explosions or fires if ignited, but exposure to accumulated gases like carbon monoxide can cause health issues. A common cause of gas leaks is loose gas connections, which is why it’s important to inspect these regularly. With properly tightened connections, you can ensure that your stove runs as efficiently and safely as possible.

If you’ve tightened all connections yet you still smell gas, then don’t hesitate to call Mains Plumbers so we can conduct a more thorough inspection. We’ve got qualified gas fitters on board who are experienced in dealing with gas leak issues, allowing us to pinpoint the cause of the leak and fix it right away.

4. Keep the Oven Clean

Similar to your stove, your oven also accumulates grease and food residue over time. These should be removed regularly to avoid unpleasant odours, excessive smoke, or even fires from breaking out. Make it a habit to wipe up spills as soon as your oven cools so debris doesn’t pile up. For stubborn stains, mix water with baking soda instead of using chemical cleaners to avoid damaging components of your oven.

5. Inspect and Replace the Oven Door Gasket

An oven door gasket helps seal heat inside your oven, allowing for more efficient cooking. Thus, a damaged or worn oven door gasket can lead to longer cooking times and cause higher energy consumption. Make it a habit to check your oven’s door gasket to see if it still provides proper sealing. If you notice worn or damaged parts, then it might be best to replace it immediately.

6. Monitor Gas Pressure and Flame Colour

Flame colour is incredibly useful when monitoring gas pressure. Weak or yellow flames indicate incomplete combustion, while blue flames indicate a healthy gas-air mixture. If you’re seeing yellow flames more often, then your stove likely has a gas supply or burner issue. Avoid further complications and safety issues by calling a professional to have your stove inspected right away.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Even if you’re not noticing anything wrong with your oven or gas stove, it’s still advisable to schedule routine maintenance for your gas appliances several times a year. Professional maintenance can identify problems that may not be easily observable at first, such as worn parts or issues with the igniter, before they become serious. Addressing these issues early on can also save you from more costly repairs down the road.

Whether you’re looking for a trusted company to fix your malfunctioning gas stove or oven, inspect a potential gas leak, or conduct routine inspections on your gas system, you can rely on Mains Plumbers for quick and thorough service. Contact our team online or give us a call at 034886000 and let us promptly fix your plumbing, gas fitting, or drainlaying issues today.