How often should I lift the burner caps on a gas cooktop and clear the ports with a pin?

Monthly. Lift the burner caps on a gas cooktop and clear the ports with a pin. An uneven or yellow flame is nearly always a blocked port, not a bad burner.

How often should I keep the area under the elements dry on an electric cooktop?

Monthly. Keep the area under the elements dry on an electric cooktop. Spills that cook on will pit the element.

How often should I replace a cracked glass top instead of living with it?

As needed. Replace a cracked glass top instead of living with it. Moisture that gets under the glass reaches the wiring.

Stove Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a stove here

A gas burner that clicks and won't light is nearly always a clogged igniter port or a burner cap sitting slightly off. Electric elements that stay cold are usually the element or the receptacle it plugs into, and people usually miss the receptacle.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Lift the burner cap off, make sure it's dry and sitting flat, and clear the igniter port with a pin.
2Just the port.
3Don't put a needle in the electrode.

Keeping a stove out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Monthly Lift the burner caps on a gas cooktop and clear the ports with a pin. An uneven or yellow flame is nearly always a blocked port, not a bad burner.
Monthly Keep the area under the elements dry on an electric cooktop. Spills that cook on will pit the element.
As needed Replace a cracked glass top instead of living with it. Moisture that gets under the glass reaches the wiring.

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if you smell gas, if a burner won't shut off, or if the surface is still live after you switch it off. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County

Stove Maintenance & Repair Tips