Over-the-range microwaves may be a good way to avoid wasting area in a small kitchen and to maintain your counter tops clear. Nonetheless, they may also be a ache to take away, particularly in case you’re unsure tips on how to do it safely. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the steps on tips on how to take away an overhead microwave with out damaging it or your self.
Earlier than you begin, it is necessary to collect the precise instruments. You have to a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You might also need to have a helper available to help you.
After you have the required instruments and helpers, you’ll be able to start the removing course of. First, you’ll need to disconnect the ability to the microwave. This may be performed by unplugging the microwave from the outlet or by turning off the circuit breaker that powers the microwave. As soon as the ability is disconnected, you’ll be able to start eradicating the mounting screws. There’ll sometimes be 4 screws positioned on the underside of the microwave. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you’ll be able to fastidiously elevate the microwave off of the mounting bracket.
Disconnecting Energy and Fuel Line
Energy Disconnect
Earlier than detaching the microwave from the wall, it is essential to make sure that the ability is totally disconnected. This includes a number of steps:
- Find the circuit breaker or fuse field that controls the microwave’s energy provide.
- Flip the breaker swap to the “off” place or take away the fuse.
- Wait a couple of minutes to permit the ability to dissipate absolutely.
- Double-check that there is no such thing as a energy flowing to the microwave utilizing a voltage tester or multimeter.
As soon as you have confirmed that the ability is disconnected, proceed with the opposite steps to take away the microwave safely.
Fuel Line Disconnect (if relevant)
In case your overhead microwave is related to a gasoline line, comply with these extra steps to disconnect it:
- Flip off the gasoline provide valve positioned on the gasoline supply (sometimes a gasoline meter or tank).
- Find the gasoline connection to the microwave and use a wrench to fastidiously disconnect the road.
- Cap the gasoline line opening on each the microwave and the gasoline supply to forestall any leaks.
- Use a gasoline leak detector to verify for any remaining gasoline within the line.
| Disconnect Sequence | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find circuit breaker or fuse field |
| 2 | Flip off energy to microwave |
| 3 | Anticipate energy to dissipate |
| 4 | Affirm no energy utilizing tester |
| 5 | Disconnect gasoline line (if relevant) |
| 6 | Cap gasoline line openings |
| 7 | Verify for gasoline leaks |
Detaching the Microwave from the Cupboard
After you have disconnected the ability and eliminated the quilt, it’s worthwhile to proceed to detach the microwave from the cupboard. This may be performed by following these steps:
- Find the screws which might be holding the microwave in place. These screws are normally positioned on the highest and backside of the cupboard.
- Utilizing a screwdriver, fastidiously take away the screws.
- As soon as the screws have been eliminated, you’ll be able to fastidiously elevate the microwave out of the cupboard. Watch out to not drop the microwave, as it’s heavy.
Hanging the Microwave from Facet Brackets:
In case your microwave is hung from aspect brackets, detaching it requires extra steps. Comply with these directions:
- Establish the aspect brackets which might be supporting the microwave. They’re sometimes positioned on both aspect of the equipment.
- Take away the screws holding the microwave to the aspect brackets. This may increasingly require eradicating a number of screws per bracket.
- Gently elevate the microwave upward, tilting it barely away from the wall. This can disengage it from the brackets.
- Slide the microwave straight out from the cupboard opening.
| Bracket Sort | Elimination Directions |
|---|---|
| Hidden Screw | Find the screws hidden behind the microwave’s trim or door panel. Take away them utilizing a screwdriver or drill. |
| Uncovered Screw | Unscrew the seen screws instantly attaching the microwave to the aspect brackets. |
| Locking Tabs | Establish the plastic locking tabs on the brackets. Squeeze the tabs to launch the microwave from its mounting place. |
Eradicating the Mounting Plate
The mounting plate is the steel bracket that holds the microwave in place on the wall or cupboard. To take away it, comply with these steps:
1. Flip off the ability to the microwave.
Find the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the microwave and switch it off. This can forestall you from getting shocked whereas engaged on the microwave.
2. Take away the screws that maintain the mounting plate to the wall or cupboard.
There’ll sometimes be 4 screws, two on both sides of the mounting plate. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws.
3. Fastidiously elevate the microwave up and off of the mounting plate.
The microwave shall be heavy, so watch out to not drop it. As soon as the microwave is off of the mounting plate, you’ll be able to set it apart.
4. Take away the mounting plate from the wall or cupboard.
As soon as the microwave is off of the mounting plate, you’ll be able to take away the mounting plate itself. To do that, merely elevate it up and off of the wall or cupboard.
5. Examine the mounting plate for injury.
As soon as the mounting plate is eliminated, examine it for any injury. If there’s any injury, you’ll need to switch the mounting plate earlier than you’ll be able to reinstall the microwave.
Decreasing the Microwave
Earlier than starting, be sure that the microwave is unplugged and all gadgets have been faraway from the cupboard. First, establish the mounting bracket holding the microwave in place. This bracket will sometimes be positioned on the highest and sides of the microwave. Use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen the bolts or screws securing the bracket to the cupboard.
As soon as the screws or bolts are free, fastidiously elevate the microwave upward. As you elevate, slowly slide the microwave ahead till it clears the bracket. Proceed lifting the microwave till it’s utterly free from the cupboard.
To decrease the microwave, fastidiously slide it again into the cupboard. As you slide the microwave in, align the bracket with the corresponding holes within the cupboard. Tighten the bolts or screws to safe the bracket and decrease the microwave into its last place.
| **Tip:** For heavier microwaves or these put in in hard-to-reach places, it is suggested to have a second individual help within the reducing course of. |
Eradicating the Exhaust Vent
The exhaust vent is a vital part of your over-the-range microwave, because it helps to take away smoke, grease, and odors out of your kitchen. Eradicating the exhaust vent is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in just a few steps.
- Disconnect the ability provide. Earlier than you start, make sure that to disconnect the ability provide to your microwave. You are able to do this by unplugging the microwave or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Take away the screws that maintain the exhaust vent in place. The screws are sometimes positioned on the highest or aspect of the microwave. After you have eliminated the screws, the exhaust vent needs to be free and simple to take away.
- Pull the exhaust vent straight out. Watch out to not injury the vent or the microwave if you pull it out.
- Clear the exhaust vent. After you have eliminated the exhaust vent, it is best to clear it with a moist material. You may as well use a gentle detergent to take away any grease or grime.
- Reinstall the exhaust vent. After you have cleaned the exhaust vent, you’ll be able to reinstall it by following the steps in reverse order. Ensure that the screws are tight and that the vent is correctly seated earlier than you flip the ability again on.
Instruments Required:
|
Philips screwdriver |
Damp material |
Delicate detergent (elective) |
Masking the Gap within the Cupboard
As soon as the microwave is eliminated, you will be left with a gap within the cupboard. You may cowl it up with just a few completely different strategies:
- Buy a cupboard filler panel. These panels are designed to suit the area left by a eliminated microwave and can be found in varied sizes and finishes to match your cabinetry.
- Reduce a chunk of plywood to suit the outlet. Paint or stain the plywood to match the cupboard and fasten it with screws or nails.
- Set up a shelf or different storage unit within the area. This can be a nice solution to make use of the additional area and add extra storage to your kitchen.
| Technique | Problem | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cupboard filler panel | Straightforward | $20-$50 |
| Plywood panel | Reasonable | $10-$20 |
| Shelf or storage unit | Tough | $50-$100 |
If you happen to select to put in a shelf or storage unit, make sure that to safe it correctly in order that it does not fall and trigger injury.
Cleansing the Microwave
Cleansing your overhead microwave is necessary for each security and efficiency. Here is a step-by-step information that can assist you clear your microwave successfully:
1. Collect Your Provides
You may want: a mushy material or sponge, a twig bottle full of equal elements white vinegar and water, a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, and a clear towel.
2. Take away the Turntable and Tray
Take away the turntable and tray from the microwave and wash them completely with cleaning soap and heat water.
3. Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a mushy material or sponge dampened with the vinegar answer to wipe down the outside of the microwave, together with the door, keypad, and sides.
4. Clear the Inside
Fill a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup with 1 cup of the vinegar answer. Microwave on excessive for 5-7 minutes, or till the answer boils and steams up the inside of the microwave.
5. Let it Sit
Permit the steam to sit down within the microwave for 10-Quarter-hour to loosen any meals particles or grease.
6. Wipe Down the Inside
As soon as the steam has had time to sit down, use a mushy material or sponge dampened with water to wipe down the inside of the microwave, together with the ceiling, partitions, and ground.
7. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the inside and exterior of the microwave with clear water and dry it completely with a clear towel to forestall water spots. Reassemble the turntable and tray, and your microwave is now clear and able to use!
Reinstalling the Exhaust Vent
As soon as the microwave is eliminated, the exhaust vent shall be uncovered. If the outdated vent is broken or soiled, it needs to be changed. To do that, merely take away the screws that maintain the vent in place, after which pull the vent straight out of the outlet. Insert the brand new vent into the outlet and safe it with the screws.
If the outdated vent is in good situation, it may be reused. Nonetheless, it is very important clear the vent earlier than reinstalling it. To scrub the vent, take away the screws that maintain the vent cowl in place, after which pull the quilt off. Take away any grease or particles from the vent cowl and the within of the vent. As soon as the vent is clear, exchange the quilt and safe it with the screws.
As soon as the exhaust vent is reinstalled, the microwave may be put again in place. To do that, merely elevate the microwave up and slide it onto the mounting bracket. Safe the microwave to the bracket with the screws that had been eliminated earlier. As soon as the microwave is safe, the set up is full.
Here’s a desk that summarizes the steps for reinstalling the exhaust vent:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take away the screws that maintain the exhaust vent in place. |
| 2 | Pull the exhaust vent straight out of the outlet. |
| 3 | If the outdated vent is broken or soiled, exchange it with a brand new one. |
| 4 | If the outdated vent is in good situation, clear it earlier than reinstalling it. |
| 5 | Insert the exhaust vent into the outlet and safe it with the screws. |
Reinstalling the Microwave
As soon as the outdated microwave has been eliminated, it is time to reinstall a brand new one. Listed here are the steps to comply with:
- Align the mounting bracket: Place the mounting bracket within the cupboard and align it with the holes on the microwave. Safe the bracket with screws or bolts.
- Cling the microwave: Elevate the microwave and punctiliously place it onto the mounting bracket. Guarantee it’s secure and safe.
- Tighten the screws: Find the 2 screws on both aspect of the microwave and tighten them utilizing a screwdriver. This can safe the microwave to the mounting bracket.
- Join the ability: Plug the ability wire of the microwave into a close-by outlet.
- Substitute the trim: Substitute the trim piece that was eliminated throughout the removing course of. Safe it with screws or clips.
- Take a look at the microwave: Activate the microwave and take a look at its performance to make sure it’s working correctly.
- Get pleasure from your new microwave: You may have now efficiently reinstalled the microwave. Use it to arrange scrumptious meals and warmth up snacks with ease.
| Required Instruments: |
|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver |
| Drill or impression driver |
| Wrench |
| Degree |
| Security glasses |
Step 1: Flip Off Electrical energy and Fuel
Security first! Start by switching off the ability provide on the circuit breaker panel. Find the breaker labeled “microwave” or “kitchen” and flip it to the “OFF” place. Moreover, flip off the gasoline provide valve positioned close to the gasoline line related to the microwave.
Step 2: Disconnect Wiring
Fastidiously unplug {the electrical} wire from the microwave. Notice the situation of {the electrical} wires related to the microwave’s terminal block. Utilizing a screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the wires in place and disconnect them. Label the wires with tape for simple reconnection afterward.
Step 3: Take away the Mounting Screws
Overhead microwaves are sometimes secured by two or extra screws positioned on the underside of the cupboard. Utilizing a screwdriver, find and take away these screws.
Step 4: Elevate the Microwave
Fastidiously seize the microwave from the underside and elevate it straight as much as detach it from the cupboard. Be conscious of any remaining wires or connections which will nonetheless be connected.
Step 5: Unmount the Bracket
The microwave is probably going mounted on a bracket connected to the cupboard. Find and take away the screws holding the bracket in place. As soon as the bracket is indifferent, you’ll be able to discard it.
Step 6: Clear the Space
Take this chance to wipe down the cupboard and the world the place the microwave was mounted, eradicating any mud or particles.
Step 7: Repackage the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is eliminated, wrap it securely in its unique packaging or a thick blanket for cover.
Step 8: Reconnect Electrical energy
Return to the circuit breaker panel and switch the “microwave” or “kitchen” breaker again to the “ON” place. Verify if the ability is restored to the outlet the place the microwave was plugged in.
Reconnecting Energy and Fuel Line
- Consult with the labeled wires from Step 2. Join the wires again to the terminal block on the microwave, guaranteeing they’re mounted securely.
- Plug {the electrical} wire of the microwave again into the outlet.
- Activate the microwave to make sure it’s functioning accurately.
- Activate the gasoline provide valve close to the gasoline line related to the microwave.
- Take a look at the microwave to confirm that the gasoline is flowing correctly.
Step 9: Reconnect Electrical Wires
Step 10: Reconnect to Electrical energy
Step 11: Reconnect to Fuel Line
The best way to Take away an Overhead Microwave
Eradicating an overhead microwave could be a daunting activity, however it isn’t unattainable. With the precise instruments and slightly little bit of endurance, you’ll be able to safely take away your microwave and unlock some beneficial area in your kitchen.
Instruments You Will Want:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Wrench
- Electrical tape
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Flip off the ability to the microwave on the circuit breaker.
2. Take away the screws which might be holding the microwave to the cupboard. There’ll sometimes be two screws on both sides of the microwave.
3. Fastidiously elevate the microwave straight up and out of the cupboard. Watch out to not injury the wires or the microwave itself.
4. Disconnect {the electrical} wires from the microwave. There’ll sometimes be two wires, a black wire and a white wire. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts which might be holding the wires in place, after which pull the wires out of the microwave.
5. Take away the mounting bracket from the cupboard. The mounting bracket is often held in place by two screws. Take away the screws after which elevate the mounting bracket off of the cupboard.
6. Patch the holes within the cupboard the place the mounting bracket was positioned. You should use a putty knife and spackling paste to fill the holes.
7. Reinstall the cupboard door.
8. Activate the ability to the microwave on the circuit breaker.
Folks Additionally Ask About The best way to Take away an Overhead Microwave
How do I take away the trim round my overhead microwave?
The trim round your overhead microwave is often held in place by screws or clips. Find the screws or clips and take away them. As soon as the trim is free, fastidiously pull it off of the microwave.
What do I do if the wires to my microwave are too brief to succeed in {the electrical} outlet?
If the wires to your microwave are too brief to succeed in {the electrical} outlet, you’ll need to increase the wires. To do that, you’ll need to buy {an electrical} extension wire that’s rated for the amperage of your microwave. Reduce the extension wire in half and strip the ends of the wires. Join the black wire from the extension wire to the black wire from the microwave. Do the identical with the white wire. Safe the connections with electrical tape.
