Over-the-range microwaves might be an effective way to save lots of house in a small kitchen and to maintain your counter tops clear. Nevertheless, they may also be a ache to take away, particularly when you’re undecided tips on how to do it safely. On this article, we are going to 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 vital to collect the proper instruments. You will have a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may additionally wish to have a helper readily available to help you.
Upon getting the mandatory instruments and helpers, you may start the removing course of. First, you have to to disconnect the ability to the microwave. This may be accomplished 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 may 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 may fastidiously elevate the microwave off of the mounting bracket.
Disconnecting Energy and Gasoline 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 change 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.
Gasoline Line Disconnect (if relevant)
In case your overhead microwave is linked to a fuel line, observe these extra steps to disconnect it:
- Flip off the fuel provide valve positioned on the fuel supply (sometimes a fuel meter or tank).
- Find the fuel connection to the microwave and use a wrench to fastidiously disconnect the road.
- Cap the fuel line opening on each the microwave and the fuel supply to stop any leaks.
- Use a fuel leak detector to test for any remaining fuel within the line.
| Disconnect Sequence | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find circuit breaker or fuse field |
| 2 | Flip off energy to microwave |
| 3 | Watch for energy to dissipate |
| 4 | Affirm no energy utilizing tester |
| 5 | Disconnect fuel line (if relevant) |
| 6 | Cap fuel line openings |
| 7 | Test for fuel leaks |
Detaching the Microwave from the Cupboard
Upon getting disconnected the ability and eliminated the duvet, it’s essential proceed to detach the microwave from the cupboard. This may be accomplished by following these steps:
- Find the screws which are 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 may 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. Observe these directions:
- Determine the aspect brackets which are 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 will require eradicating a number of screws per bracket.
- Gently elevate the microwave upward, tilting it barely away from the wall. This may disengage it from the brackets.
- Slide the microwave straight out from the cupboard opening.
| Bracket Sort | Removing 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 immediately attaching the microwave to the aspect brackets. |
| Locking Tabs | Determine 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 metallic bracket that holds the microwave in place on the wall or cupboard. To take away it, observe 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 may 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. Rigorously 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 may 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 may 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 harm.
As soon as the mounting plate is eliminated, examine it for any harm. If there may be any harm, you have to to exchange the mounting plate earlier than you may reinstall the microwave.
Reducing the Microwave
Earlier than starting, be certain 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 remaining place.
| **Tip:** For heavier microwaves or these put in in hard-to-reach areas, it is strongly recommended to have a second individual help within the reducing course of. |
Eradicating the Exhaust Vent
The exhaust vent is an important 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, ensure 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. Upon getting eliminated the screws, the exhaust vent needs to be free and straightforward to take away.
- Pull the exhaust vent straight out. Watch out to not harm the vent or the microwave once you pull it out.
- Clear the exhaust vent. Upon getting eliminated the exhaust vent, it is best to clear it with a humid material. You can even use a gentle detergent to take away any grease or grime.
- Reinstall the exhaust vent. Upon getting cleaned the exhaust vent, you may reinstall it by following the steps in reverse order. Be sure 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 (non-compulsory) |
Overlaying the Gap within the Cupboard
As soon as the microwave is eliminated, you may be left with a gap within the cupboard. You may cowl it up with just a few totally different strategies:
- Buy a cupboard filler panel. These panels are designed to suit the house left by a eliminated microwave and can be found in numerous sizes and finishes to match your cabinetry.
- Minimize a bit 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 house. It is a nice method to make use of the additional house and add extra storage to your kitchen.
| Methodology | Problem | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cupboard filler panel | Straightforward | $20-$50 |
| Plywood panel | Average | $10-$20 |
| Shelf or storage unit | Troublesome | $50-$100 |
When you select to put in a shelf or storage unit, ensure to safe it correctly in order that it does not fall and trigger harm.
Cleansing the Microwave
Cleansing your overhead microwave is vital 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 will want: a mushy material or sponge, a twig bottle stuffed with equal components 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 totally with cleaning soap and heat water.
3. Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a mushy material or sponge dampened with the vinegar resolution 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 resolution. 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 totally with a clear towel to stop 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 previous 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 previous vent is in good situation, it may be reused. Nevertheless, 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 duvet 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 duvet and safe it with the screws.
As soon as the exhaust vent is reinstalled, the microwave might 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 previous vent is broken or soiled, exchange it with a brand new one. |
| 4 | If the previous 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 previous microwave has been eliminated, it is time to reinstall a brand new one. Listed here are the steps to observe:
- 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: Carry the microwave and thoroughly 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 may safe the microwave to the mounting bracket.
- Join the ability: Plug the ability wire of the microwave into a close-by outlet.
- Exchange the trim: Exchange the trim piece that was eliminated through 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.
- Take pleasure in your new microwave: You could 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 affect driver |
| Wrench |
| Stage |
| Security glasses |
Step 1: Flip Off Electrical energy and Gasoline
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 fuel provide valve positioned close to the fuel line linked to the microwave.
Step 2: Disconnect Wiring
Rigorously unplug {the electrical} wire from the microwave. Notice the placement of {the electrical} wires linked 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 in a while.
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: Carry the Microwave
Rigorously seize the microwave from the underside and elevate it straight as much as detach it from the cupboard. Be aware of any remaining wires or connections that will nonetheless be hooked up.
Step 5: Unmount the Bracket
The microwave is probably going mounted on a bracket hooked up to the cupboard. Find and take away the screws holding the bracket in place. As soon as the bracket is indifferent, you may 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 authentic 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. Test if the ability is restored to the outlet the place the microwave was plugged in.
Reconnecting Energy and Gasoline Line
- Confer with the labeled wires from Step 2. Join the wires again to the terminal block on the microwave, guaranteeing they’re fixed securely.
- Plug {the electrical} wire of the microwave again into the outlet.
- Activate the microwave to make sure it’s functioning accurately.
- Activate the fuel provide valve close to the fuel line linked to the microwave.
- Take a look at the microwave to confirm that the fuel is flowing correctly.
Step 9: Reconnect Electrical Wires
Step 10: Reconnect to Electrical energy
Step 11: Reconnect to Gasoline Line
Learn how to Take away an Overhead Microwave
Eradicating an overhead microwave could be a daunting process, however it’s not unattainable. With the proper instruments and somewhat little bit of endurance, you may safely take away your microwave and release some useful house 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 are holding the microwave to the cupboard. There’ll sometimes be two screws on both sides of the microwave.
3. Rigorously elevate the microwave straight up and out of the cupboard. Watch out to not harm 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 are 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 utilize 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 Learn how 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 quick to achieve {the electrical} outlet?
If the wires to your microwave are too quick to achieve {the electrical} outlet, you have to to increase the wires. To do that, you have to to buy {an electrical} extension wire that’s rated for the amperage of your microwave. Minimize 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.
