Signs Your Microwave Needs Repairing

Posted on: 4 September 2018

If you have noticed that your microwave is no longer cooking your food evenly, or it takes longer for it to get done, you may start to suspect that there is something wrong with the appliance. If so, look for the following signs that your microwave may need to be repaired.

Door Does Not Stay Shut

One problem that may be making your microwave cook incorrectly is that the door is not staying shut during operation. This problem is usually caused by the seal being either dirty or worn.

Although the microwave is working, there may be a gap allowing the heat and radiation to escape. This creates a dangerous situation, as the intense radioactive waves are not meant to come into contact with you or anything outside of the appliance.

Before you look to having the seal repaired or replaced, wipe it down with rag using soapy dishwater. Rinse the seal, then try closing the door again. If this does not fix the problem, take it to a microwave repair service.

Buzzing Noise While Turntable Is Rotating

Another sign that your microwave is on the verge of breaking down is when you start hearing a buzzing noise while the turntable is rotating. If the gears are wearing down, the pulley they move to keep the turntable working will start to slip around them.

Along with the noise, you may also notice that the turntable frequently pauses or even appears to be moving back and forth at the same spot. Since the food on the turntable is not rotating smoothly, the food will cook more in one area than another.

Another potential cause of the problem is lodged food that is keeping the turntable from moving properly. Try removing the turntable and checking the hole in which it sits for any food lodged inside the space. Also, clean the spindle and the turntable to make sure you remove any residual food to make sure it is not causing the issue.

After cleaning the pieces and checking the hole, place a glass of water in the microwave before turning it on. This allows you to monitor the turntable's behavior, as well as not run the microwave without anything in it, which could burn up the microwave. If you still have a problem, the unit is in need of repairs.

If your microwave is exhibiting any of the above signs, it probably has a problem that requires professional attention if you want to fix it. Contact an appliance service that offers microwave repair to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

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