High voltage stays inside a microwave even when unplugged, so stop at the plug
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against do-it-yourself microwave repair. Microwaves use high voltage. Shock is possible even after the oven is disconnected. An average of two people a year were electrocuted attempting repairs from 2006 through 2008. The CPSC recommends professionals. The page carries no date. So treat the figure as a past average, not a current count.
Over the range microwave repair Winston-Salem NC kitchens ask for, and the other types we fix
Over-the-range and hood combinations
These mount above the cooktop and also vent steam. Best for units that heat but have a dead fan or light. The differentiator: the unit is bolted to the wall and cabinet. So removal takes two people and care.
Built-in and drawer models
Built in microwave repair Winston-Salem NC calls involve units set into cabinetry or an island. Best for trim-fitted units that would be costly to replace. The differentiator: the technician measures the opening before any replacement talk.
Countertop microwave repair Winston-Salem NC and when to skip it
Countertop units are the easiest to move and often cheaper to replace than repair. Best for a turntable or door fix. The differentiator: you get the honest call, repair or replace.
Which Winston-Salem microwave problems are worth repairing
| Symptom | Likely cause | Repair or replace |
|---|---|---|
| Runs but does not heat | Magnetron, diode or capacitor | Often replace a countertop, repair a built-in |
| Sparks inside | Food debris or damaged metal shielding | Cleaning fixes debris, shielding needs repair |
| Turntable will not turn | Motor or drive coupler | Repair, a small part |
| Will not start | Door switch or fuse | Repair |
| Keypad dead or erratic | Main control board | Depends on the age of the unit |
The symptom list follows Mr. Appliance and its Asheville page.
Checks a Winston-Salem homeowner can try before calling
- Unplug the unit for 20 to 30 minutes as a hard reset, the step Mr. Appliance describes.
- Press cancel and clear the child lock.
- Plug a lamp into the outlet to prove it has power.
- Wipe the door seal and edges, and remove any metal.
- Seat the turntable on its coupler.
Stop and unplug for sparks, burning smells, smoke or a door that will not latch.
What sets the cost of a microwave call and how long it takes in Winston-Salem
The failed part, the microwave type and whether the part is on hand set the price. Over-the-range and built-in units need more labor to remove. Ordering a part adds a second visit. The free estimate includes a plain answer when replacing the microwave is smarter.
How a microwave visit goes in a Winston-Salem kitchen
- Call (336) 738-8095 and describe the type, the brand and the symptom.
- Unplug the microwave and clear the counter or cabinet below it.
- Meet the technician, who identifies the failed part.
- Review the estimate and decide on repair or replacement.
- Watch the technician test heating before leaving.
Where we repair microwaves around Winston-Salem and Forsyth County
Technicians travel across Winston-Salem, the Forsyth County seat. The surrounding Forsyth County communities are listed on one page. Start at the Dryer Repair Winston-Salem homepage for every service. Cooktop trouble goes to range and oven repair. A leaking appliance to dishwasher repair.
What to expect from a local Winston-Salem microwave technician
Objection: it is only a microwave, so why repair it
Fair. A countertop unit is often cheaper to replace. You will be told so. Built-in and over-the-range units are different.
Objection: I can swap the part myself
The CPSC says not to. The danger sits inside, not at the plug.
August 2016: more than 15,000 Whirlpool over-the-range microwaves recalled for fire
Scene. On August 25, 2016, WPTV reported that Whirlpool recalled over 15,000 microwave hood combinations.
Problem. The units posed a fire hazard.
Tension. Ten models were affected, sold nationwide between January 2014 and April 2016. The report does not describe a remedy.
What a careful technician does. Looks up the model number against recalls before repairing.
Outcome and lesson. A hood microwave above the stove deserves a recall check. That is because a fault there sits over an open flame or hot cooktop.
Sources and further reading
Microwave questions from Winston-Salem kitchens
Is it safe to open my microwave to check the part?
No. The CPSC warns that microwaves use high voltage and that shock is possible even after unplugging. That is because certain internal devices can still injure you. Dryer Repair Winston-Salem handles microwave repair in Winston-Salem so you never open the case yourself. Unplug it and call instead.
Why does my microwave run but not heat?
The heating parts have usually failed while the fan, light and turntable still work. Those parts are the magnetron, diode or capacitor. That repair involves high voltage, so it belongs to a technician. Describe what still works when you call (336) 738-8095 for a free estimate.
What causes sparks inside a microwave?
Food debris, a metal item or damaged metal shielding is the usual cause. Stop using it, unplug it and wipe the interior and door edges. If sparks return with an empty, clean cavity, call (336) 738-8095. Do not run it again, because shielding damage needs repair.
How do I reset a microwave?
Press cancel or reset, clear the child lock. Then unplug the microwave for 20 to 30 minutes and plug it back in. Mr. Appliance describes that hard reset as a first step. If the unit still fails, a part has failed and a technician should test it.
Is microwave repair worth the cost?
For built-in and over-the-range units, usually yes, since replacement means cabinet work. For a countertop unit, often not. Mr. Appliance's Charlotte page puts most repairs at $150 to $500, an average rather than a quote. So call to confirm before deciding.
Do you repair over the range microwaves in Winston-Salem?
Yes. Dryer Repair Winston-Salem sends a local technician for over-the-range, built-in and countertop microwaves across Winston-Salem NC. A person answers (336) 738-8095 and the estimate is free. You will hear whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your unit before any work starts.
My turntable stopped spinning. Is that serious?
No, it is one of the smaller repairs. The motor or the drive coupler is usually the cause. First check that the glass tray sits on the coupler and that nothing blocks it. If the tray is seated and still will not turn, call (336) 738-8095.
Can a bad door switch stop the microwave?
Yes. A faulty door switch can stop the microwave from starting, and Mr. Appliance lists it as a common cause. Do not tape, prop or force the door. Call (336) 738-8095 so a technician can test the switch and the latch together.
Ready to find out if your Winston-Salem microwave is worth fixing?
Tell the person who answers the type, the brand and what it does. The estimate is free, so call (336) 738-8095.
Call (336) 738-8095