- 1). Check the dimensions and verify the fuel source. Measure the existing cooktop and determine if it is a 30-inch model or a 36-inch model. Check the fuel source. Both electric and gas cooktops may use electricity and have power leads. It is a little more complicated to verify whether it uses LPG or natural gas. If your gas is delivered by truck to a storage tank, it is LPG; if it comes through a pipe from the street it is natural gas.
- 2). Purchase a new cooktop which replicates the old one as closely as possible. Try to match the brand and model number.
- 3). Arrange for the new appliance to be converted to LPG if necessary. This should be done by a licensed gas installer.
- 4). Switch off the gas or electricity at the main. Noting the wire permutation, remove the electrical connection at the junction box for an electric cooktop. Remove the electrical lead and gas connection for the gas cooktop. Remove the old cooktop by unscrewing the thumb, wood or masonry screws underneath and lift the cooktop off the countertop.
- 5). Drop the new cooktop into place. Re-establish fuel connections. In the case of the electric cooktop, simply attach the wires following your notes from Step 4, colored wire to colored wire. Make sure the bare ground wire is attached to the cooktop and don't cut the conduit. In the case of a gas cooktop, verify the pressure regulator is still in place and assemble the gas pipe in the following order: Manual shut-off valve to nipple, to flare union, to the flexible connector, to flare union, to nipple, to pressure regulator. Use pipe-joint compound and a wrench to tighten fittings. You can simply use the old fittings if they are there.
- 6). Re-establish service. For electric cooktops, simply test. For gas cooktops, perform a pressure leak test. Coat the connections with soapy water, turn the gas supply on and look for bubbles.
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