How to Repair Barbecues
Summer would not be complete without a backyard barbecue. A get-together with friends and family to have a barbecue is always wanted and welcome. If your grill is broken or not working to the fullest it could affect your plans, but don’t fret; the barbecue grill can be repaired in a few simple steps.
- Remove and clean the grill grate. After a lot of use, the grate will often contain grit, grime, and rust. These bacterial agents can easily contaminate the barbecue if not properly cleaned or if the food is not thoroughly cooked through. After the grill grate is clean wrap the entire grate with aluminum foil. The foil will need to be a couple of layers thick. Cut slits into the foil once wrapped around the grate following the original grill pattern to allow proper air flow in the grill.
- Sand the inside of the collector box and remove all of the corrosion built up on the inside of the collector box. The collector box is located next to the burners. Sand the corrosion from the electrode tip in the collector box until the tip is clean.
- Soak cotton swabs in rubbing alcohol. Wipe down the electrode using the soaked cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.
- Remove and set aside the grill and lava rocks or ceramic briquettes. Cautiously remove the burners and use a wire brush and warm soapy water to clean them. Clean out as much of the grease build up as possible. Grease build up in the burners can cause gas blockages.
- Remove the control knob cap and clean it. Thoroughly clean the surface of the control panel.
- Spray the valve stems with penetrating oil or an oil-based lubricant to protect it from rust. Twist and turn the knobs to help the lubricant settle into the moving parts.