Microwave Repair

Stop using it right away. Arcing usually starts with a damaged waveguide cover, a metal item left inside, or a failing magnetron — all of which get worse with continued use. The fire risk is real and the repair is much simpler before internal damage spreads.

Internal microwave repair is not safe as a DIY project. The high-voltage capacitor retains a potentially lethal charge even after the unit is unplugged, and discharging it safely requires proper technique and tools.

Over-the-range units take more time to access because they need to be safely removed from the mounting bracket before any internal work. That extra step is factored into the estimate upfront — the repair itself is the same once we have the unit on the bench.

Countertop microwaves under $150 are often not economical to repair — when a magnetron or control board fails, replacement is usually cheaper. Over-the-range and built-in models are a different story: the cost of cabinet modification and reinstallation makes repair almost always the better financial decision.