Removing silicone sealant in between induction hob and granite worktop DIY hints, tips and solutions to the removal and repair of marked and stained areas

[JaneCheshire]

Four years ago, we had a new kitchen fitted. The kitchen fitters sealed the induction hob to the granite worktop. The hob now needs repairing and we need to be able to lift it out of the worktop. However, we cannot do this because of the sealant. I have removed the sealant around the edge of the hob using a knife but we are having difficulty removing the sealant that has been put under the lip of the hob (sticking it to the worktop) as there is no gap in places or only 0.5mm gap in other places. We have tried squirting in Soudal Sealant remover and sliding a knife into the gap (where there is one) to try and slice the silicone, but the worktop is still stuck fast. Can anybody advise what we could do? Thanks

[welsh brickie]

stupid question, but have you undone the clips under the worktop first, reason being done the exact same job today,and used a wood chisel to ease the hob up and cut the silicone with a Stanley knife, it worked a treat.

[JaneCheshire]

Hi, there are no clips holding it in place. We have had a good look under it with a torch and there is nothing holding the hob to the worktop, except the silicone sealant! Thanks though.

[lancemayhew]

Lol was just looking at this. Try a straight cut putty knife or filler blade rather then a chisel. With a putty knife its easier to get a good amount of grip under with the added surface area and the mastic can be cut away by sliding it under. though if you are re using the worktop i would make sure the blade isnt kinking or bending in any way. DIY Doctor says :- This is about the best suggustion. Hobs are very strong and will take a certain amount of force so forcing a putty knife under the hob to cut through the sealant is a good option. Once you have made a start along one side it should be possible to lift the hob very slightly and put a couple of tea-spoon handles under it to keep it slight raised and make cutting through easier on the other sides. We have litle rubber wedges for this as this problem is as old as the hills. Good luck