Appliances are essential for our daily lives, but they can also break down and cause us frustration and inconvenience. Sometimes, calling a professional repair service can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if the problem is minor and easy to fix. That's why it's good to know how to repair your own appliances and save some money and hassle.
In this article, we will show you some simple tips and tricks on how to diagnose and fix common appliance problems, such as a leaking refrigerator, a slow-filling washer, a smelly dishwasher, or a broken electric burner. You don't need to be an expert or have special tools to do these repairs. All you need is some basic knowledge, a multimeter, and some nut drivers.
Leaking Refrigerator
One of the most annoying appliance problems is a leaking refrigerator. Not only does it make a mess on your floor, but it can also damage your food and increase your energy bills. There are several possible causes of a leaking refrigerator, such as a clogged defrost drain, a faulty water inlet valve, or a cracked water supply line.
To fix a leaking refrigerator, you need to first identify the source of the leak. You can do this by pulling out the refrigerator from the wall and inspecting the back and bottom of the appliance. Look for signs of water dripping or pooling around the water inlet valve, the water supply line, or the defrost drain. If you find any cracks or leaks, you need to replace the faulty part with a new one.
If you don't see any obvious leaks from the back or bottom of the refrigerator, you need to check the inside of the appliance. Open the freezer door and look for ice buildup or water dripping from the evaporator coils. This could indicate a clogged defrost drain that prevents the melted ice from draining properly. To unclog the defrost drain, you need to remove the back panel of the freezer and use a turkey baster or a pipe cleaner to flush out any debris or ice from the drain hole.
Another possible cause of a leaking refrigerator is a damaged door seal or gasket that allows warm air to enter the appliance and create condensation. To check the door seal, close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, you need to replace the door seal with a new one.
Slow-Filling Washer
A washing machine that takes forever to fill may have an inlet screen clogged with mineral deposits and tiny particles of debris. The inlet screen is a small mesh filter that prevents dirt and sediment from entering the water valve and affecting the water pressure. Over time, the inlet screen can get dirty and reduce the water flow into the washer.
To fix a slow-filling washer, you need to first turn off the water supply valves behind the washer and disconnect the hot and cold water hoses from the back of the appliance. Then, use a pair of pliers to remove the screens from the water inlet valve. You can either clean them with a brush and vinegar or replace them with new ones if they are too damaged.
After cleaning or replacing the screens, reconnect the water hoses and turn on the water supply valves. Run a test cycle and see if the washer fills faster. If not, you may have another problem with the water valve or the pressure switch that requires professional attention.
Smelly Dishwasher
A smelly dishwasher can ruin your appetite and make your dishes smell bad. The main reason for a smelly dishwasher is food scraps that get stuck in the filter, spray arms, or drain hose and create bacteria and mold growth. To prevent this from happening, you should always scrape off any large food particles from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle once a month with vinegar or baking soda.
To fix a smelly dishwasher, you need to first remove and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. You can do this by twisting it counterclockwise and lifting it out. Then, rinse it under running water and scrub it with a soft brush or sponge. You should also check and clean the spray arms by removing any debris that may be blocking the holes.
Next, you need to clean the drain hose that connects the dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. You can do this by disconnecting it from both ends and flushing it with hot water and vinegar. You should also check for any kinks or bends that may restrict the water flow.
Finally, you need to run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or baking soda to sanitize and deodorize your dishwasher. You can do this by filling a cup with white vinegar or sprinkling some baking soda on the bottom of
the tub and running an empty cycle on high heat.
Broken Electric Burner
A broken electric burner can make cooking difficult and dangerous. If one of your electric burners is not heating up or is heating unevenly, you may have a problem with the burner itself, the receptacle, or the switch. To fix a broken electric burner, you need to first unplug the appliance and let it cool down completely.
Then, you need to test the burner by swapping it with another one that works. If the burner works in another slot, you know that the problem is not with the burner, but with the receptacle or the switch. If the burner does not work in another slot, you know that the problem is with the burner and you need to replace it with a new one.
To replace a burner, you need to lift it out of the slot and disconnect it from the receptacle. Then, insert a new burner into the receptacle and push it down firmly. To replace a receptacle, you need to remove the screws that hold it in place and disconnect the wires from the terminals. Then, connect the wires to a new receptacle and secure it with screws.
To replace a switch, you need to remove the back panel of the range and locate the switch that corresponds to the faulty burner. Then, disconnect the wires from the switch and remove it from the panel. Next, connect the wires to a new switch and install it in the panel.
Conclusion
As you can see, repairing your own appliances is not as hard as it may seem. With some basic tools and skills, you can save money and time by fixing common appliance problems yourself. However, if you are not confident or comfortable with doing these repairs, or if you encounter a more complex or serious issue, you should always call us. We have the experience and expertise to handle any appliance repair job quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for a free estimate and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.