Having an appliance break can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Most common issues with appliances are simple and require no more than a few tools from your toolbox.
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Check for a Simple Issue
A broken appliance can be a huge hassle and often times very expensive. But before calling in a professional, it’s important to check for simple issues. If you do this, the repair may be cheaper than you think.
A lot of the time it’s as simple as the appliance not being plugged in or a tripped breaker. This could save you a lot of money and a lot of frustration. Always make sure that the breaker is off and use a non-contact voltage tester or a multimeter before doing any work on electrical wiring.
Many people don’t realize that their dishwasher, oven or washer needs regular maintenance. Keeping these appliances clean and in good condition goes a long way to prevent them from breaking down. If you have a large appliance such as a washer, dryer, or refrigerator that is showing signs of breakdown, be sure to read the manufacturer’s User Manual for specific instructions on how to clean and maintain it.
Most of these appliances have a reset button that is easily accessible and can solve your problem in no time at all. If you have a garbage disposal, simply push the on/off switch to the on position. This will shut off the motor and allow it to cool down. If you’re looking to save even more money on appliance repairs, try cleaning out your fridge with vinegar or baking soda instead of putting it in the trash.
A broken dishwasher or a malfunctioning fridge can be a nightmare for landlords and tenants alike. There is often gray area on who is responsible for a repair, so it’s best to avoid conflict altogether by clearly outlining the responsibility in the lease agreement. If this doesn’t work, a landlord can arrange to have the appliance fixed and deduct the cost from the rent, with proof of the bill provided by the tenant.
Whether you’re a professional technician or just a DIY homeowner, there are plenty of appliance repair videos on YouTube to help you troubleshoot and do your own repairs. There are a variety of different topics, from basic repairs to advanced techniques. Be sure to subscribe to the channels that are relevant to your interests and learn more about appliance repair by watching these helpful videos!
Check the Power Source
The first thing you’ll need to do is check the power. Most appliances run off of a standard wall outlet with three wires, one black, one white and one green. Look to see that the breaker is not flipped or that it has been tripped. If it has, shut off the power at your circuit box. Then, unplug the appliance and check for a burning smell. Burning smells indicate that a wire or part of the appliance is overheating. This could result in a fire or, at the very least, a melted plug and a faulty connection.
You may also want to check the owner’s manual for any tips or troubleshooting charts that might help you. For example, many appliance manufacturers list a number to call in the event of an error. Using this number and following the instructions will get you back on track.
Another great way to troubleshoot an appliance is to use a multimeter, or electrical tester. A simple multimeter is available at most hardware stores for about $10 and is more than enough to perform the tests called for in the Fix-It Guides. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and disconnect the appliance from its power source before testing for continuity and resistance. Never conduct a continuity or resistance test with an appliance still plugged in; this can cause an electrical shock that may be fatal.
When testing for continuity, a multimeter should read zero when the appliance is functioning properly. If the test reads any other value, there is some resistance in the system and you will need to locate the source of the problem.
Using the information available online, you can often identify a problem and make a quick repair without having to call in a professional. However, if you feel that the job is beyond your ability to do it safely and correctly, do not try to tackle it on your own.
There are plenty of videos on YouTube to teach you how to do simple repairs, and the best ones include step-by-step instructions that will give you confidence in your abilities. Ultimately, you’ll find that it is very rewarding and saves you the cost of hiring a professional.
Check the Wiring
Often, the problem is in the wires or connections inside the appliance. Over time, they can wear or become corroded and not pass electricity. A quick check with a continuity tester or multimeter will tell you whether the wiring is OK. If not, it’s best to turn off the power and open the appliance up for further inspection and repairs.
Before you start taking apart your appliance, it’s important to be prepared and make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You may need to undo a few dozen screws or do some serious disassembly to reach the part that is malfunctioning. Always remember to take all the proper safety precautions, such as turning off the power source, using a non-contact voltage tester or multimeter, and wearing sturdy gloves.
In addition to safety equipment, you should also have a basic tool kit with screwdrivers and other common household tools. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s best to call in a professional.
To check the wiring, first disconnect the cord from its outlet. Use a multimeter or continuity tester to test the cord for continuity (ability to pass electricity from one plug prong to the other) and to verify that it has no breaks in the insulation. Typically, the flat blade on the plug connects to the black wire, the round pin connects to the white wire and the green connector is for ground.
If the meter reads very little resistance, it means that the cord has no problems and is passing electricity. However, if it reads high resistance, the cord is broken or damaged internally, and it should be replaced as soon as possible.
It’s always a good idea to assess the condition of your outlets regularly, because over time, they can loosen and shake, which can disrupt the flow of electricity and cause sparks, shock and fires. If your outlet is loose, tighten it with a screwdriver. It will only take a minute and it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Call in a Professional
There are some times when it is simply best to call in a professional for appliance repair. This is especially true for larger appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, where a malfunction can be much more dangerous. Trying to fix these appliances without the right experience could result in further damage, and even more expensive repairs down the line.
A reputable appliance repair company will have the proper tools and equipment necessary to properly diagnose any issues and get the job done right the first time. They will also be able to offer tips and advice for maintenance after the repair has been completed. This can help extend the life of your appliance and keep it running at peak performance for longer.
When an appliance breaks down, it can be a huge inconvenience for everyone. It can disrupt the daily routine, cause delays in important tasks and even lead to frustration and stress. When it comes to home appliances, a broken one is typically the last thing that anyone wants.
Taking on DIY repair projects can be tempting, but in most cases it is not worth the hassle. Instead of spending your time working on a broken appliance, you can use that time to spend with family or catch up on work and household chores.
In addition to saving money, hiring a professional will ensure that the problem is resolved permanently. In contrast, a DIY project may only provide a temporary solution that will reappear after some time.
If you decide to hire a professional for appliance repair, be sure to clear the area where the technician will be working so that there are no distractions or hazards present. Also, be sure to shut off the power and water to any appliances where possible, as well as unplug them from their sockets.
For more information on DIY appliance repair, visit Fred’s Appliance Academy. This online resource provides video and written tutorials for those looking to improve their repair skills. Fred’s Appliance Academy is run by an experienced technician and focuses on the technical side of appliance repair. It is the perfect resource for those looking to build their repair skills and learn from one of the industry’s top trainers.