Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a professional repairman to do some simple appliance repairs around your house. Many of these repairs are incredibly easy, and you can complete them in just a few minutes or less. From fixing a broken faucet to repairing an old and busted washing machine, you can do all kinds of things by using just a few simple tools and some basic knowledge. And this article is here to show you how!
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The Average Cost To Repair Home Appliances
Home repairs are often necessary for homeownership, yet they can also be unexpected and expensive. Appliance repair is no exception – the average cost to repair appliances in the home can vary greatly depending on the age and type of appliance, as well as the specific issue that needs to be addressed. Generally speaking, repairing a large appliance like an oven or refrigerator costs more than a dishwasher or washing machine combined with labor costs.
For instance, the average cost to repair a washing machine can range from $100 to $300, depending on the issue. The average cost to repair a dishwasher typically falls somewhere between $60 and $150, while fixing a refrigerator can run anywhere from $80 to several hundred dollars. Of course, these are just averages – if your appliance is old or you have a particularly complex issue, you can expect your repair costs to be even higher.
Appliance Repairs You Can Do Yourself
With the high cost of repairs, some homeowners try to fix the problem themselves before calling a repair service. And thankfully, with the right tools and knowledge, there are many simple and easy appliance repairs that you can do yourself in just a matter of minutes. Here are a few of the common ones:
Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can be a major annoyance in the home, but it is not necessarily a cause for alarm. In most cases, you can quickly repair a leaky faucet without calling in an appliance repair specialist. It’s important first to understand what is causing the leak before trying to make any repairs. Common causes of a leaking faucet include worn-out washers, loose fittings, or corroded valve parts.
Once you’ve identified the source of the problem, replacing faulty washers or O-rings should do away with any annoying dripping from your faucet and save you time and money on an expensive appliance repair technician.
Clogged Dryer Vent
Clogged dryer vents are common — but often overlooked — appliance repair that is easy to do yourself. Most of the time, clogs are from lint buildup, which you can remove with a vacuum cleaner attachment or a lint brush (available at most home goods stores). Once the lint is gone, you can use a vent brush to scrub away any more debris that may have lodged itself in the ducts.
Doing this on your own is convenient compared to paying for an appliance repairman and reduces the risk of fire due to an unchecked buildup of heat and lint. In short, regular maintenance of your dryer vent can save you money and keep your house safe if done correctly.
A Bad Stove Burner
Replacing a bad stove burner is one of the most often-needed yet intimidating appliance repairs for homeowners. However, it can be a daunting task without proper instructions and the right tools. With time and patience, replacing a stove burner isn’t necessarily a complex procedure and can be done safely and successfully with the right know-how and determination.
The key to success lies in understanding the steps involved, from purchasing the correct replacement part to turning off all fuel supply lines or electrical sources prior to beginning disassembly of the burner to ensuring all components are correctly installed once the repair has been completed. With the proper preparation and attention to detail, replacing a stove burner can be pretty simple – saving you time and money in the long run.
Leaky Fridge
Fixing a leaking fridge can be much easier than you might expect. If your refrigerator has a drip pan, locate it beneath your fridge, as it collects and evaporates all the condensation that the fridge produces – any water coming out of the back or sides of the refrigerator likely comes from a clogged drain tube. If this is the case, there are simple steps to take, like removing and cleaning all plugs of debris or using hot water to clear a clog if necessary.
Additionally, ensure to take care when removing panels from your refrigerator to access any potential issue areas, as the improper technique could cause more harm than good. Knowing how your fridge works is key for a successful repair, and fixing some small problems can save you time and money!
Broken Ice Maker
Fixing a broken ice maker is another one of those easy DIY repair jobs that anyone can do with just a few tools and basic mechanical knowledge. First, you’ll need to ensure the power is off to the unit before opening it up. Then you’ll want to check the main control board for any evidence of burnt-out components or poor connections. Once that’s done, inspect the water pressure and temperature sensors for any issues and reinstall them as necessary.
And if none of those methods work, you can also try cleaning out the ice maker with warm water and vinegar. Once you’ve tackled any simple problems, reconnect your ice maker to power and test it again to see if it’s working correctly. If all else fails, you can always call a professional for help – but in most cases, repairing an ice maker is a quick and easy DIY job.
Busted Washing Machine
Whether you’re a complete novice regarding household appliances, or the self-proclaimed handyman of your home, fixing a washing machine yourself is a challenging but rewarding task. While it may require purchasing replacement parts and certain tools, attempting to fix a busted washing machine is much more affordable than paying for professional repairs.
The first step is to turn off the power to your washing machine and look at what’s happening inside. If you see any loose hoses or debris, remove those and test your washer again to see if it’s working correctly. Next, check the hoses for any damage, and if you see anything that looks questionable, you can replace them with new ones.
If these steps don’t work, it may be time to call a professional for help. But at the very least, you’ll save yourself the hassle and expense of having someone else do the repairs for you!
Before You Call For Help, Try These Appliance Repairs Yourself!
With time and patience, anyone can successfully repair their appliances at home. Whether dealing with a leaky fridge or a broken washing machine, simple steps can help you get your appliance back up and running in no time. So don’t panic if your fridge breaks down or your ice maker goes out – with the right tools and some know-how, you can take care of many of these repairs on your own! From knowing how your appliance works to taking care when removing panels and cleaning components, DIY appliance repairs can be a simple way to cut back on the cost of homeownership.
