From time to time, household appliances can malfunction and cause you a lot of stress. It is best to be prepared in case they break or do not function properly. It can save you money and time if you decide to do it yourself because hiring a professional may be costly.
If you want to extend the life of your household appliances, continue reading, and let us help you do just that.
Get Ready
Most household appliances fail due to electrical problems, and you will need the proper tools if you want to repair them. To be certain that the problem is in fact electrical, you will need a multimeter. A multimeter can quickly check for electrical problems and pinpoint which wires aren’t malfunctioning.
A toolbox can be a great way to save money on trips to the handyman shop when your appliance is ready to go. For more complex repairs, a screwdriver and a hammer may not suffice. You will need to have a few tools, such as pliers and a case full of lock washers, rubber mallets or tape measures, a utility saw, and a hammer.
Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles or hearing protectors, is a smart thing to do if you’re using machines or tools that could potentially cause harm to your health.
Take a Look at the Obvious
Before you establish that your appliance cannot be repaired, check for small problems, such as the appliance not being properly powered or not properly set up. The multimeter will help you determine if the problem is in the power supply or if the appliance is not working. Check to see if the appliance makes a clicking sound. If so, the problem could be caused by a missing lock washer, which prevents the bolts or screws from falling out of their mating assemblies.
Nowadays, smart appliances display error codes. You can search for the error code online to find simple solutions that will help you troubleshoot your problem. Make sure you check the main panel for any blown fuses or circuit breakers.
Sometimes the problem may be elsewhere. Before focusing on the appliance, make sure you check all aspects.
Safety First
Disconnect the appliance power supply from the appliance before beginning the repair. It is important to keep the appliance off the main power supply so that nobody gets hurt during repairs. Go through the manual carefully as it can provide valuable information and solutions to certain problems.
Simple Fixes to Common Problems With Appliances
Common problems are easily fixable, and the chance of you requiring a handyman is slim. Here are some of the most common appliance problems and ways to solve them.
Air Conditioning
It’s time to check your central air conditioner for AC repair issues. Air filters are often the root cause of AC problems. Filters can become very dirty and stop your AC from working properly. Even if there isn’t a lot of dust, filters need to be changed every two to three months.
First, turn off your AC unit. Remove the old filter from the vents and insert the new ones. Close the vent gate, and you can use your AC again without any issues.
Leaking Fridge
A clogged drain is the most common reason for a fridge leak. This can be fixed by unplugging the freezer and removing all food, as well as the sliding drawers. With a stiff wire, remove the ice from your drain hole, fill the basting syringe with warm water, and force the water in the drain hole to dissolve the ice.
The Gas Burner Won’t Light
Gas burners are most often affected by a clogged orifice. Start by removing the burner grate and then proceed to clean the burner cap with a wire brush. Next, take a flashlight and search for a brass hexagon with a hole in it. To break up the clog, gently use a paperclip to circle around it. Avoid inserting the paperclip into the gas burner hole as it can enlarge the hole which will result in a bigger flame.
After the clog has been removed, place the burner cap and burner grate back in their original positions and check if the gas burner is working properly.
Last Thoughts
These tips should help you maintain all your major appliances if you repair them yourself. If you have any questions or aren’t sure how to solve a specific problem, it’s best that you hire a professional.
