Appliance Repair Tips For Major Home Appliances

We all love appliances that are durable and effective. It feels great when each household appliance does whatever it’s supposed to do seamlessly. However, we all experience instances where they either break down or start performing poorly.

Sometimes the fault may not really be something major; just a minor issue that you can fix in a few minutes. Therefore, it is important to learn some basics on how to repair major household appliances. This information can save you lots of time and money spent looking for professional appliance repair help.

side by side refrigerator

Refrigerators

It may crush your spirit to see your expensive Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag or any other fridge getting too warm or developing other performance issues. Below are some tips that you can use to repair your refrigeration device:

  1. Icemaker issues

First check whether the tube supplying ice to the ice maker is plugged in. If the saddle valve is blocked, unblock it. Check if the water inlet valve is faulty and replace it if it has issues.

  1. Leaking fridge

Check the icemaker water supply and unclog it if it’s obstructed. Level the fridge so that water in the pan doesn’t pour out. Check if the drain tube is clogged and clear it.

  1. Fridge not cooling as it should

If so, first make sure that the fridge is properly connected to electricity. Check different parts of the fridge to diagnose any possible faults. Make sure the temperature control dial is set to your desired temperature. Clean the coils so that there is a smooth flow of air. Unblock any vents that may be blocked by your containers. Also make sure that the condenser fan is properly freed up. Check the circuit board. If it has problems arrange for it to be repaired or replaced.

  1. Fridge too noisy

In this case, the parts to quickly check out are: the condenser fan motor, the freezer evaporator fan motor and the compressor at the bottom. Faulty fan motors can be easily replaced. However, if the problem is a loud compressor, you may have to consider buying a new refrigerator as they are typically very expensive.

Dishwashers

The three most common dishwasher problems include dishes coming out stained or spotted, leaving a water puddle on the floor or the dishwasher just not starting up. If you experience any of the above issues, below are guidelines on how to sort them out, especially in the case of a GE dishwasher (but the guidelines will work on any other brand):

  1. Dishes not coming out clean

In this case, first make sure you’re using the dishwasher properly and taking care of all the basics. If the problem persists, clean the spray arm. Next, clean the float switch. This may not always be necessary, but it takes such a short time to clean so you can still do it anyway. Finally, clean the valve screen. Once you’re done cleaning these, you will be able to get squeaky clean dishes once the dishwashing is done.

Dishwasher Appliance

  1. Door leaks

No one likes to see water puddles on the floor after washing dishes. Mostly the problem of water puddles is caused by door leaks. Adjust the door to ensure it closes properly. In case the leak persists, replace your door gasket. Note that there are types that are tricky to install, therefore, strictly follow the users’ manual.

  1. Dishwasher not starting

If this is the case, first ensure that the power supply is properly connected. If the issue persists, spin the motor. Sometimes the motor doesn’t turn because of not using the dishwasher for a long time. This should make it start. However, if the problem persists, do not hesitate to contact a reputable appliance repair company.

Ovens

Is your oven not heating up when baking or displaying other issues?

If so, you need to check the different components of the oven to make sure they’re working fine. Observe to see if there are visible faults that can be easily repaired or replaced. You may need to use a multi-meter to check for continuity in other parts. The parts to check out include the bake element, oven control thermostat, temperature sensor, electronic control board and the fuses. If you detect any fault in these, arrange for a replacement.

Gas or electric stoves

The most common problems on gas or electric stoves are either the gas is not lighting or the oven is not heating. Below are some fixes to common problems on gas or electric stoves:

  1. Not starting

This will need you to inspect different key parts such as the surface element, bake element, broil element, oven igniter and the infinite switch. Clean, repair or replace any part that may have a problem.

  1. Not lighting

If your gas stove is not lighting, clean igniter or pilot first. If the problem persists, clean the entire burner assembly and the spark ignition system.

  1. Electric burner not heating

Replace any burner that looks pitted or scorched. Make sure that there are solid contacts in the connections. You can test a unit by taking one of your working burners and putting it in faulty socket. If it works, replace the non-functioning burner. Also check the burner socket for any scorching or charring – if any of these are present, you’ll need to arrange for a replacement.

Washers

Common washer problems include noise, leakages and problems with starting. Just as all other residential appliances, the cause of the problem will determine the solution.

Clothes Washer

  1. Noise

You will need to clean or repair different parts depending on the sound produced. Squeaky bearings need to be lubricated. Check other parts such as the drive pulleys, motor coupling, drain pumps, shock absorbers and agitator cogs among others. In case they are faulty, replace them accordingly.

  1. Leakages

First diagnose the cause of the leakage. This may be faulty door seals, worn out pumps or problems with the water inlet valves. These will need to either be unclogged, fastened or replaced.

  1. Not starting

If your washer does not start, check key components like timers, electronic controls, switches and thermal fuses for faults and adjust, repair or replace as necessary.

A good percentage of home appliance issues can be quickly fixed without having to pay a professional appliance service technician to take care of it. Use the above tips to try fix your household appliances and save lots of time, money and energy.