5 Easy DIY Appliance Repairs
Appliances are integral to our daily lives, and when they stop working the way that they should, it can be a serious problem. Many appliance repair jobs tend to cost a lot of money, and can be time consuming to schedule. In many instances, however, it's possible to do the repair yourself, sometimes in just minutes. The following five repairs can be done by most homeowners.
Replace the Thermostat in the Dryer
If the dryer isn't getting hot, it could be the thermostat. The thermostat often breaks and when it happens, the dryer won't heat up. You can purchase a new thermostat at most hardware stores for under $80, which is a pretty big savings on most dryer repairs, which cost around $180. Follow the manual for your specific brand of dryer to locate the thermostat and purchase the most relevant model.
Clear the Drain in the Dishwasher
If the dishwasher is no longer draining, it is most likely a clog in the drain. You can clear this yourself in just minutes with the use of a wet/dry vac. Remove your drain stopper and insert the wet/dry vac's hose. Run the wet/dry vac for a few minutes, then try the dishwasher again to see if it drains. This method can save you on further dishwasher repairs.
Replace the Fan in the Freezer
If the freezer is no longer keeping things cold, it's probably the freezer fan. The fan is what circulates the cold air through the freezer, and if it shorts out, the cold air won't reach to all areas. A new fan is around $85 at your local hardware store, and you can replace it in a few minutes with a screwdriver. Remove the cover, unscrew and disconnect the fan, and put in the new one.
Clean Coils in the Refrigerator
If the fridge is not staying as cool as it should, it's probably because the coils are dirty. These are located under or behind the fridge, and are a collection place for a lot of debris, dust, and pet hair. When the dirt builds up, the coils end up freezing, rather than cooling what's inside. To clean them, just unplug the fridge, slide it out and go around the back to where you can see the coils. You can use a vacuum, a duster, or a cloth and get them clean. Then just put your fridge back in place, plug it back in, and give it an hour to get back down to its normal temperature.
Unclog the Burner in the Gas Stove
Gas stoves that aren't lighting and aren't giving off a smell of gas may seem to be a big problem, but it's usually a small issue that's easily fixed. First just make sure that the electricity and gas lines to the stove are working properly. If the electricity and gas lines are in good order, the burner is probably clogged. Shut off the gas to the stove, then grab a small brush and some cleanser. Clean the burner head well, scrubbing it out. When you turn on the gas and turn the burner, it should light right up.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Albina Williamson, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Realty, Sarasota, FL
912.222.8439
