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Forget Calling a Pro: 15 Appliance Repairs You Can Easily Do Yourself
When a major appliance breaks down, your first instinct might be to call a professional repair technician. But before you dial that number, consider this: many common appliance issues can be fixed quickly and easily with just a few simple tools and a little know-how. Not only can you save money on costly repair fees, but you can also get your appliance back up and running faster.
Here are 15 appliance repairs you can tackle yourself — no expert needed.
1. Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain
If your dishwasher is draining slowly or not at all, check the drain hose for clogs or kinks. Cleaning the filter inside the dishwasher can also improve drainage.
2. Unclog a Washing Machine Drain
A washing machine that won’t drain could have a blocked pump or hose. Remove the drain hose and clear any debris, or clean out the pump filter if accessible.
3. Replace Refrigerator Door Seals
A worn or torn fridge gasket causes cold air to escape, raising energy costs. Simply remove the old seal and install a new one—usually held in place by clips or screws.
4. Fix a Dryer That Won’t Heat
If your dryer tumbles but doesn’t heat, check the lint filter and vent for blockages. Also, test the thermal fuse or heating element with a multimeter and replace if faulty.
5. Replace Oven Heating Elements
If your electric oven doesn’t heat properly, the heating element might be burnt out. Unscrew the old element and install a replacement—it’s usually a straightforward swap.
6. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
A noisy or jammed garbage disposal can often be freed with a hex wrench inserted into the bottom. Running cold water and a lemon wedge through it freshens it up.
7. Fix a Refrigerator That’s Too Warm
Check the condenser coils for dust and dirt buildup. Cleaning them with a vacuum or brush can improve cooling performance.
8. Replace Stove Burner Igniters
If your gas stove burners don’t spark, the igniter might need replacing. Disconnect the old igniter and swap in a new one—it usually clips or screws in place.
9. Fix a Leaky Washing Machine
Leaks are often caused by worn door seals or hoses. Inspect these parts and replace if damaged to stop water from escaping.
10. Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain
For slow or clogged drains, use a plunger or a drain snake to clear blockages. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes.
11. Reset Your Circuit Breaker for Appliances
Sometimes an appliance trips the circuit breaker. Resetting it can restore power—just make sure you fix the underlying issue before using the appliance again.
12. Replace Fridge Water Filter
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, changing the water filter regularly keeps water clean and the dispenser working well.