Most people start panicking immediately when their appliances stop working. They think they need to call a repair company to fix broken appliances right away. We are not here to judge them but to give them the good news. Many appliance issues are small. You need only two things here. A little patience and the right instructions, and you can save money and avoid unnecessary stress. We are going to break down the most common issues and help you understand when you can DIY a repair and when you should call a professional.
Why Learning How to Fix Broken Appliance Issues is Important
Most homeowners believe that anything involving wires, buttons, motors, or water is too complicated to handle. They are not entirely wrong. But that’s also not always true. Some problems are as simple as a clogged filter, a stuck button, or a tripped breaker. These are fixable issues. It is an important skill in life to learn how to fix broken appliance problems. These skills can help you keep your home working the way it should. Let’s also mention how no one should be spending hundreds of dollars to hire a repairman to unclog a filter.
10 Easiest Appliance Fixes
Gone are the days when you would put your house on hold and wait for pros. It is time to become that pro yourself. Let’s dive into the 10 easiest appliance fixes you can do yourself.
Fridge Not Cooling Properly
A warm fridge can feel like an emergency. Most of the time, it is something small.
Quick Fix:
Your fridge coils can get dusty, and when they do, your fridge cannot breathe.
- Clean the condenser coils.
- Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils
- Plug it back in.
- Time Required: 10 to 15 minutes.
Washing Machine Not Draining
If your washer is full of water, don’t panic. We have got you covered!
Quick Fix:
Check the drain filter at the bottom front panel. These get clogged with coins, socks, hair, and lint.
Time Required: 10 minutes.
Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry
Clothes coming out damp? You start thinking something major is broken. But the fix to this is usually simple.
Quick Fix:
A clogged vent makes drying take forever. Clean the lint trap and the vent hose.
Time Required: 15 to 20 minutes.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Well
The appliance is not always the problem. There might be something else going on if your dishes come out dirty.
Quick Fix:
Remove and rinse the spray arms. Food particles and minerals block the holes.
Time Required: 10 minutes.
Oven Not Heating Up
An oven that won’t heat looks serious, but it is not anything major.
Quick Fix:
- Check the heating element.
- If it is loose → reconnect it.
- If it is dirty → give it a wipe.
- Time Required: 15 minutes.
Microwave Buttons Not Working
No. Your microwave is not done for if its buttons are not responding. There is still hope. There is still an easy fix.
Quick Fix:
Grease/moisture can make the buttons stick. Unplug it and wipe the control panel. Yes, that’s all!
Time Required: 5 minutes.
Garbage Disposal Jammed
A clogged disposal can be scary because it makes loud noises. Let us in you a little secret, there is a quick fix for loud noises as well.
Quick Fix:
- Use the small hex key that comes with every disposal
- It is usually taped underneath
- Turn the key to unjam the blades.
- Time Required: 5 minutes.
Ice Maker Not Making Ice
An ice maker not working is no big deal in our books. Don’t just assume something is broken. Check the basics first.
Quick Fix:
Make sure the ice arm is down. See if the water line hose is bent or blocked.
Time Required: 10 minutes.
Water Heater Not Giving Hot Water
Yes, you might be late for work because of your water heater. But, in the case of electric heaters, no hot water does not always mean a major breakdown.
Quick Fix:
- Check the breaker.
- Water heaters usually trip it.
- Flip it back on and wait 30 minutes.
- Time Required: 2 minutes.
Stove Burner Not Working
Here is the thing about stoves. If one burner won’t heat, it is usually not a major appliance failure.
Quick Fix:
Sometimes the connection gets loose. Remove the coil-style burner and reconnect it firmly. Check again.
Time Required: Hardly 5 minutes.
When You Should NOT Fix a Broken Appliance Yourself
Hopefully, this blog has helped you confidently fix broken appliance issues at home. It is important to mention that some problems need professional help.
We advise you to call an expert if:
- You smell gas
- You see burnt wires
- Water is leaking heavily
- The appliance is making loud popping or grinding sounds
- You need to open a sealed panel
The Bottom Line
Fixing small appliance problems on your own can save money and frustration. Many common issues are simple and take less than an hour to repair. You can also keep your appliances working longer and avoid unnecessary service calls by learning some quick tips. Remember: if anything seems dangerous, always call a professional. Always knowing when to DIY fix a broken appliance and when to seek help. It is the smartest way to care for your home.
FAQ
What appliance has the shortest lifespan?
The large appliance with the shortest lifespan is the microwave oven. Small appliances like toasters and coffee makers also have short lifespans.
What causes most appliance failures?
The leading cause of appliance failure is often neglecting regular maintenance, combined with natural wear and tear.
What is the most common repair on a refrigerator?
The most common repairs involve fixing a faulty ice maker, replacing damaged door seals and cleaning the condenser coils.
Which appliances should you be careful about using for too long?
You should be careful about appliances that generate heat for too long. Examples are clothes dryers and irons.
Which of the following should you never do when using an electrical appliance?
You should never operate an electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.