Common Appliance Issues That Are Easy To Repair At Home

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When things go wrong with your family's kitchen and laundry appliances, you might feel tempted to call the closest service company — and for a good reason. These machines are essential to our day-to-day lives and are not cheap to replace. However, even if you're not very handy, you could save time and money by following our tips. Here are seven common appliance issues that are easy to repair.

Fussy Fridge

One of the most frequent homeowner-reported problems is a finicky fridge. The refrigerator is the top dog of all kitchen appliances because it safeguards your family's perishable food. But what do you do if you notice water leaking from yours? Chill out. An accumulation of food particles in the drain hose usually causes this common issue.

Unfortunately, fridges are prone to this problem, and you don't want a puddle on your kitchen floor. Not only can it cause you to slip, but water leakage can also be dangerous if it comes in contact with an exposed electrical wire. It can cause a short circuit or sparks that can ignite a fire. Thankfully, this is an easy fix. Just follow these step-by-step instructions:

• 1. Empty the refrigerator of all food and drinks.
• 2. Pull it out from the wall.
• 3. Unplug it from its electric source.
• 4. Use a plumbing snake for dipping into the hose as deep as possible.
• 5. Move it in and out until the hose is clear.
• 6. Put a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in the drain.
• 7. Pour 3 cups of hot water on top to flush it down.

 

Dead Dryer

Even common appliance repair problems like a dead clothes dryer can be annoying when you have chores. If your appliance struggles to heat up and dry your clothes, you may have overloaded it. Try taking some of the clothes out and starting it up again. If that doesn't do the trick and your dryer is still acting up, you likely have a clogged vent. Follow these steps to remove the blockage:

• 1. Disconnect your dryer from the power outlet.
• 2. Pull the dryer vent pipe out of the wall.
• 3. Vacuum dust off the lint cover.
• 4. Wash the cover with warm soapy water.
• 5. Unclog the line with an auger snake.
• 6. Reinstall the vent pipe.
• 7. Replace the dry lint cover.
• 8. Give your dryer a test run.

 

Wishy-Washy Washing Machines

Washing machines vary greatly, but they all have one thing in common: They can be fixed when you use genuine OEM parts. So, what do you do when it's laundry day and your appliance suddenly stops working?

A washing machine that won't spin is an all-too-common problem. After the basin drains, turning at a high speed squeezes excess water out of the clothes, preparing them for the dryer. To help your dryer start spinning again, follow these steps:

• 1. Redistribute the clothes to make sure the basin is balanced.
• 2. Make sure the machine is level with the floor.
• 3. Check the drain hose for clogs.
• 4. Inspect the washing machine motor drive belt for damage.

 

Unresponsive Range

Ranges and ovens are a staple in countless Illinois households. But when your electric stove burners or gas cooktop elements don't work, you could be the one heating up. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to fix minor problems with your range. When your electric stove is on the fritz, turn off the burner, then pull it out from the socket. If it felt loose, gently bend the burner prongs slightly outward for a tighter connection.

For gas-style ranges, start with a thorough cleaning if yours won't ignite or you notice a weak flame. There may be sticky residue or boiled-over debris blocking the ignition system. Use a toothbrush to clean away the mess, then light the igniter. Electric burners can also get clogged with food, preventing the elements from making good contact. Scrub out food spills using dish soap and warm water.

Angry Air Conditioner

Learning to troubleshoot common appliance issues, such as faulty air conditioners, can help you keep cool on hot summer days. While there are many potential reasons why your air conditioner isn't blowing cold, one of the most frequent causes of this problem is a lack of adequate airflow.

The first place to check is your air filter. If this essential part is dirty or clogged, there's probably little or no airflow making it over your evaporator coils. Blockages like this cause the coils to form frost, restricting the current even more. Clean or replace your air filter to allow air to travel unrestricted for a cool and comfortable home.

Damaged Dishwasher

Dealing with a dishwasher that won't start can sidetrack your day. The first step is to check the connection. If your faulty dishwasher is getting adequate power, you may have blown a fuse. This situation is a familiar cause of dishwasher failures, especially if it stops working during a wash cycle. For a blown circuit breaker, follow these steps, and you'll have clean dishes in no time:

• 1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source to prevent a shock.
• 2. Find the control panel for your model.
• 3. Find the faulty fuse.
• 4. Remove it and replace it with a new one.

 

Grumpy Garbage Disposal

If you flip your garbage disposal switch and nothing happens, hold on. It may not be broken after all. Every appliance manufacturer that makes garbage disposals adds an automatic shut-off feature. It will stop working if the motor becomes overloaded or gets too hot. Allow the motor to cool down, then reach under the unit and press the reset button.

Another common reason for a grumpy garbage disposal is that it's jammed. Once you reset the appliance, if all you get is a hum, you'll need to turn the blades by hand. But don't risk reaching down near the blades with your fingers. Most units have a bottom bolt for this purpose and an Allen wrench inset nearby that fits it perfectly.

Appliances make our daily tasks more convenient, but when they experience problems, it can be exasperating. Most appliance repair calls have easy solutions that many of us can do ourselves. Here at the Automatic Appliance Parts Corporation, we have the quality replacement parts and supplies you need to fix your appliances quickly and easily. Use these simple solutions to repair your common appliances and save time and money. Contact us today and get what you need fast and with friendly service.