We all like to buy new appliances, but the problem is we rarely like to get rid of them when they break. That’s because it’s expensive, time-consuming and can be really tricky knowing where to start. Well never fear my friend because I’m going to share with you the four most common ways to repair your home appliances.
1. Fridge No Cooling
If your fridge is suddenly not cooling properly, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s usually an easy fix. The appliance’s thermostat might be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure nothing has blocked the coils beneath the fridge that cools the refrigerator and freezer sections. If it still isn’t cooling properly after trying this, it could mean that the thermostat needs to be replaced. If so, you can remove the thermostat yourself (it will be located near the compressor), or contact a professional for assistance. The easiest way to buy a new one is to either order it online or purchase one at your local hardware store. If you choose to replace it yourself, just remember that different models may require different parts—so don’t start drilling or cutting anything until you’re sure of which one you need!
2. Washing Machine Not Draining
If detergent or fabric softener is left in the drum, it can clog the drain and prevent water from draining out of the washing machine. To unclog your washing machine, remove all of the items from inside of it and then remove the lid. Pour a cup of hot water into the washing machine’s drum; a little detergent–not too much, since you don’t want this going down your drain–might help make the water go down easier. Now add a cup or two of white vinegar to this water. Close the lid and run your washing machine through a normal cycle. The hot water should go down fine now without having to call a plumber!
3. Humming noise from dryer
If your clothes dryer is making a humming noise, it’s likely due to a broken belt. While they’re almost always hidden from view and near impossible to change yourself, belts are relatively easy to identify. Your first step is to look inside the drum of your dryer and see if you can spot the belt on the back or side of the drum. If you don’t see one, check under the top panel along the edge of the top panel—that’s where you’ll usually find it.
In order to change a belt on your dryer, you’ll want to first turn off the power by flipping off a circuit breaker or by unplugging it from its outlet. Next, remove the screws that secure the back panel and pull out the bottom panel—this will expose any belts you have in there. Once you’ve got them exposed, take a screwdriver and loosen each of the screws that hold each end of a belt in place. When you’re loosening one end, make sure not to let go of the other end or else it could come flying out and get lost inside the dryer—also be careful not to accidentally drop any screws into the dryer while you work!
4. Oven not heating to correct temperature
When your oven isn’t heating to the right temperature, it’s often an easy fix. There are a couple common reasons why this might happen. The first reason is that the thermostat might be faulty. If the thermostat doesn’t kick on when it should, or if it kicks off too soon, then your food won’t cook properly. Before you replace the entire thing, try connecting a digital thermometer to your oven to see what temperature it’s reaching when you turn it on. If it doesn’t reach the correct temperature and stays at a lower one, then this is probably what’s happening.
