What Appliances Can You Fix and What Should Be Left to the Pros
Appliances
At some point in time, various appliances in your home will break down.
When they do, you’ve got to decide whether you think you have the DIY skills needed to fix the appliance, or instead need to call in a professional technician.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could take what may be a minor repair for pro and turn it into a much more complex and expensive repair.
To make the right decision, here are some appliances you can fix yourself and others that should be left to the pros.
Electric Stove
If the stove in your kitchen has a cloudy door that won’t let you see inside the oven or perhaps has a burner that has gone bad, these are easy repairs you can make yourself without having to spend too much money.
For the door, it’s just a matter of turning a few screws to take it apart.
As for the burner, popping out the old burner and putting in a new one is extremely easy and safe.
These simple repairs can help you prevent more costly problems from arising in the future.
Washer and Dryer
In the case of your washer and dryer, it depends on the problem.
For a dryer that may feel too hot, the problem could be a lint buildup in the exhaust vent.
By taking a few minutes to clean this with a vacuum or brush, the problem can be solved.
However, if your washer is leaking, filling up slowly, or is making strange sounds during its cycles, you need to have a pro who is experienced in washer and dryer repair take a look at it.
It’s typically better to hire an expert to avoid the need for costly replacements if you happen to damage the appliances when repairing them yourself.
Furnace
While you can easily replace furnace filters, trying to repair a burner, motor, fan, or other components of your furnace should always be left to the pros.
Should you make a mistake in turning this into a DIY project, you could create a fire hazard for your home which could require you to cover costs from smoke damage.
Garbage Disposal
If it sounds like the motor is grinding a bit too much on your disposal, chances are this should be handled by an appliance repair technician.
However, if your disposal is spitting its contents back at you, this means it probably just needs a new splash guard.
Requiring no special tools, you can buy a new splash guard for about $10-$15 and install it in about 20-30 minutes.
As you’ve noticed, many appliances have problems that can be either DIY fixes or jobs that require the professional touch.
By knowing your limitations and using common sense, you’ll make the right decision and soon have appliances that are running as good as new.
Category: Home Repair
