How to Fix Your Kitchen Appliances: When to DIY and When to Call for Help

Appliances always seem to break down at the worst time. You open your fridge and it's warm. Your dishwasher stops draining. Your oven won't heat. It's tempting to grab a wrench and try to fix it yourself. Sometimes you can. Sometimes you can't.

The post below outlines how to handle these different types of appliance problems. So keep on reading to find out what you can do yourself and what you should leave to pros like Prime Fix.

Dishwasher Issues

Check the basics first

If your dishwasher won't start then look closely at the door latch. It has to click shut for the cycle to run. The fix could be as simple as making sure it's closed. Also check the power supply and make sure the breaker didn't trip.

Clean the filter inside

Food scraps and grease can clog the filter inside your dishwasher. This stops your dishes from getting fully clean. Pull out the bottom rack. Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water. You can also use a toothpick to clear any holes in the spray arms.

Look for clogs if it won't drain

A clogged drain hose is a common problem. Disconnect power first. Check the hose under the sink. Straighten out kinks and remove blockages. If you find standing water then use a cup or towel to remove it.

Know when to call for help

If your dishwasher leaks water on the floor or makes loud grinding sounds then stop using it ASAP. Leaks can cause big damage. Strange noises mean something might be broken inside the pump or motor. These repairs are better done by experienced experts.

Oven Repairs

Check the power supply

If your oven doesn't heat up properly then first double check it's plugged in and the breaker is on. For gas ovens check that the gas valve is open.

Inspect the heating element

Look inside your oven. Do the coils glow red? If not then the heating component might be faulty. You can order a replacement part and change it yourself if you have the skills. (A word of warning: always unplug your oven first before doing any work on it.)

Look at the door seal

A broken seal lets heat escape easily. It's no different than air flowing through an open window. Inspect the door and look for cracks or loose spots. A new gasket is easy to install and helps your oven work the way it should.

Don't hesitate to call for repairs

If you smell gas then shut everything down and call for help right away. If your oven keeps tripping the breaker or has wiring problems you better let a pro handle it. Repairs can be dangerous if you're not sure what you're doing.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oven repair.

Fridge Troubles

Check the temperature settings

If your fridge feels warm first make sure the temperature dial didn't get bumped. Sometimes kids or groceries knock it to a warmer setting.

Clean the coils

Dirty condenser coils make your fridge work harder and can lead to cooling problems. Pull your fridge away from the wall. Unplug it. Use a vacuum or coil brush to remove any dust.

Clear the drain line

If you see water under the fridge the drain line might be clogged. Check the drain hole inside the freezer. Clear any ice or debris with warm water and a pipe cleaner.

Call professionals for serious issues

If your fridge makes loud buzzing sounds the task at hand needs the eyes of an expert. Problems like refrigerant leaks and motor issues need special tools and knowledge.

The crew at Prime Fix is on standby whenever your fridge needs some extra TLC.

Featured Image by Pixabay.