As a homeowner, you need to be prepared for all kinds of problems that could arise. Appliances breaking down is a common problem.
After all, appliances are machines and can break anytime – even without warning – just like that.
However, some issues, though they may seem complicated, can be easily fixed with just a few basic tools.
These simple repairs can be done by even the most novice of homeowners with just a little research.
While it may seem daunting at first to try doing this yourself, there are some tips and tricks that can help you easily repair frequent in-home appliance malfunctions so that the next time your machine breaks, you won’t have to call a professional.
1. Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are especially difficult to deal with because they use natural gas or propane which can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Fortunately, most water heater problems are straightforward and easy to repair. Because this is one of the most common appliance malfunctions, what to do if water heater is leaking is a question that every homeowner has asked themselves at some point.
If your water heater has developed a leak, the first thing you need to do is turn off the heater’s gas valve.
After that, use an adjustable wrench to turn off the cold water pipe which supplies cold water into the tank.
Once both of these valves are shut, it should be safe enough for you to drain some of the hot water out of your tank and then look for the additional problem, if there is one.
For example, you might find that the tank has rust in some spots. If this is the case, don’t worry because it can be patched up easily with some plumber’s putty.
2. Espresso Maker Problems
If you enjoy having an espresso every morning, then owning your own machine can be really convenient.
However, it is not cheap to buy these machines which means that if they break down, it’s not easy to replace them.
Thankfully, most problems with coffee makers are easy to fix.
For one thing, the steam dial might need some cleaning – you should clean your espresso maker at least once a day, if not after every use, in order to ensure it will always work properly.
If your dial is broken, it can easily be repaired or replaced by buying a new one. Don’t forget to check the inside of the machine while you’re at it for scale build-up.
Scale builds up quickly in coffee machines because they release steam constantly throughout the day.
Cleaning out this scale will help improve your machine’s performance and allow it to last longer.
3. Dishwasher Problems
Dishwashers are built to last for a long time but they are not immune to malfunction.
If your dishwasher is not cleaning well, then you may need to call a plumber because there could be some mechanical problems with the machine.
However, there are also easy things that can be done without calling anyone or spending any money.
For example, if your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes particularly well, you can try adding a cup of white vinegar during the wash cycle to help cut grease and bring back shine.
If this doesn’t work, run an empty load with baking soda instead to see if this helps. In addition, your machine could be standing too close to the wall which could make it not work properly due to overheating.
This is why a well-thought-out kitchen design is so important. Simply repositioning it could do the trick and prevent this annoying malfunction from happening again in the future.
Remember to always leave enough space between the dishwasher and the wall to allow for proper ventilation.
4. Refrigerator Problems
Though refrigerators don’t break down often, there are a few simple repairs you might be able to do yourself to save money.
If your refrigerator is making strange noises, it might just require some cleaning around the main fan and motor because dust can accumulate and then get into the machine which makes it overheat.
In the worst-case scenario, you might end up having to buy a new fan or motor which would be very expensive.
A common problem people also encounter is their refrigerator not cooling right.
This problem comes from the coils at the back of the fridge being plugged up, which can cause a refrigerator to stop cooling properly and also make it work harder which could lead to faster breakdowns.
The best way to fix that is to vacuum the back of your refrigerator and make sure that nothing is blocking the coils.
Owning a home means that you get to enjoy your own space but that you also need to maintain it properly and that includes fixing broken appliances.
Fortunately, these 4 tips and tricks can help you easily repair frequent in-home appliance malfunctions. Other experts have chimed in on this as well, read what they had to say.
Most problems with coffee makers, dishwashers, and refrigerators come from simple things that can be done without calling a plumber or spending money.
