Common Appliance Repair
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: September 6, 2011
Have you ever wanted to repair that appliance that just isn't working at full capacity anymore? You can usually fix it yourself with a few easy troubleshooting tips, and it can save you a lot of money!
Here are a few examples for you:
MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL BLADE WON'T TURN
Garbage Disposals are known to stop working. This is sometimes caused by something becoming lodged in the gears. Here's an easy solution:
- Use a flashlight to inspect the drain, and look for objects that might be caught up in the gears of the disposal. If any are visible, remove them. Now turn the water on along with your garbage disposal to see if it is operational. If it is not, use a broom handle to manually turn the blade counter clockwise. Keep turning until the object is dislodged, and your blade spins.
MY DRYER TAKES DOUBLE THE TIME IT USED TO PREVIOUSLY TAKE TO DRY CLOTHES
This is more than likely the result of a bad dryer door seal. With a worn out seal, the warm air will escape from the dryer. New seals commonly cost between $10-$20 dollars and come with the directions on how to install them.
MY WATER HEATER MAKES A STRANGE "RUMBLING" SOUND WHEN IT'S FILLING UP
This is usually the result of a substantial buildup of sediment in the tank. First turn off the water supply to the tank. Next, connect a garden hose to the spigot at the base of your water heater, and run the hose outside. Then go open any hot water spigot in the house, and your tank will drain.
MY REFRIGERATOR IS COOLING VERY POORLY LATELY, AND THE SEAL AROUND THE DOOR LOOKS CRACKED
You can purchase a new seal at most any appliance store. You first need to remove the old gasket. You do this by lifting up the seal, and unscrewing the screws that attach it to the refrigerator door. Now follow instructions included with the new seal for the installation procedures. This should have your refrigerator running just like new again.
Here are a few examples for you:
MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL BLADE WON'T TURN
Garbage Disposals are known to stop working. This is sometimes caused by something becoming lodged in the gears. Here's an easy solution:
- Use a flashlight to inspect the drain, and look for objects that might be caught up in the gears of the disposal. If any are visible, remove them. Now turn the water on along with your garbage disposal to see if it is operational. If it is not, use a broom handle to manually turn the blade counter clockwise. Keep turning until the object is dislodged, and your blade spins.
MY DRYER TAKES DOUBLE THE TIME IT USED TO PREVIOUSLY TAKE TO DRY CLOTHES
This is more than likely the result of a bad dryer door seal. With a worn out seal, the warm air will escape from the dryer. New seals commonly cost between $10-$20 dollars and come with the directions on how to install them.
MY WATER HEATER MAKES A STRANGE "RUMBLING" SOUND WHEN IT'S FILLING UP
This is usually the result of a substantial buildup of sediment in the tank. First turn off the water supply to the tank. Next, connect a garden hose to the spigot at the base of your water heater, and run the hose outside. Then go open any hot water spigot in the house, and your tank will drain.
MY REFRIGERATOR IS COOLING VERY POORLY LATELY, AND THE SEAL AROUND THE DOOR LOOKS CRACKED
You can purchase a new seal at most any appliance store. You first need to remove the old gasket. You do this by lifting up the seal, and unscrewing the screws that attach it to the refrigerator door. Now follow instructions included with the new seal for the installation procedures. This should have your refrigerator running just like new again.
