Having to call a maintenance man to repair an appliance in your home can be a real drain on your budget. The average cost for a appliance repairs is $254 to $275 per visit. The real kicker is, at least 25% of the time, the repair is simple enough that the homeowner could have done it themselves. We’ve put together a list of the most common reasons homeowners call in repair guys when they really don’t have to, and how to make the repair yourself:
- Easy Dryer Repairs
The most common reason that a handy man is called in for dryer repairs is because the clothes aren’t getting dry. First, check to make sure your dryer isn’t on the “fluff” setting which doesn’t use heat (we’re not insulting your intelligence, that is a common reason that dryer guys make house calls unnecessarily). Otherwise, the lint filter might be clogged due to an invisible film that dryer sheets give off. Run some water over the lint filter. If the water doesn’t freely run through it, you know this invisible clog is the issue. Give your lint filter a good scrub with warm water and a stout dish brush, and you should be fine. - Easy Washing Machine Repairs
Washing machine repairs are one of the most common reasons homeowners call in the experts. It can be unnerving when your washing machine makes a loud noise or rocks back and forth like it’s haunted during the spin cycle. These symptoms could indicate a range of issues, from misaligned belts to faulty tub dampening straps. Before you call in an expert for you washing machine repairs, one incredible simple issue that you can fix yourself is the leveling of the legs. Simply tilt the washing machine forward and twist screw the legs tighter until they are all level. Try running the washer and see if the noise subsides. - Easy Dishwasher Repairs
Over one half of dishwasher repair calls are due to the dishwasher leaking or being noisy. Those repairs usually involve worn out seals or motor bushings, which do need an expert to repair. The next common reason a repair man is called is because the dishwasher isn’t serving its intended purpose of cleaning the dishes. One of the most common reasons for this is the filter at the bottom being clogged, making it impossible for enough water to get to the spray arm to adequately clean the dishes on the top rack. The solution for this problem might be surprising but simple– remove the filter and use a wet vac to clear any buildup from it.
While you have it all pulled apart, locate the float switch in the front corner of the dish washer bottom. This needs to be able to slide up and down in order for water to spray. If there is any food blocking the float switch, or buildup has caused it to stick to the dish washer, clean it off. Your dish washer’s performance should significantly improve.
Do you have any DIY tips for appliances that we didn’t mention, such as refrigerator repairs or oven repairs? Please share them in the comment section below.