In the world of appliance repair, you get all types of homeowners. You get DIYers who feel pride that they can “do it themselves.” They have the tools and are ready to use them. There are strictly “do it for me” people. They have the money, don’t have the time, or want the simplicity of having the professionals do it, and it’s an easy decision to call us. Then, you have all the DIY appliance repairs in between.
If you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer, this article is especially for you. If you’re on the fence, “Should I, shouldn’t I,” the answer is simple. Some maintenance tasks can be handled safely and easily. However, there are repair tasks that you should think twice before tackling. This article is to guide you in understanding which is which.
Modern appliances are intricate devices that can pose serious risks if mishandled. In this article, we’ll explore which basic tasks are DIY-friendly and highlight the scenarios where calling Champion Appliance Care isn’t just safer, it’s the smartest choice.
Appliance Care for the DIYers Out There
If you’re serious about doing it yourself, you already know not all appliance care needs a professional. In fact, doing basic, regular upkeep can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Let’s talk about what that looks like. Here are a few maintenance tasks that are perfectly safe for most people to handle:
Clean the lint screen in your dryer after every load.
As rudimentary as this seems, this simple and quick task improves your dryer’s efficiency. More importantly, it dramatically reduces the risk of fire from lint buildup (more on this later).
Wipe out the drum of your washer or dryer.
Every once in a while, wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth. This task reduces the chances of mildew and detergent buildup in your washer. It also cuts down on lint buildup around the edges and in the nooks and crannies inside your dryer.
Replace your refrigerator water filter.
If you have a modern fridge with a built-in water and ice dispenser, you’ll likely have a water filter. You can make sure your water and ice stay clean by swapping out the filter every six months (or as recommended by the manufacturer). Most major brands have water filters, including Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana refrigerators. Fridge filters typically twist or click out easily, so it’s a straightforward job.
Check simple power issues.
If an appliance isn’t working, make sure it’s properly plugged in and hasn’t tripped a circuit breaker before you schedule our appliance repair services. You’d be amazed how often the fix is as easy as firmly pushing a plug in or resetting a breaker.
These quick checks can save you from unnecessary worry or service calls. However, you also have to know where (and when) to draw the line.
The Dangers of DIY Appliance Repairs
When an appliance breaks down, you might want to crack it open and attempt to repair it yourself. However, major appliance fixes come with significant risks if you’re not adequately trained and equipped with the correct tools for the job.
Here are some serious dangers to be aware of:
Electrical Hazards
Working with high-voltage components without proper knowledge can lead to electric shocks or even fires. One missed ground connection or wiring mistake can result in severe injury or costly damage to your home.
Real-World Case
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that electrical malfunctions cause an estimated 24,000 house fires each year in the U.S., many involving improperly repaired or malfunctioning appliances.
Gas Appliance Risks
Attempting to repair a gas stove, oven, or dryer could result in a gas leak, risking fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you’re not trained in handling gas lines, a DIY “fix” can create a very dangerous situation for your household.
Real-World Case:
The CDC estimates that more than 400 Americans die each year from accidental CO poisoning. Many of these cases involve malfunctioning appliances.
Warranty Issues
Many manufacturers have strict warranty policies; even small mistakes can void those warranties. Some DIY repairs, like opening sealed systems, could leave you on the hook for repairs that would have been covered. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s warranty terms or call us before making an appliance repair.
Real-World Case
Samsung’s Official Policy automatically voids your warranty if you attempt to make the repairs. Real-world situations include people who’ve performed a repair and damaged a part of their appliance. They’re then responsible for the cost of parts and repairs, which the warranty would have covered had they called a technician first.
Escalating Problems
A minor issues can turn into a major headaches if DIY appliance repairs go wrong. Using the wrong tools or incorrect reassembly might damage other parts of the appliance, leading to water leaks or electrical short circuits. Instead of solving the problem, you could end up with a bigger (and more expensive) issue than you started with.
Real-World Case
Releasing refrigerant into the air is illegal. However, repairing a typical refrigerator compressor includes emptying the refrigerant, which can render the fridge permanently non-functional. We work around that with specialized tools like an EPA-certified recovery machine. This step is required by law.
Lack of Expertise
Modern appliances are complex, and you might misidentify the problem without proper diagnostic skills. DIY attempts often lead to replacing the wrong parts or missing the real issue, which wastes your time and money. Inexperience with disassembly/reassembly can also make an appliance unsafe to use if something is put back incorrectly.
Real-World Case
A common DIY mistake is misdiagnosing heating elements in dryers. People often replace them when the real issue is a faulty thermostat, thermal fuse, or wiring. This leads to wasted money and frustration.
In light of these risks, it’s clear that DIY repair attempts have downsides that often outweigh the potential savings. So, how do you know when an issue is beyond your limits? The next section covers the telltale signs that it’s time to put down the tools and call a professional.
When to Call Champion Appliance Care
Sometimes, an appliance problem is more than a quick fix; knowing the warning signs can save you from disastrous DIY appliance repairs. Here are some clear indications that you should schedule a Champion appliance repair technician:
When to schedule our technician:
- If you suspect a problem with an appliance’s wiring or controls, or if it keeps tripping your breakers, leave it to our certified appliance repair technicians. Electrical glitches aren’t just frustrating; they’re dangerous. Experts have the tools to diagnose these issues safely (without the shock risk), whereas an inexperienced attempt could lead to injury or fire.
- Gas Appliance Concerns: The moment you even think you smell gas, or if your gas stove/oven or dryer is malfunctioning (burners not lighting, etc.), call Champion. Gas-related issues should never be handled DIY due to the high stakes. Our trained technicians will safely find and fix the problem, whether it’s a leak, a faulty igniter, or a ventilation issue before it turns into an emergency.
- Unusual Sounds or Smells: Loud grinding, banging, or screeching noises are cries for help from your appliance. Likewise, a burning smell or the scent of melting plastic is a huge red flag. A burning odor could indicate an overheated motor or electrical wiring issue and pose a fire risk. Don’t ignore these warnings. Turn the appliance off and have us check it out before it gets worse (or dangerous).
- Completely Non-Functional: If an appliance won’t turn on despite checking the basics (plug and breaker), it’s time for a pro. A dead appliance could have a blown fuse, a failed internal component, or a wiring fault. Rather than guessing and potentially buying the wrong parts, let a technician diagnose the problem and pinpoint why it won’t start
- Refrigerant Systems (Sealed Systems): Refrigerators and AC units have sealed cooling systems with refrigerant chemicals. These require special tools and, by law, must be handled by certified professionals. If your fridge is leaking coolant or not cooling properly, don’t attempt to open the sealed system. Call us for a licensed refrigerator repair technician.
- Any Complex Repair: If a repair has you scratching your head or scouring the internet for answers, it’s best left to the experts. When in doubt, let a professional handle it – you’ll get the issue resolved correctly and safely without the stress.
Need a Champion?
If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical or mechanical components, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit from our professional technicians. We understand the appeal of DIY appliance repairs, but your safety and the health of your appliances come first.
Champion Appliance Care is here to diagnose and fix the issue quickly, safely, and correctly, saving you time and hassle. In the end, knowing when to call a professional is just as important as knowing how to twist a wrench, and we’re only a phone call away to be your appliance repair champions!