Accel Home maintenance

Top 10 Common Appliance Problems and DIY Fixes

johnny caston
Sep 17, 2024By johnny caston

Refrigerator Not Cooling

One of the most common problems with refrigerators is when they stop cooling. This can be due to various reasons such as dirty condenser coils, a faulty thermostat, or blocked vents. To fix this, start by cleaning the condenser coils located at the back or bottom of the fridge. Ensure the vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food items. If the problem persists, you might need to check the thermostat settings or replace it.

refrigerator repair
hose or filter. First, check the drain hose for any obstructions and clear them if necessary. Next, locate the drain filter, usually found at the bottom front of the machine, and clean it. Regular maintenance of these components can prevent this issue from recurring.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly

A dishwasher that doesn’t clean dishes effectively could have a clogged spray arm or a faulty water inlet valve. Remove and clean the spray arm to ensure water can flow through it properly. Additionally, check the water inlet valve for any malfunctions and replace it if needed. Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar can also help remove any built-up residue inside the dishwasher.

dishwasher cleaning

Microwave Not Turning On

If your microwave isn’t turning on, it could be due to a blown fuse or a faulty door switch. First, check the fuse and replace it if it’s blown. If the fuse is intact, inspect the door switch to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Replacing a faulty door switch can often resolve this issue.

microwave repair
the thermal fuse, usually found on the blower housing or near the heating element, and test it for continuity. If it’s faulty, replace it. Similarly, inspect the heating element for any breaks and replace it if necessary.

Garbage Disposal Jammed

A jammed garbage disposal can often be fixed by manually turning the blades to dislodge any stuck debris. First, ensure the disposal is turned off and unplugged. Use a hex key or a garbage disposal wrench to manually turn the blades from underneath the unit. Once the blades are free, plug the disposal back in and test it.

Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, it could be due to a faulty thermostat or heating element. For electric water heaters, test the heating elements for continuity and replace them if necessary. For gas water heaters, ensure the pilot light is lit and the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

water heater

Vacuum Cleaner Losing Suction

A vacuum cleaner that loses suction can be due to a clogged hose or a full dust bin. Check the hose for any blockages and clear them if necessary. Empty the dust bin and clean or replace the filters to restore proper suction. Regular maintenance can keep your vacuum cleaner running efficiently.

By addressing these common appliance problems with simple DIY fixes, you can save time and money while keeping your household running smoothly.