Washers and dryers look similar, but a hugely different in function. There is a large gap between these two appliances that go together, but I have listed them together for your convenience.
Washers
Filter Maintenance
Washing machines have filters too. You can general clean this with a bucket in a few minutes and be up and running again. However, it can be pretty gross. I can of course do this for you.
Fill Valve Failure
Fill valves are a solenoid that let water into your washing machine. Usually they fail to open or close, or they leak. I can replace leaking fill valves on most washing machines.
Mechanical Switch Damage
On many basic washing machines, instead of a control panel, the washer uses mechanical switches, dials, and indicators. These are usually for sale online and can be ordered and replaced.
Drum Motor or Bearing Failure
The drum motor is what spins the clothes drum, and bearings are a stationary part that allow the drum to spin. On washing machines, it is generally not worth replacing the drum motor, as it is a lot of labor and the parts are proprietary and very expensive. However, on older machines that use a belt driven top load, it is sometimes worth it. Not all bearings are replaceable, some are, and some are harder to replace than motors.
Control Panel Failure
If the lights on the washing machine stop working, your control panel is likely the culprit, unless it’s the power supply. Control panels are almost never available outside of warranty. Therefore, I suggest obtaining a new washing machine if this is your symptom. Apologies to your situation.
Dryers
Filter Maintenance
Most people know they are supposed to clean the lint filter, but some dryers have more than one lint filter, or the filter housing collects lint behind the filter due to design flaws or other parts failure. Sometimes the lint also gets stuck in the dryer vent. I can of course look at this for you.
Mechanical Switch Damage
On many basic dryers, instead of a control panel, the dryer uses mechanical switches, dials, and indicators. These are usually for sale online and can be ordered and replaced.
Thermostat Failure
Most dryers use standard thermostat parts that you can buy off the shelf at DIY stores. Installing them can be tricky.
Drum Motor Failure
The drum motor is what spins the clothes drum. On dryers, it is generally worth replacing the drum motor if it is replaceable.
Heating Element Failure
The heating elements can sometimes burn up due to poor performance or part quality. Replacing the element can be a tougher job but is usually the best route when the heating element is replaceable.
Control Panel Failure
If the lights on the dryer stop working, your control panel is likely the culprit, unless it’s the power supply. Control panels are almost never available outside of warranty. Therefore, I suggest obtaining a dryer if this is your symptom. Apologies to your situation.
These appliances are very similar, as most refrigerators have a freezer compartment, they have nearly the same parts. However, the parts still vary in size, shape, and compatibility.
Filter Maintenance
Refrigerators have water filters that are usually easy to replace. Please consult your owner’s manual and order replacement filters.
Consumable Maintenance
Consumables are parts that are designed to wear out. This includes the above filters, but can also include secondary filters. Replacing consumables is part of owning any product, so definitely reach out if you think it’s time.
Fill Valve Failure
Fill valves are a solenoid that let water into your ice machine. Usually they fail to open or close, or they leak. I can replace leaking fill valves on some refrigerators.
Control Panel Failure
If the lights on the refrigerator stops working, your control panel is likely the culprit, unless it’s the power supply. Control panels are almost never available outside of warranty. Therefore, I suggest obtaining a new refrigerator if this is your symptom. Apologies to your situation.
Thermostat Failure
Most refrigerators use proprietary thermostat parts that you have to order online. They are typically straightforward to install.
Heating Element Failure
The freezer heating elements can sometimes burn up due to poor performance or part quality. Replacing the element can be a tougher job but is usually the best route when the heating element is replaceable.
Defrost Timer Failure
On machines with a mechanical defrost timer, these can be replaced.
Electrical Power Supply Failure
Power supplies and cables fail all the time. You may just need a diagnosis as a power cable issue.
Motor Failure
Many refrigerators use small motors for auxiliary tasks such as blower fans or pumps. These motors can burn up due to overuse or short due to electrical surges. It is generally a quick and relatively low cost to replace these fans and motors.
Compressor Failure
A compressor failure on a device that uses refrigerant generally “totals” an appliance due to the compressor and refrigerant replacement cost. Consult me for more information on if your small appliance is worth replacing a compressor.
Seal Failure
A seal failure on a cold device generally “totals” an appliance due to seal being a proprietary part due to fitment and the magnetic closure. New seals can cost $300 and the old adhesive has to be dissolved with acetone, sometimes revealing rust that isn’t repairable that still won’t seal. However, you can often use the appliance for a long time after the seal has failed by gluing the seal back on, using window air conditioner seal foam, duct tape, or simply letting a freezer ice over in the section that has failed. I do not perform seal repairs in this way as it is bad quality work and may result in increased electricity costs or wear on the compressor. But feel free to try it yourself, it may save you in a pinch.
Thermostat Failure
Most hot water heaters use standard thermostat parts that you can buy off the shelf at DIY stores. Installing them is straightforward.
Heating Element Failure
The heating elements often fail due to age. Minerals in the water scale over time resulting in corrosion that breaks the heating element, opening its circuit. Most hot water heaters use standard elements that you can buy off the shelf at DIY stores. Installing them requires special tools.
Anode Failure
The anode often fails due to age. Minerals in the water scale over time resulting in corrosion that breaks the anode or prevents it from working, resulting in dirty water. Replacing the anode can fix this.
Thermostat Failure
Most hot water heaters use standard thermostat parts that you can buy off the shelf at DIY stores. Installing them is straightforward.
Heating Element Failure
The heating elements often fail due to age. Minerals in the water scale over time resulting in corrosion that breaks the heating element, opening its circuit. Most hot water heaters use standard elements that you can buy off the shelf at DIY stores. Installing them requires special tools.
Anode Failure
The anode often fails due to age. Minerals in the water scale over time resulting in corrosion that breaks the anode or prevents it from working, resulting in dirty water. Replacing the anode can fix this.
Dishwashers are one of those appliances you should toss when they fail. They can easily destroy your floors. A failed blower fan for the dry cycle may be replaceable, but as for the rest of the parts, any failed seal material can be disaster, and there is often corrosion preventing parts from going back together. I cannot warranty any work on a dishwasher.
There are hundreds of small appliances that are significantly different sizes, shapes, and complexity. Each appliance brand uses different parts, different vendors, different types of the same part. Please reach out using the Book Today button to get an actual estimate.
The following are instances of common repair tasks that clients often need performed:
Descaling Maintenance
Many appliances require a descaling schedule to remove stuck minerals. If a client was not able to descale regularly and their appliance is making rough noises, a thorough cleaning is often all that is required to get the appliance working again. However, this usually requires disassembly of the appliance to remove water lines, soaking in a descaling solution, and thorough cleaning of any pumps and reservoirs. Please keep in mind that many small appliances may not be worth cleaning, but there are many premium brands for which this is a great way to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Consumable Maintenance
Consumables are parts that are designed to wear out. One of the more popular products that use consumables are premium coffee grinders with replaceable burrs. Replacing consumables is part of owning any product, so definitely reach out if you think it’s time.
Electrical Power Supply Failure
Power supplies and cables fail all the time. You may just need a diagnosis as a power cable issue.
Motor Failure
Many appliances are just big motors, or use small motors for auxiliary tasks such as blower fans or pumps. These motors can burn up due to overuse or short due to electrical surges. It is generally a quick and relatively low cost to replace these fans and motors.
Compressor Failure
A compressor failure on a device that uses refrigerant generally “totals” an appliance due to the compressor and refrigerant replacement cost. Consult me for more information on if your small appliance is worth replacing a compressor.