Repairing a washing machine and replacing its parts is a task usually left to professionals, however, there are some scenarios where a different course of action might be seen as more efficient.
Repairing a washing machine on your own is cheaper and it’s an immediate solution. It’s something you can do in a matter of minutes (for some minor repairs), which is less than it would take for the serviceman to arrive, to begin with. It also makes you self-sufficient. With that in mind and without further ado, here are the top 8 DIY tips for washing machine repairs you should know about.
8 Tips on how to fix your washing machine:
1. Think about the electricity
There are two things you need to do in order to start repairing your washing machine safely. First, you need to unplug it. Just turning it off is not enough as a safety precaution. Second, you need to consider whether your washing machine has electronic diagnostics integrated.
If they do, this is something that you can interpret by comparing the results to your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that this, if available, is the most accurate way of getting the feedback you’ll need in order to make the necessary repairs.
2. Learn how to take it apart
Taking the washing machine apart is the first step in repairing it. So, you need to start by learning how to do this safely and make sure that you can put it all back together as it was, once you’re done. Taking the washing machine apart is really not that mechanically difficult task. First of all, it requires you to lift off the end caps and fold the console over to the back.
Then, you need to locate brass clips and release them with a flathead screwdriver. Your next step is to open the lid and remove the casing. Once the case is out, the tub and all the other components will be exposed.
3. Consider cleaning it regularly
Instead of just tending to your washing machine when it starts misbehaving or when it breaks down, what about regular maintenance? What about regular cleaning of your washing machine? Is this something worth learning?
This is really not a difficult task but you should be careful as to which cleaners you’ll use in the process. Vinegar and bleach are your safest bets. Just make sure that you let it air properly in the aftermath and run one last cycle with the use of baking soda.
This will reduce the likelihood of a need for repair by quite the margin.
4. Buy fitting parts
One of the challenges that layman repairmen will face is finding quality washing machine parts. The problem is that you need to start by diagnosing the problem. Even with all the tutorials and guides, this is not an easy thing for someone without previous experience to pull off. Then, you need to make sure that the parts that you buy are actually compatible with your washing machine.
Here, the manual could prove to be of invaluable assistance. Also, when ordering online, you can browse for parts for that specific washing machine brand.
5. Test it
Make sure that you safely test the machine in the aftermath. Just make sure that before you turn it on, everything is back in its place.
Also, if you’ve tampered with the machine’s settings during the repair, make sure that you change everything back. Then, go for a test wash. Ideally, you will take a quick wash route in order to see the results more quickly.
Also, you might want to be careful what you put in. You have no guarantee that the ripping problem is solved for good.
6. Most common problems
Another thing you need to understand is the most common washing machine problem types that you’re bound to encounter.
Common problems like the machine bouncing around or being noisy may seem harmless or random but they’re most certainly not. The reason why a lot of people chose to ignore them is that they don’t prevent the machine from performing its primary function. If you give it enough time and ignore it for long enough, this won’t remain the case.
A lot of people only tend to it once the clothes start getting ripped, if there’s no water or if the machine won’t spin.
7. Try a simple solution first
There are some solutions that you could try right away and with a serious likelihood of success at that. The washer might not be receiving power. A loose plug or a damaged cord are likely culprits but every now and then this issue can also be attributed to a faulty socket.
In other words, it’s more of an electrical issue and a job for an electrician than it is a matter of appliance repair. The next potential problem is the water supply. Power, water, and the matter of cleaning the washing machine are things you should consider before every repair.
8. Know when to call a professional
There are some scenarios in which the repair is too complex for you to handle on your own. In some other scenarios, the attempted DIY repair will cause more damage. This means that the handyman that you later call for help will charge you more for the repair.
This is a classic scenario in which paying right away would save you from a greater expense in the future. Overall, it’s essential that you are realistic when it comes to your skills and expectations.
In conclusion
In the end, the key skill you need to have is your ability to tell if this is a problem you can handle on your own. While a lot of people do this for the money, this is not necessarily the best determining factor. Instead, you need to set aside a part of your emergency budget for these emergency repairs. That way, your judgment in these matters won’t be impaired by potential savings that might end up costing you more. In other words, the best tip you could receive about making a DIY repair is the question of whether you should do it, to begin with.