The kitchen is probably the most used room in your home. It is where you prepare your meals which plays a big part in keeping the entire family healthy. It is also where you gather with friends and loved ones to bond over good food. However, when something suddenly goes wrong with your oven or stove, it can disrupt the flow of things in your home. You may be forced to spend extra money to ensure that this appliance works properly again. If you are not comfortable spending money for repairs that often, then it may be time for you to learn more about the common problems and simple appliance repairs for your oven and other appliances.
Most homes will have the following large and small appliances in the kitchen: oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator. All these appliances make our lives easier by taking care of some tedious tasks in preparing meals. But like any other household appliance, they are also susceptible to wear and tear. Here are some of the most common problems that you may encounter with your kitchen appliances:
Ovens and Stoves
One of the most common problems with ovens is when they fail to heat up properly. This problem could be caused by several things, such as a faulty heating element, an accumulation of grease and food particles on the heating coil, or a thermostat that is not working correctly. Another common problem with ovens is when the oven door does not close properly, which causes heat to escape affecting cooking time.
Another problem commonly encountered with stoves is when the burner fails to heat up. This could be caused by a faulty igniter, a clogged gas line, or a defective valve.
Microwaves
One of the most common problems with microwaves is when they stop working altogether. This problem could be caused by a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a door switch not working correctly. Another common problem with microwaves is when they do not heat food properly. This could be caused by a damaged magnetron or an uneven turntable.
Dishwashers
The most common problem with dishwashers is when they fail to clean the dishes properly. This could be caused by several things, such as a broken spray arm, an accumulation of food particles and grease on the filters, or a defective detergent dispenser. Another common problem with dishwashers is when they leak water onto the floor. This could be caused by a faulty door seal, a cracked hose, or a clogged drain.
Refrigerators
One of the most common problems with refrigerators is failing to keep food cold enough. This could be caused by a faulty compressor or several loose connections. Another common problem is when the condenser coils get clogged with dust. If this happens, you will need to call an appliance repair professional to help you clean the coils and prevent your refrigerator from overheating.
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
In most cases, the common problems with your home appliances can be fixed with simple solutions, which you can do yourself. You would not need to call for professional repair services for these simple appliance repairs:
Oven Door Not Closing Properly
If your oven door is not closing correctly, you can try to adjust the hinges. If this does not work, you can also try to replace the door gasket.
Oven Not Heating Properly
If your oven is not heating properly, you can start by cleaning the heating element. You can also check if the thermostat is set correctly. If both are working fine, you may need to replace the bake element.
Stove Burner Not Heating Up
If the stove burner or your gas oven is not heating up, you can start by checking if the igniter is working. You can also check for a clogged gas line or a defective valve in your gas burners.
Electric Oven Not Working Correctly
If your electric oven is not working, you should check the circuit breakers or the fuse. You can also check the door switch to see if it is defective. If all of these are working correctly, you may need to replace the bake element.
Water Leaking from Dishwasher
If water leaks from your dishwasher, you can start by checking the door seal. You can also check for a cracked hose or a clogged drain. If these do not solve the problem, you may need to call a professional appliance repair service for assistance.
Microwave Stopped Working
If your microwave stops working, you can check if the door switch is defective. You can also check for a blown a fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the magnetron.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly
There are several things that you can do to fix this problem. First, you can clean the filters and remove any food particles or grease that might be clogging them. You can also check if the spray arm is broken and needs to be replaced. Lastly, you can check if the detergent dispenser is defective and needs to be replaced.
Refrigerator Not Keeping Food Cold Enough
If your refrigerator is not keeping food cold enough, you can try cleaning the condenser coils to remove dust or other debris that might be preventing proper airflow. If this does not work, you may need to replace the thermostat or defrost timer in your refrigerator.
When it comes to repairing home appliances, it is always best to start by troubleshooting and identifying the root cause of the problem. You can take steps to fix the issue yourself with simple tools and parts from your local hardware store. More often than not, these simple repairs will take you less than an hour to complete. By taking care of the standard issues as soon as they arise, you can help prevent more severe problems in your appliances.
Do you want some more tips on troubleshooting and addressing common problems with your oven, microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Whether dealing with a broken door seal or a clogged gas line, these tips will help you fix your appliances quickly and easily.
Always check with the Owner’s Manual.
When planning a DIY repair on various appliances in your home, it is best to consult with the owner’s manual. Most major appliance brands will have instructions on troubleshooting their units and list down the common replacement parts that you purchase from appliance stores.
Check the Warranty from the Manufacturer
If your appliance is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, it is best to take advantage of this and request the company repair or replace the unit for you. This is especially important for major appliances such as refrigerators and ovens.
Check Local Hardware Stores
For minor repairs on faucets, microwaves, and other small appliances, your local hardware store will have all the necessary replacement parts that you need. Be sure to bring the old part with you to ensure that you get an exact match.
Unplug electric appliances during repairs
When planning to repair electrical appliances such as the microwave, oven, and dishwasher, it is best to unplug them first. This will help prevent electrocution and other severe accidents from happening. Make sure to test your appliance after repairs before plugging it back in.
Replace significant components or have repairs performed by a professional
If you are dealing with more complex issues in your home appliances, it is always best to consult with a professional repair service for assistance. DIY enthusiasts should not attempt significant repairs like replacing parts or rebuilding the entire unit unless they are well-versed with appliance repair and maintenance techniques.
With regular care and maintenance, you can quickly troubleshoot common problems with your household appliances. Always refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on properly caring for and repairing your appliances. And remember, when in doubt, always seek professional help for complex issues or significant repairs.
Hiring an Appliance Repair Service
If you encounter these problems with your oven and other appliances, it is always best to call in an experienced appliance repair professional to repair home appliances for you. These professionals can regularly check out your kitchen appliances to ensure that they are working correctly. They also have the proper tools and training needed to detect any potential problems with your ovens and other large or small appliances before they get worse.
As you can see, many things can go wrong with your kitchen appliances. Call an appliance fixing professional today if you encounter any of these problems or want to avoid them from happening.