Norms Appliance Services

Appliances make many aspects of your life easier, but they can also develop faults that leave you weighing repair-or-replace options. Often, it’s the moving parts that are first to show signs of wear and tear.

With a little research and the right tools, you can save yourself the cost of a service call by fixing simple problems. Just remember to always unplug before touching any appliances!

1. Know Your Tools

Having the right appliance repair tools is essential for getting the job done. For some jobs, you will need specialty tooling like a diagnostic scanner or a multimeter, but others can be completed using a basic set of hand tools and other supplies. For example, you will want to have a screwdriver set that includes Phillips, flathead, and Torx driver bits in various sizes. You should also have a nut driver set and a wrench set to handle a variety of bolts and screws. You should also invest in a small shop vacuum to clean up any mess you might make while working on a job and ensure that the customer’s floor is as clean as it was when you arrived.

Oftentimes, the most efficient way to identify problems is to use an appliance diagnostic scanner or a multimeter. These devices allow technicians to scan appliances at a quicker rate and can provide them with detailed information about different components within the appliance. They can also help to identify any potential electrical issues such as blown fuses or faulty switches.

Other tools that are useful for appliance repairs include a clamp-on amp probe, which allows technicians to measure current without disconnecting wires, and a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool, which is helpful for grabbing loose screws that have fallen off in hard-to-reach places. Finally, you will need a few general tools, such as work goggles to protect your eyes from debris and chemicals, and sturdy work gloves that offer protection from scratches and cuts. You should also invest in a high-quality tool bag or box to keep your tools organized and protected. Lastly, it’s important to keep up with new software updates for your appliance diagnostics tools so that you can get the most out of them.

2. Know Your Parts

Appliances work hard for us, and they’re easy to take for granted. That’s why when they stop working, it’s often a shock. But before you call a pro, try some super-simple fixes that can get your appliances up and running again.

Start with the moving parts of your appliance. They’re most likely to go bad, so they’re the first thing you should check when your appliance starts acting up. For most appliances, this means paying attention to fans and motors, especially if they’re making noise.

You should also pay close attention to hoses and seals. For instance, washing machines rely on hoses to move water around, so if there’s a leak or kink, it could be time for a replacement. And oven and refrigerator doors depend on their seals to keep heat and cold inside, so you need to check them regularly for signs of wear and tear.

Finally, make sure to disconnect electrical power from your appliance before you begin a DIY repair project. Microwaves, for example, contain capacitors that can retain a lethal charge even when unplugged or shut off at the house breaker. If you’re unsure about your ability to safely repair an appliance, call in a professional instead.

Appliances have a typical lifespan, and if yours is close to that point, it may be smarter to replace it rather than continue spending money on repairs. However, this is a tough decision, and it’s important to understand your options. To help, we compiled a list of the best and worst appliance brands in terms of reliability. Check out our rankings to see if your current appliance is worth saving or if it’s time for a new one.

3. Know Your Wiring

A well-wired electrical system is vital to keeping your appliances functioning and preventing fires. Unfortunately, faulty wiring can cause major problems, including serious injuries to house occupants. Fortunately, you can spot the signs of trouble and take precautions to protect yourself.

If you notice a strange smell coming from an outlet, it’s best to call in a professional right away. New appliances can produce odd odors when they’re first powered on, but a persistent or unusual odor suggests that the wiring is overheating. This can melt the insulation on wires, which can then cause a fire.

Another sign of faulty wiring is when the lights are dimming or flickering. This could be caused by an energy-hogging appliance like a washer or dryer that is sharing an outlet with light fixtures. If you suspect that this is the problem, consult an electrician about moving lights to different circuits or installing dedicated lines for large appliances.

Messy wiring is another problem that can be a serious fire and trip hazard. Cords and extension cords should run along the walls rather than running across the floors or carpeting, and they should never be plugged into outlets that aren’t designed for them. Uncovered junction boxes are a fire hazard, too. Check the covers regularly and replace them if needed.

Many older houses have faulty or obsolete wiring. If you’re not sure what type of wiring your home has, you can look for fuses or breaker boxes that are labeled with their voltage and amp requirements. Homes built before WWII likely have knob and tube wiring, while houses from 1945-1959 might be romex. It’s also possible that your house may have both a fuse box and a breaker panel.

4. Know Your Appliance

Appliances can get a little wonky over time, but the good news is that they usually give you warning signs that something’s up. Do your clothes seem to take longer than usual to dry in the dryer? Does your fridge stop and start thawing or refreezing food? If these problems persist, it’s probably time to call a repair service.

A quick diagnosis can help you decide whether a repair is needed or if replacement is necessary. You can do some basic tests with a multimeter (which is a cheap, easy-to-use tool that has two wired ends—one positive and one negative). Additionally, many manufacturers provide online troubleshooting resources, such as FAQs or user manuals that can help you diagnose the problem.

If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s always safest to consult an expert first. However, fixing your appliances yourself can save you money and is a great way to learn about how they work. Just be sure to wear protective gear and always unplug any appliances before starting.

You can also save money by putting off an appliance replacement if you have the means to do so. But if you have a tight budget, replacing your appliance with a new, energy-efficient model can save you money in the long run.

Finally, you can keep your appliances in tip-top shape by regularly cleaning them. But be careful not to void your warranty by disassembling them for cleaning, and check with the manufacturer or The Spruce for specific instructions. It’s a good idea to snap photos of your small appliances before you begin so you can put them back together in the right order. This will ensure that you don’t miss anything important while repairing the appliance.

5. Know Your Safety

Appliances make our lives easier but they can also pose a safety risk if operated incorrectly. This is especially true when electricity or water is involved. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your appliances and consumer electronics operate correctly.

Start by determining what the problem is with your appliance. Sometimes it’s as easy as replacing a battery or checking to see that the power is turned on. If you’re still having trouble, try using a different outlet or a different circuit breaker. You may find that the issue is more serious than you initially thought, but it will help if you have some basic tools on hand to help you get to the bottom of it.

It is important to understand that appliance repair is a complex job and should only be undertaken by those who have a basic understanding of electrical wiring. It is important to always follow the guidelines laid out in your owner’s manual when attempting to repair or replace any parts of your appliance. It will also be helpful to know how to properly use any additional equipment that may be required for the job.

Never attempt to fix an appliance without first turning it off and ensuring that it is unplugged. Many people make this mistake and it can lead to a variety of issues, including electrocution. Appliances that are plugged in to damp areas, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, or outdoor spaces should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electrocution from occurring. It is also important to know that any appliances that require water should be inspected for leaks before reinstalling any parts.