PROPERTY maintenance: APPLIANCES REPAIR

Note: Before making any repairs or replacements, we must check to see if the appliance or its parts have a warranty.

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check every 6 months.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Refrigerator is too warm or too cold.

• Unstable temperature fluctuations.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Refrigerator: Safety first.

2. Locate the Thermostat: Typically found inside the fridge, near the back.

3. Test the Thermostat: Use a multimeter to check for continuity. No continuity indicates a faulty thermostat.

4. Replace the Thermostat: Unscrew and disconnect the old thermostat. Install the new one by reversing the removal process.

5. Plug In and Test: Ensure the refrigerator reaches and maintains the desired temperature.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Wrench

• Replacement thermostat

Common Costing:

• Thermostat testing and replacement: $100-$250

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$300

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Yearly checks.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• The refrigerator is not cooling.

• A loud noise coming from the back of the refrigerator.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Refrigerator: Ensure safety.

2. Access the Compressor: Usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator.

3. Check for Electrical Issues: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the compressor's start relay and overload protector.

4. Replace Faulty Components: If electrical components are faulty, replace them. If the compressor itself is faulty, consider repair or replacement.

5. Plug In and Test: Confirm the refrigerator cools properly.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• HVAC Technician

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Wrench

• Replacement start relay and overload protector

Common Costing:

• Compressor component replacement: $100-$300

• Professional compressor repair or replacement: $500-$1,200

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Every 6 months.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Refrigerator running constantly.

• Poor cooling efficiency.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Refrigerator: Safety measure.

2. Locate the Condenser Coils: Typically at the back or underneath the refrigerator.

3. Clean the Coils: Use a coil brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris.

4. Reassemble and Plug In: Ensure everything is in place and test cooling efficiency.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Coil brush

• Vacuum cleaner

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

Common Costing:

• Coil cleaning: $75-$150

• Professional appliance maintenance service: $100-$200

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check and clean every 3 months.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Dishwasher not draining.

• Water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Dishwasher: Ensure safety.

2. Access the Drain Pump: Usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.

3. Check for Blockages: Remove any debris or blockages in the pump or hose.

4. Test the Pump: Use a multimeter to check for continuity.

5. Replace the Pump: If faulty, replace the drain pump with a new one.

6. Reassemble and Test: Plug in and run a cycle to ensure proper drainage.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Plumber

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Wrench

• Replacement drain pump

Common Costing:

• Drain pump inspection and cleaning: $100-$200

• Drain pump replacement: $150-$300

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$350

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check annually.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Dishwasher not filling with water.

• Slow filling or no water at all.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Dishwasher: Safety measure.

2. Locate the Water Inlet Valve: It is typically found at the bottom front of the dishwasher.

3. Test the Valve: Use a multimeter to check for continuity.

4. Replace the Valve: If faulty, remove and replace the inlet valve.

5. Reassemble and Test: Ensure proper water filling during a cycle.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Plumber

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Wrench

• Replacement water inlet valve

Common Costing:

• Water inlet valve inspection and testing: $75-$150

• Inlet valve replacement: $100-$200

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$300

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check every 2 years.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• The washing machine is not advancing through cycles.

• Stuck on one cycle.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Washing Machine: Ensure safety.

2. Access the Timer: Usually located in the control panel.

3. Test the Timer: Use a multimeter to check for continuity.

4. Replace the Timer: If faulty, remove it and replace it with a new one.

5. Reassemble and Test: Ensure the machine advances through cycles correctly.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Replacement timer

Common Costing:

• Timer inspection and testing: $75-$150

• Timer replacement: $100-$200

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$300 

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Every 6 months.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Clothes are taking too long to dry.

• Excessive lint buildup.

• Overheating.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Dryer: Ensure safety.

2. Access the Vent: Located at the back of the dryer and the duct leading outside.

3. Clean the Vent: Use a vent brush or vacuum to remove lint and debris.

4. Check for Blockages: Ensure the entire duct is clear.

5. Reassemble and Test: Ensure proper airflow and drying efficiency.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Vent brush

• Vacuum cleaner

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Flashlight

Common Costing:

• Vent cleaning: $75-$150

• Professional dryer vent cleaning service: $100-$200

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check every 6 months.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Burner not lighting.

• Clicking sound without ignition.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Stove: Ensure safety.

2. Access the Igniter: Typically located under the burner cap.

3. Test the Igniter: Use a multimeter to check for continuity.

4. Clean or Replace: Clean the igniter with a brush or replace if faulty.

5. Reassemble and Test: Ensure proper ignition.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Cleaning brush

• Replacement igniter

Common Costing:

• Igniter testing and cleaning: $75-$150

• Igniter replacement: $100-$200

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$300

Frequency:

• Regular Maintenance: Check annually.

• Common Repair: As needed based on symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Appliance not heating (e.g., ovens, dryers).

• Uneven heating.

Steps to Repair:

1. Unplug the Appliance: Ensure safety.

2. Locate the Heating Element: Depending on the appliance, this could be in various locations.

3. Test the Element: Use a multimeter to check for continuity.

4. Replace the Element: If faulty, remove and replace with a new one.

5. Reassemble and Test: Ensure proper heating.

Person Responsible:

• Appliance Repair Technician

• Electrician

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter

• Wrench

• Replacement heating element

• Pliers

Common Costing:

• Heating element testing: $75-$150

• Heating element replacement: $100-$300

• Professional appliance repair service: $150-$400