As I look back over the years, I am amazed at how much we have come to depend on the gadgets and appliances we own. We come home, and we take these appliances for granted. We put the dishes in the dishwasher and then we run into the laundry room to load the washer and dryer. Then it’s back to the kitchen to begin preparing dinner.
What happens though when we try to use one of these appliances and find out it simply died on us with no reason or explanation? Well, we have to find a solution. If you have a warranty, the solution is easy and we simply call the repair center. If it’s out of warranty, then we have to call an appliance repairman… or do we?
HandyMan John of Riverside County can make repairs to all sorts of appliances including dishwashers, washers, dryers and more.
There are some obvious signs that your appliance is in need of repair. Here’s what you should watch for:
- The appliance stops working altogether.
- The appliance doesn’t perform like it used to.
- Water leaks around the appliance.
- The appliance makes strange noises.
- It makes a burning smell when it’s on.
Things to Consider Before Calling an Appliance Repair Service
Before contacting an appliance repair service, it’s essential to consider a few key factors. Assessing these aspects can save you time, money, and potential headaches. Here are considerations to keep in mind before making that service call.
Is Your Appliance Actually in Need of Repair?
Before you jump to any conclusions, follow these tips to ensure the appliance is not working.
- Check if the appliance is properly plugged in and receiving power.
- Plug in another device if you suspect the outlet is the problem.
- Confirm the circuit breaker is not the culprit, and if so, reset.
- Look for error codes and consult the appliance’s user manual for troubleshooting.
- Push the reset button or unplug the device for a few minutes to reset and restart.
- Examine the appliance for visible damage or loose parts you might be able to fix.
- Listen for weird noises—squeaks or grinding sounds can explain what’s wrong.
- Check for leaks in dishwashers and refrigerators—it’s a clear sign of a problem.
- Evaluate the appliance’s age; it may have exceeded its average life span.
Does the Broken Appliance Have a Warranty?
Whether you have a manufacturer warranty, and extended warranty or you have bought a home maintenance warranty, this is obviously going to have a significant impact on your decision making when it comes to appliance repair. A warranty typically represents a promise from the manufacturer or whoever you bought the maintenance warranty from, that they will repair the appliance in question. Sometimes, these warranties have deductibles that must be met, or the repair costs will be pro-rated as to how much they will actually pay, based on the age of the appliance. You have to read the fine print on that. You always want to check the terms and condition in reference to that.
Is The Appliance Outside Its Useful Life?
As a certified home inspector, as well as a handyman, one thing I have learned is to check the age of appliances. When does their useful life end? The lifespan of appliances varies widely from about 15 years to just 9 years for a dishwasher. HOWEVER, that does not mean that they will cease working at that point. Like anything else, a refrigerator can quit working at 10 years or at 25 years. The following chart can give you an “average” length of time that they will last.
| Appliance | Useful Life |
| Refrigerator | 15 years |
| Dishwasher | 9 years |
| Tank heater | 10 years |
| Clothes dryer | 10 years |
| Washing machine | 10 years |
Repair or replace?
Most people take into consideration the age of the appliance. Even myself, as a handyman will consider that when I am giving an estimate on the cost of repairs. Generally speaking, if the cost of repair is 50% or more of the cost to replace the appliance, then you will be better off, financially speaking, to just go ahead and buy a new appliance. Keep in mind though, that this is not an iron-clad rule, but simply a guideline to use in helping to make a decision of which way to go.
HandyMan John of Riverside County can help you with that decision, and if you do choose to repair the appliance and hire us to do that, then we deduct the cost of the service charge from the final repair bill.
HandyMan John of Riverside County today at 951-892-3229 or you can text us.