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Replacing Parts on Household Appliances

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Maybe something fell off when you were moving. Maybe something broke while you were re-installing. Whatever the reason is, household appliances can break, and while it may be easier to purchase a new one, it will be (usually) cheaper to replace the broken parts. Read on for more information about how to locate and replace parts on household appliances. 

Household appliances 

Household appliances are there to make our lives easier. Whether it's a washing machine or a toaster oven, if it breaks it could ruin your day. As simple as they can make our lives, they are still complicated pieces of machinery and need care when moving, installing and using. So stop kicking your dishwasher when it makes that funny noise and have it looked at by a professional. 

There are three different classifications of household appliances: 
  • Major appliances include air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stoves and water heaters.
  • Small appliances are used frequently but are semi-portable like coffee makers, microwaves, food mixers and even vacuums.  
  • Consumer electronics include TVs, DVD players, camcorders, still cameras, clocks, gaming consoles and telephones.
Try to keep these things in good repair to prevent them from sustaining any damage throughout their lifetimes. Not only will taking care of your your appliances ensure that they continue to work, it will ensure that they continue to work well. Your vacuum cleaner might not have as much suction if you neglect to clean out the filter for more than a year.

When to call a pro 

If you don't feel comfortable taking apart your washing machine or your fridge, don't be afraid to call a professional repair service. Many of these companies offer 24/7 service and will show up when you think your water heater is going to explode.

Obviously you won't always need a professional to handle repairs for you. If you aren't sure if you call a professional or not, take a quick peek online and look at what forums, websites and even commentors have to say. Someone may have been in a similar situation to you and may know the trick to getting your toaster to work again. Of course, with smaller appliances, tossing it out and buying a new one is always a viable option. 

Locating the replacement parts 

After you've figured out what is wrong with your household appliance--be it a missing gasket, nut or bolt or a new motor-- often times the trickiest part is trying to locate the broken or missing part.
  • One of the first things you should do when trying to locate the replacement parts is to find your owner's manual for the appliance. You still have that, right? If you don't it's OK. If you DO have it, there will probably be a page that states where you can find replacement parts from the manufacturer or how to order new parts.
  • The manual will also state important information like the model number, customer service information, warranty information and probably repair tips or instructions. 
  • If you don't have your owner's manual, try to locate a model or serial number on the appliance itself. Once you have that number, you can perform a search online for stores that sell replacement parts. 
  • If you can't find the serial or model number on your appliance, try visiting the manufacturer's website. Often enough in the Frequently Asked Questions area of the website there will be an answer to your question or problem. If there isn't, you can also find customer service information. 
  • The manufacturer's website should also have lists of stores or websites that carry replacement parts for the item you are trying to fix. 
  • Once you've found the replacement part you need, follow the manufacturer's instructions for repairs.

Ana M. Ferrer  Posted by Ana M. Ferrer on April 9, 2013

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