Is there anything that feels quite as good as fixing something yourself and gloating to the other half every time they use it? We don’t think so! Why not use this New Year to become a master of DIY and save on engineer calls outs.

To get you started, we’ve picked out some of the most common problems with household appliances along with some easy fixes.  Go on, give it a try!

Problem: Noisy Washing Machine

If your washing machine sounds like its dancing around the kitchen when cleaning your clothes, it may not be broken – just out of balance. This means when washing light clothes – say pyjamas – along with heavy items such as wets towels, your washing machine is struggling to balance both these items.

How to fix it: Balance out your load by putting towels with towels, shirts with shirts, jeans with jeans – you get the drift! Evening out the weight will balance your washing machine and mean it stays quiet and peaceful with no need to call anyone out – simple!

Problem: Fridge isn’t Cooling

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling or has stopped working, it could mean the coils, which are located on the back or bottom of your fridge, have been clogged with dust, dirt or pet hair. A build-up of these can cause the compressor to overheat and trigger the overload switch.

How to fix it: All you need to do is get out your trusty hoover and vacuum away the debris. It should then start to cool within a few hours. Keeping coils clear can also mean more efficient cooling and cut down on energy bills – bonus!

Problem: Stove Burner Won’t Light

What’s the cause: If your stove burner won’t come on, it’s likely to be down to that pasta sauce you made a few days ago!

How to fix it: Try using an old toothbrush to scrub away stuck on stains from the igniter. Also, ensure that the round ceramic seal strike plate is properly seated on the burner and this should relight the fire!

Problem: Electric Oven Won’t Heat

If your oven doesn’t seem to heat up, it could be that the “time cook” function has been set, meaning the oven won’t turn on until the appointed time.

How to fix it: Check the function hasn’t accidentally been turned on. If it has, the display will read “hold,” “delay” or “time cook.” Clear the timer by pushing the “off” button and be sure the knob is turned to manual.

Problem: Dishwasher Not Washing Dishes

If your dishwasher isn’t doing what it should, it could be because leftover food is blocking the filter. When clogged, water is unable to make it to the spray arms to clean dishes on the top rack.

How to fix it: To clean, simply pull out the lower rack and remove the filter cover inside the dishwasher and clean with a wet vacuum. While you’re there, check the nearby float switch which, if clogged, won’t produce any water.

Problem: Tumble Dryer Not Heating

If your clothes are still wet when they leave the tumble dryer, there may be 2 possible causes – both easy to fix you’ll be glad to hear!

How to fix it: Firstly check your settings! The dryer may have accidentally been set to “fluff air” which is a non-heat setting. If not, it may be due to a clogged lint filter. Even if the filter looks clean, it could be blocked with a nearly invisible film caused by dryer sheets. To check, pour water into the filter and if it holds, it needs a thorough clean. To do this, simply remove the filter and scrub with hot water and a little laundry detergent.

If these quick fixes don’t solve your problem, not to worry – you still don’t have to spend on engineers just yet! Head over to our eSpares Advice Centre to diagnose the issue and get some expert advice on how to fix it.

Tags: DIY Tips, Fix it Yourself