Can I repair my own appliances?

When an appliance is acting up, it’s a good idea to check the manual to troubleshoot common problems. Some appliance repairs can be done without calling a professional, such as:<ul><li>Replacing a refrigerator gasket</li><li>Replacing an oven door seal</li><li>Fixing a broken water dispenser or ice maker in a refrigerator</li><li>Replacing an electric burner</li><li>Recalibrating an oven thermostat</li><li>Cleaning a clogged inlet screen on a slow-filling washing machine</li><li>Checking the drain hose in a washing machine that won’t drain</li></ul>Remember that appliances have many delicate components, so if you don’t have the proper tools or you aren’t comfortable tackling a repair, it’s best to turn to a professional.

Should a tenant pay for their own appliance repair?

The responsibility of repairing appliances in a rental property depends on state laws, local ordinances, and the terms of a lease. In areas where landlords aren’t required by law to provide appliances, tenants are usually responsible for the repair. Even if appliances are provided with a rental, the lease agreement may state the landlord is not responsible for maintenance and repair.

Can I repair scratches or dents in my stainless steel appliances?

Fine scratches can be buffed out using a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner. These come in liquid form or a powder that’s mixed into a paste using water. Apply a small amount of cleanser onto a damp microfiber cloth and gently rub the scratch in the direction of the grain. When the scratch is buffed out, remove any residue and wipe dry. Deeper scratches may require a scratch removal kit that includes abrasive pads of different grits. Follow the kit instructions and rub the grain in one direction. To remove a dent on a stainless steel surface, try a suction-cup dent puller, which you can usually find at automotive parts stores.

How do I determine if I should repair or replace a home appliance?

Some experts suggest replacing a home appliance if the cost of repairing is more than half the price of buying and installing a new one. An appliance that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, or one that frequently needs repairs, may be worth replacing.The lifespan of an appliance varies depending on the brand, model, and usage. Typical life spans are:<ul><li>Dishwasher: 9 to 16 years</li><li>Microwave: 9 years</li><li>Washer: 8 to 16 years</li><li>Dryer: 11 to 18 years</li><li>Gas range: 15 to 23 years</li><li>Electric range: 13 to 20 years</li><li>Refrigerator: 10 to 15 years</li></ul>

Is a home warranty worth it for home appliances?

Home warranties may make sense if appliances are expensive to replace or nearing the end of their life span. In some cases, appliances may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty or a credit card used to purchase the goods, eliminating the need for additional coverage.

How do I know if I need to replace a home appliance?

Before investing in a new appliance, you should consider whether your current appliance’s lifespan can be extended with repairs or better maintenance. In some cases, older appliances may be more costly in the long run than a newer energy-efficient model, which can save you money on utility bills. It also may make sense to invest in a new appliance if it offers more functionality for a busy household or complements a renovation or makeover.

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Last updated: September 30, 2023

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Austin, TX 78704

Why choose this provider?

Locally-owned in Austin, Patriot Appliance Repair serves residents with scheduled and 24/7 emergency fixes. They work on kitchen and household appliances, including gas and electric dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and microwaves, and are fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Romanian. Experienced with major appliance brands, such as Samsung, Black & Decker, Maytag, and Whirlpool, they are are also certified by three home warranty companies. Patriot Appliance Repair has served the local community since 2013.

Reputation:

4.6

Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (277)
Angi: 4.7 / 5 (50)
Google: 4.9 / 5 (37)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

3.8

Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail: ––

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Austin, TX 78798

Why choose this provider?

For more than 40 years, Appliance Associates Service Center has sold and repaired a range of appliances. The company offers both home repair service and in-shop service, and have experience with washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, ice makers, freezers, microwaves, vent hoods, dishwashers, and trash compactors. The team at Appliance Associates can service products from more than a dozen different major brands, and sells scratched and dented appliances in-store at significant discounts.

Reputation:

4.0

Google: 4.1 / 5 (57)
Yelp: 4.0 / 5 (34)
Facebook: 3.7 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

5.0

Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

12625 N I-H 35, Austin, TX 78753

Why choose this provider?

Sears Home Services in Austin provides services to homeowners all around the metro area. Its technicians repair a range of household kitchen and laundry appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, freezers, ovens, and water heaters. Before performing the job, the team examines the appliance and explains the issue to the client. Other services it offers include appliance cleaning and maintenance, in addition to home improvement and remodeling. Sears Home Services has been helping the community since 1956.

Reputation:

3.9

Google: 4.0 / 5 (277)
Facebook: 4.2 / 5 (33)
Yelp: 1.5 / 5 (26)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

5.0

Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

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Pflugerville, TX 78660

Why choose this provider?

KJ Repair is owned and operated by an experienced appliance technician and serves the Austin area. The owner is a former head of technician staff at several major hotels and has fixed major appliances for 35 years. The company repairs most major brands, and are authorized service centers for LG, Sears, Choice Home Warranty, and Electrolux. All of their appliance work is guaranteed for 30 days.

Reputation:

4.5

Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (43)

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Austin, TX 78730

Why choose this provider?

Access Appliance Service fixes home appliances in Austin and the surrounding area. They promise affordable, customer-focused service, providing same-day repairs, senior discounts, no service charge with repair work, and a one-year parts and labor warranty. The team of certified professionals works on refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, freezers, and more from the top brands, including GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchenaid, and Jenn-Air. They carry an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, offer senior citizen discounts, and past customers have described the technicians as prompt, knowledgeable, and professional.

Reputation:

4.5

Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (49)
Angi: 5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

5.0

Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

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Pflugerville, TX 78660

Why choose this provider?

Hobbs Repair offers same-day service to Pflugerville, Cedar Park, North Austin, and the surrounding areas. The Austin appliance repair company specializes in fixing LG and Samsung products, and is experienced with other major brands, including Kenmore and Whirlpool. The technicians are fluent in English and Spanish and trained to repair ovens, stoves, fridges, washer/dryers, and dishwashers.

Reputation:

3.8

Google: 3.8 / 5 (40)

Professionalism:

5.0

Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

WebsiteVisit Website

Round Rock, TX 78664

Why choose this provider?

All AMS Appliance Repair’s work is performed by the owner and operator, a factory-trained master technician with two decades of experience. Working throughout Metro Austin, he specializes in kitchen and laundry room appliances and fixes most major brands. He also provides free estimates over the phone. AMS Appliance Repair has served local customers for nearly 20 years, and is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Reputation:

5.0

Yelp: 5.0 / 5 (70)
Facebook: 5.0 / 5 (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I repair my own appliances?
When an appliance is acting up, it’s a good idea to check the manual to troubleshoot common problems. Some appliance repairs can be done without calling a professional, such as:
- Replacing a refrigerator gasket
- Replacing an oven door seal
- Fixing a broken water dispenser or ice maker in a refrigerator
- Replacing an electric burner
- Recalibrating an oven thermostat
- Cleaning a clogged inlet screen on a slow-filling washing machine
- Checking the drain hose in a washing machine that won’t drain
Remember that appliances have many delicate components, so if you don’t have the proper tools or you aren’t comfortable tackling a repair, it’s best to turn to a professional.
Should a tenant pay for their own appliance repair?
The responsibility of repairing appliances in a rental property depends on state laws, local ordinances, and the terms of a lease. In areas where landlords aren’t required by law to provide appliances, tenants are usually responsible for the repair. Even if appliances are provided with a rental, the lease agreement may state the landlord is not responsible for maintenance and repair.
Can I repair scratches or dents in my stainless steel appliances?
Fine scratches can be buffed out using a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner. These come in liquid form or a powder that’s mixed into a paste using water. Apply a small amount of cleanser onto a damp microfiber cloth and gently rub the scratch in the direction of the grain. When the scratch is buffed out, remove any residue and wipe dry. Deeper scratches may require a scratch removal kit that includes abrasive pads of different grits. Follow the kit instructions and rub the grain in one direction. To remove a dent on a stainless steel surface, try a suction-cup dent puller, which you can usually find at automotive parts stores.
How do I determine if I should repair or replace a home appliance?
Some experts suggest replacing a home appliance if the cost of repairing is more than half the price of buying and installing a new one. An appliance that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, or one that frequently needs repairs, may be worth replacing.
The lifespan of an appliance varies depending on the brand, model, and usage. Typical life spans are:
- Dishwasher: 9 to 16 years
- Microwave: 9 years
- Washer: 8 to 16 years
- Dryer: 11 to 18 years
- Gas range: 15 to 23 years
- Electric range: 13 to 20 years
- Refrigerator: 10 to 15 years
Is a home warranty worth it for home appliances?
Home warranties may make sense if appliances are expensive to replace or nearing the end of their life span. In some cases, appliances may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty or a credit card used to purchase the goods, eliminating the need for additional coverage.
How do I know if I need to replace a home appliance?
Before investing in a new appliance, you should consider whether your current appliance’s lifespan can be extended with repairs or better maintenance. In some cases, older appliances may be more costly in the long run than a newer energy-efficient model, which can save you money on utility bills. It also may make sense to invest in a new appliance if it offers more functionality for a busy household or complements a renovation or makeover.