DIY Fix or Call the Expert? 5 Quick Appliance Fixes You Can Do Yourself – And 5 You Shouldn’t

Modern life runs on appliances – from the fridge and oven in your kitchen to the washing machine and dryer in your laundry. When one breaks down, many of us hop on Google looking for a quick DIY fix before picking up the phone. In some cases, a simple troubleshooting step can save you time and money. In others, attempting a repair yourself could be unsafe or make the problem worse. This guide will help you decide when to roll up your sleeves and when to call in a qualified technician. We’ll share 5 quick, safe fixes you can try on common kitchen and laundry appliances, and 5 situations where you shouldn’t DIY. (As a rule of thumb, always check if your appliance is under warranty – manufacturers often warn that unauthorised tinkering might void your warranty)

Safety first: Only attempt the DIY tips if you feel comfortable and the task is minor. Always unplug appliances (or switch off at the mains) before any cleaning or maintenance. Keep in mind that anything involving live electricity, gas, or complex internal parts is best left to the experts for your safety. With that in mind, let’s dive into the fixes!

5 Quick Appliance Fixes You Can Do Yourself

These are straightforward troubleshooting steps and maintenance tasks that any homeowner can try safely. They often solve common issues and require only basic tools (or none at all). By attempting these first, you might get your appliance running again without a service call – and even if you do end up needing a repair, you’ll have valuable information to share with the technician.

1. Check the Power Supply and Reset Breakers: If an appliance has suddenly stopped working (no lights, no sound, completely unresponsive), the solution could be as easy as restoring power. Start with the basics – ensure the plug is firmly in the socket and the outlet switch (if any) is turned on. In the UK, many plugs have a fuse; a blown fuse in the plug could be the culprit, so try replacing it if you suspect it’s fried. Also head to your electrical panel and see if the circuit breaker for that appliance has tripped. Power surges or overloads can trip a breaker to prevent electrical mishaps. Flip the breaker switch off and on to reset it, then test the appliance again. Often, resetting a tripped breaker brings your appliance back to life. For hard-wired kitchen appliances like built-in ovens, make sure any wall-mounted isolation switch is on (some ovens have a separate switch or fused spur). If the appliance still won’t power up after these checks, do not start dismantling anything. At that point, the issue may lie deeper (wiring fault, internal fuse, etc.), and it’s time to call a professional electrician or appliance engineer.

2. Clean Refrigerator Coils for Cooling Issues: Is your fridge not as cold as it should be? Before you panic and start shopping for a new one, give those condenser coils a good clean. The condenser coils (usually located at the back or underneath the fridge) are responsible for dissipating heat. Over time, they get blanketed in dust and pet hair, which acts like an insulating sweater – not what you want on a part that needs to release heat! If the coils are clogged with debris, the refrigerator has to work harder and may fail to maintain the proper temperature. Unplug the fridge and pull it out from the wall. Locate the coils (consult your manual, but typically they’ll be behind a grille at the base or as a radiator-like set of tubes at the back). Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, or a soft coil brush, to gently remove dust and fluff. Cleaning dirty coils can improve cooling efficiency immediately, and it’s recommended to do this once or twice a year as preventive maintenance. While you’re at it, check the fridge’s vents aren’t blocked by food containers and that the door seals are intact (a cracked or loose door gasket can also make your fridge warmer and is relatively easy to replace yourself if needed). With clean coils and good airflow, your fridge should be chilling like its old self again in no time.

3. Unblock the Dishwasher Filter and Drain Hose: A very common DIY fix – and one that can save you from a flooded kitchen floor – is cleaning out your dishwasher’s filter and drain path. If you notice water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher or leaking onto the floor, debris is likely the cause. Start by checking the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub; it traps food particles and can get clogged. Remove the filter (usually a twist and lift motion) and rinse out the gunk. Also inspect the area where the filter sits for any bits that slipped through. Next, check the drainage hose at the back of the machine – it could be kinked or partially blocked by food scraps. Gently straighten any kinks and, if you’re handy, disconnect the hose to rinse it through. Many draining issues are solved by these simple steps: clearing a clogged filter or a kinked hose is often all that’s needed. While you have the dishwasher pulled out, also look for any leaks around the hose connections. A loose clamp or perished rubber washer could cause drips. If tightening a connector or replacing a washer isn’t feasible, you may need a new hose. Replacing a dishwasher drain hose can be a straightforward DIY job if it’s attached externally with clamps; however, if the hose disappears into the machine’s body (moulded internally), that repair is trickier and might require a professional. One more thing: ensure the last wash cycle wasn’t interrupted mid-way. If the dishwasher was stopped before completing, it might have left water behind. Try running a cancel/drain cycle or simply turn the machine off and on again – sometimes electronics need a reset (the old off-and-on trick works for appliances as well as computers!). After cleaning filters and resetting, run a short cycle to test. Your dishwasher should be draining properly and ready to tackle the next load of dirty dishes.

4. Balance Your Washing Machine and Clear the Pump Filter: Washing machines can exhibit a couple of pesky but fixable problems that owners themselves can address. One is excessive vibrating or “walking” across the floor during spin cycles; another is failing to drain water at the end of a wash. For violent vibrations and thumping, the first thing to do is check that the machine is level and stable. Over time, or after a heavy load, the washer’s adjustable feet might loosen or the machine might shift. Use a spirit level or simply crouch down and eye-ball it – if it’s wobbling, adjust the feet at the corners until all four rest firmly on the ground. Front-loading machines in particular must be perfectly level. Also ensure you’re not overloading the washer, and distribute laundry evenly (mix large and small items in a load). An off-balance load can make even a level machine shake, so pause the cycle and reposition the clothes if needed. Manufacturers agree that having the washer’s feet properly stabilised on a solid, level floor is key to preventing excessive vibration. If leveling and load adjustment don’t solve the shimmying, the machine’s suspension (shock absorbers or springs) could be worn – that’s not a quick fix and we’ll address it later in the “call the expert” section.

Regular maintenance and simple checks can often keep your home appliances running smoothly – saving you time and money on unnecessary call-outs. Cleaning the washing machine’s pump filter is another DIY task that can cure drainage woes. Most front-loaders (and some top-loaders) have a filter that catches lint, coins, and debris, usually behind a small hatch at the bottom front of the machine. When this filter gets clogged, your washer may end a cycle with water still inside or refuse to spin. Check your manual for the filter location and how to open it. Be prepared for some water to trickle out when you unscrew or pull out the filter – have a shallow dish or towel ready. Remove any obstructions (buttons, hair, sludge – you might be surprised what you find!). Rinse the filter under tap water until it’s clean. Keeping the pump filter clean makes it easier for water to flow out, so the pump doesn’t have to work as hard. In fact, this little chore, which you can do in a few minutes by yourself, can prevent bigger problems and extend your washer’s life. It’s good practice to do this every few months as part of regular maintenance. Once the filter is back in place and secured, run a spin or drain cycle. In many cases, clearing the filter will have your washing machine draining and spinning normally again. If not, there may be a deeper issue with the pump or plumbing – hold that thought, we’ll cover it in the next section.

5. Clear the Dryer Lint and Vents: If you have a tumble dryer that’s not drying clothes well or feeling overly hot to the touch, the simplest fix is to clean out the lint. All dryers – whether vented or condenser types – have a lint screen (lint filter) that should be cleaned after every load. Pull out the filter (usually just inside the door opening) and remove the fluffy lint buildup. It’s not just about efficiency (though a clean filter helps your dryer dry faster); it’s also a major safety issue. Lint is highly flammable, and a build-up can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. In fact, electrical safety experts warn that neglecting the lint filter is a leading cause of dryer fires. So, by cleaning it regularly, you’re not only improving performance but also preventing a fire hazard. For vented dryers, also check the vent hose that carries air out of your house. Make sure the vent hose isn’t kinked or crushed behind the dryer, and that the outside vent (flap or grille) is not blocked by debris. Lint can accumulate in the hose over time; consider disconnecting it and gently vacuuming out any buildup from both the hose and the wall/external vent. This will ensure proper airflow. If you use a condenser or heat-pump dryer, besides the lint screen, you may need to periodically clean a secondary lint trap or wash the condenser unit (if removable) – follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Lastly, pay attention to warning signs: if your dryer is taking much longer than usual to dry clothes, or if the laundry and machine feel excessively hot at the end of a cycle, something is obstructed. After cleaning filters and vents, those symptoms should improve. If they persist, do not ignore them – it could indicate an internal failure like a faulty thermostat or heating element (which is a job for an appliance technician). But in many cases, a good lint clean-out does the trick, and your dryer will operate safer and more efficiently afterward.

By trying these five quick fixes, you can solve a large portion of everyday appliance problems on your own. You’ll also get to know your appliances better – which is great for spotting issues early. However, not every problem should be tackled by an amateur. Some situations call for expert knowledge, specialised tools, or certification (think gas or high voltage). In the next section, we’ll outline five scenarios where you should call a professional instead of DIY.

5 Appliance Repairs You Shouldn’t Do Yourself (Call an Expert)

While it’s satisfying to fix things yourself, it’s equally important to know your limits. Certain appliance issues are dangerous, complex, or prone to costly mistakes if attempted without proper training. Continuing to fiddle with an appliance when a quick fix doesn’t resolve the problem can lead to further damage – or serious injury. Below are 5 cases where calling a qualified technician is the smart move. Grange Electrical’s team (serving Wirral and Merseyside) deals with these kinds of repairs regularly, so you can avoid the risk and hassle.

1. Major Electrical Repairs (Wiring, Heating Elements, and Circuitry): Anything that involves opening up the appliance’s main housing and poking around its electrical components should give a DIYer pause. This includes replacing heating elements in ovens or dryers, fixing faulty internal wiring, or swapping out circuit boards. Such repairs expose you to live electrical parts and high voltages. For example, if your electric oven isn’t heating because the bake element burned out, that element runs at a high voltage and installing a new one incorrectly can lead to shocks or shorts. Manufacturers and repair experts explicitly warn that these jobs “should be done by a professional” due to the risks involved. Similarly, an electric dryer that isn’t heating might need a new heating coil or thermostat – but accessing and wiring those correctly is complex. One wrong move and you could not only harm yourself, but also fry the appliance or create a fire hazard. For your safety, if the simple fixes (like checking power or cleaning filters) don’t solve an electrical issue, resist the temptation to dig deeper. Call an electrician or appliance repair service. They have the know-how to diagnose issues with multimeters and schematics, source the correct parts, and install them safely. In the UK, certain electrical repairs (especially on hard-wired appliances) may even require a certified electrician to comply with regulations. Bottom line: don’t gamble with electrical faults – get an expert to restore your appliance and ensure it’s safe.

2. Gas Appliance Issues (Cookers, Hobs, etc.): Gas appliances add an extra layer of danger to any DIY attempt. If you suspect a problem with a gas cooker, stove, or gas oven (for instance, the oven won’t ignite, or you smell gas), do not try to fix it yourself. Gas leaks and improper combustion can lead to fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. As one appliance safety guide bluntly states, working with gas lines without proper expertise can result in gas leaks, explosions, or CO poisoning. In the UK, it’s actually illegal for an unregistered person to work on gas fittings – only a Gas Safe registered engineer is qualified to repair gas ovens, hobs, or boilers. Even a task that might seem simple, like replacing a faulty igniter on a gas hob, should be approached with caution. Yes, some confident DIYers do it, but unless you’re very experienced, it’s wiser to call a professional for this. They will ensure that the gas supply is safely shut off, the part is installed correctly, and no leaks are present before relighting. Grange Electrical specialises in electrical appliances (not gas), so for gas cooker issues you’d be directed to a Gas Safe engineer. The key point remains: gas repairs are not DIY territory. Your family’s safety is worth more than any call-out fee.

3. Refrigerator Sealed System and Compressor Repairs: Your fridge or freezer might have been easy to maintain when it was just a matter of dirty coils or a torn door seal. But if it still isn’t cooling after the basic cleaning steps, the problem could lie in the sealed refrigeration system – such as a refrigerant leak or a bad compressor. This is unequivocally a job for the professionals. The refrigerant loop is a closed system under high pressure; repairing it involves specialised tools to capture and recharge gases, and it’s illegal to vent refrigerants into the air. Diagnosing these issues is also tricky – you’d need training to pinpoint if there’s a blockage, a leak, or a failing compressor. One expert on an appliance forum explained that since it’s a sealed system, “you need a qualified repairman to check it out as it could be anything... faulty compressor, lack of refrigerant, etc.”. In other words, there’s not much a layperson can do without proper equipment. Signs of sealed system trouble include: fridge dramatically losing cooling power even after coil cleaning, a compressor that runs constantly and gets very hot, visible oil around refrigeration lines (a clue to a leak), or frost build-up in only one area of the evaporator. If you notice these, don’t attempt to fix it by yourself – you could harm the environment or yourself. Trained refrigeration engineers can test for leaks, replace compressors, and refill refrigerant safely. Sometimes, the cost of such a repair is high enough that you might consider replacing the appliance, but a professional can guide you on that decision too. Either way, leave sealed-system repairs to the experts.

4. Replacing Major Mechanical Parts (Motors, Pumps, Bearings, Belts): When an appliance needs a significant part replaced deep inside, it’s often more than a quick DIY fix. For instance, if your washing machine isn’t spinning at all and you hear the motor whine, it might have a snapped drive belt or a burned-out motor. If your dishwasher’s not spraying water, the circulation pump might have failed. These components require a lot of disassembly to access – and reassembling incorrectly can cause leaks or further damage. While certain handy enthusiasts might change a washing machine belt themselves, keep in mind it involves tipping the machine, removing panels, possibly the drive pulley, and ensuring the new belt is properly tensioned. More intimidating is a job like replacing drum bearings in a washer (a very common cause of loud rumbling noises). That task can take a professional half a day with specialised tools; for an amateur, it’s a nightmare of suspended drums and spring clamps. Likewise, a dryer’s drum belt or motor replacement calls for taking apart a good chunk of the dryer’s body. If you’re not completely confident, these are best left to technicians. Even CHOICE experts note that while simple balance issues are DIY-friendly, if your washer’s suspension springs or shock absorbers are damaged, that job is “best left to a professional”. Another example: a dishwasher that still doesn’t drain after you cleared the filter might have a faulty drain pump. Replacing a dishwasher pump often means accessing the bottom of the unit, dealing with water and electrical connections in tight spaces – doable if you’re experienced, but risky if not. In summary, internal part replacements tend to be intricate. You might fix one thing only to disturb another if you’re unfamiliar with the appliance’s anatomy. There’s also the matter of obtaining the correct replacement part – professionals can source OEM parts and typically offer a guarantee on their work. Save yourself the headache (and skinned knuckles), and call an expert for major part swaps or repairs that require significant teardown.

5. High-Risk Appliance Repairs (Microwaves and Others): Some appliances are just inherently dangerous to repair without proper training. The microwave oven is a prime example. Microwaves have capacitors that can store thousands of volts of electricity even after unplugged, which can deliver a lethal shock if discharged improperly. So if your microwave stops heating or the turntable won’t turn, the safest bet is to have a professional look at it (or consider replacing it). There are a few minor microwave fixes owners can do – like changing the interior light bulb or fixing a loose door latch – but anything beyond that (such as a faulty magnetron, capacitor, or transformer replacement) is a no-go for DIY. Electrocution is a very real risk with microwaves, so unless you absolutely know what you’re doing, leave it be. Similarly, any appliance that combines water and electricity (like an electric water heater, not strictly in our kitchen/laundry scope, but worth mentioning) or complex electronics might be hazardous. If you find yourself reading a repair guide that instructs you to test live voltages or dismantle intricate parts, consider that a red flag. Remember, there’s no shame in calling a professional when an appliance repair is above your comfort level. In fact, many experts advise that if you’re unsure at any stage, it’s safer and more practical to bring in a technician. You’ll potentially save money in the long run by avoiding a botched DIY attempt that could wreck the appliance entirely or cause personal harm. And importantly, you’ll keep your household safe.

Conclusion: Knowing When to DIY and When to Call Grange Electrical

By now, you should have a clearer idea of which appliance issues you can tackle on your own and which ones require an expert touch. Changing a filter, cleaning coils, or resetting a tripped switch – those are quick wins that can get your appliance back on track and give you a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, complex repairs, involving electricity, gas, or major components, are best left to qualified technicians who troubleshoot these problems every day.

This balanced approach not only satisfies the DIY itch for simple fixes but also protects you from the pitfalls of going too far. When in doubt, prioritise safety and reliability. No one likes admitting defeat to a machine, but sometimes making that call will save you in the long run – in repair costs, in time without a working appliance, and in peace of mind.

If you’ve tried a DIY tip and it didn’t solve the problem, or if you’ve recognized your issue in the “call the expert” list, we’re here to help. Grange Electrical has a team of experienced appliance repair professionals ready to assist with those jobs that shouldn’t be DIYed. We operate in the Wirral and Merseyside areas and pride ourselves on honest, efficient service. By openly sharing DIY advice, we hope we’ve earned your trust – so remember us when you encounter a fix that’s beyond your comfort level or requires a pro’s expertise. Whether it’s a cooker that needs a new element, a washer that won’t spin despite your best efforts, or any other domestic appliance dilemma, contact Grange Electrical. We’ll get your kitchen or laundry room back to running smoothly, and you can rest easy knowing the repair is done safely and correctly.

In the end, the goal is the same: a home where appliances hum along happily. Do what you can on your own, and for the rest, don’t hesitate to call the experts – it’s all part of being an empowered, yet safety-conscious, appliance owner. Happy fixing!