In a broad sense, household appliances are more than just a set of mechanical parts. Software, sensors, and wires make up these tricky systems. When the fridge doesn’t cool and the toaster doesn’t heat, it’s a real disorder. This gives you the idea to try to fix everything by yourself. In this case, your advisor is YouTube or TikTok. It should be noted that “do-it-yourself” inevitably leads to risks. This is what we want to talk about in this article. Keep reading!
Why DIY Appliance Repair Is So Common
In general, this practice has become popular due to the ease of information. A huge number of master classes and life hacks create the illusion that any problem can be solved in a matter of minutes. The main motives for this are the desire to save money, speed, and curiosity. It should be noted that for many owners, successfully repairing a breakdown brings personal satisfaction.
Risks of DIY Appliance Repair
We have identified four main risk groups for such behavior. Do not try to follow the advice of pseudo-experts or gurus on the Internet. Often, this is manipulation for the sake of views or hype. So, let’s get started!
Electrical and Gas Safety Hazards
Remember that household appliances operate at high voltage, and gas stoves use explosive fuel. One careless step can lead to disaster. Touching wires with wet hands or forgetting to turn off the gas can lead to tragedy. This poses a threat to the lives of the residents of the house and the integrity of their property.
Incorrect Diagnosis
Obviously, without special equipment, it is impossible to say for sure what caused the breakdown. For instance, replacing an expensive control board in a dishwasher will not help if the cause was damaged wiring or a clogged drain unit. Moreover, an error in the root cause leads to increased repair costs.
Voided Warranties
As a rule, anyone who makes unauthorized repairs or uses non-original spare parts loses their warranty. Therefore, trying to save money on labor costs could cost you the right to a free replacement engine or compressor in the future.
Higher Long-Term Costs
By the way, DIY repairs often worsen the condition of the appliance. Therefore, repairmen have to not only fix the initial delay but also solve the results of the customer’s negligence, which affects the final bill.
Benefits of Professional Appliance Repair
Of course, turning to professionals ensures guaranteed results with minimal cost and effort. If you have any doubts, consider the following:
Background. Certified technicians undergo training and know the specific weaknesses of each model.
Available spare parts. Professionals use original parts that are designed for specific parameters;
Specialized tools. For this purpose, they have multimeters, pressure gauges, etc. In their arsenal, which allows them to eliminate crashes without the risk of damaging sensitive components.
When DIY Is Acceptable and When It’s Not
Honestly, it depends on the complexity of the task. Actually, DIY is acceptable for cleaning filters (air conditioners, extractors), replacing light bulbs (shelves) in the refrigerator, and leveling the legs of the appliance. You can also add descaling the kettle to this list. Meanwhile, there are things that are prohibited. These include:
Any work with the gas system;
Upgrading control boards and electronics;
Working with the compressor and refilling with antifreeze;
Replace bearings, heating elements, or motors.
How Professional Repair Saves Time and Money
Although calling a mechanic may seem expensive, it is more cost-effective in the long run. They help prevents repeated breakdowns and extends the life of the appliance. In this case, you don’t need to search for a lot of information or wait for spare parts that may not fit.
Is another breakdown looming? Minimize the risks of DIY repairs with our team. We will help you find the right solution before you even think about it. Don’t hesitate and contact a reliable partner today!
