Appliance Tips: Simple Fixes to Keep Your Home Running

Every homeowner faces a broken fridge, a noisy dishwasher, or a heater that won’t turn on. You don’t have to call a pro every time. With the right tips you can spot the problem, do a quick fix, and decide when it’s time for an expert.

Everyday Maintenance

Regular care is the cheapest way to keep appliances alive. For a fridge, wipe the seals with warm soapy water once a month – sticky seals waste energy and cause warm air in. Pull the back panel and vacuum the coils every six months; dust makes the compressor work harder and can overheat.

Dishwashers love clean filters. Once a week, take out the bottom filter, rinse it under tap water, and remove any food bits. A clogged filter makes water pool at the bottom and can damage the pump.

Ovens and hobs get grease buildup on the burners and heating elements. After each use, let them cool, then spray a little baking‑soda solution and wipe. You’ll notice fewer hot‑spot problems and the cleaning is quicker than a deep‑clean later.

For washing machines, run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar every few months. It clears soap scum and keeps the drum smelling fresh. Also check the hose for cracks before each wash; a burst hose can flood the laundry room.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

When a kitchen extractor fan loses suction, the first step is to check the filter. Most fans have a removable carbon or mesh filter – pull it out, wash it, and reinstall. If suction is still weak, look at the duct. A short, loose section can be re‑tightened with a zip tie.

Hot water not heating? Feel the water at the tap. If it’s lukewarm, the heating element could be faulty. You can test it with a multimeter – set it to resistance, touch the probes to the element terminals, and look for a reading between 10‑30 ohms. No reading means the element needs replacement.

Electric hobs that won’t turn on often have a tripped breaker. Locate your consumer unit, flip the breaker off and on again. If the hob still stays dead, the control board may be the issue; in that case, it’s safer to call a qualified technician.

Microwave not heating? The fuse is a common culprit. Unplug the microwave, locate the fuse (usually near the power cord), and check for a broken filament. A new fuse is cheap and easy to install with a screwdriver.

If a freezer stops freezing, first check the temperature dial – it might have been nudged. Next, listen for the compressor clicking on; a silent unit often means a blocked condenser coil. Clean the coil with a brush and see if the unit starts cooling again.

Water heaters that keep tripping the reset button usually have a bad thermostat or an overheating sensor. Press the reset button for about three seconds, then wait a minute. If it trips again, shut off the power and let a professional handle the internal parts.

These tips cover the most common hiccups we see in Bridgewater homes. Try the simple steps first – they’re safe, cheap, and often fix the issue. When you’re unsure or the problem persists, give Bridgewater Appliance Fixers a call. We’ll get your appliances back in shape without delay.