7 Appliance Parts That Are Surprisingly Valuable
There are some appliance parts that people immediately see the value of. There are others, however, which are equally important but often overlooked. Here, we take a look at appliance parts that you'll never want to overlook again.
1. Dryer Motor
No one likes damp clothes. If you are running your clothes through multiple dryer cycles and still coming back to wet clothes, your dryer motor may be at fault.
The motor is part of the dryer you may not think about until it stops working, but it is incredibly important to the way your dryer functions.
A new dryer motor is expensive and usually costs around $400, so it may be worth it to get a specialist to check on your dryer to see if there is a cheaper repair they can do before you replace the part altogether.
2. Oven Doors
Most people understand that oven doors are important, but many do not understand the full extent of that importance. Oven doors are insulated and heavy to keep heat isolated in the oven. This also prevents accidents from occurring.
If something happens to your oven door, turn to the pros. Do not attempt this repair yourself. Doing so could actually void your warranty and risk making things worse. An improperly working oven door can also cause dangerous cooking conditions.
3. Garbage Disposals
People often take their garbage disposals for granted. After all, it's not something you see the inner workings of. If it is broken, though, it can lead to a clogged sink. Depending on how handy you are, you may be able to fix a broken garbage disposal yourself. If you aren't comfortable doing so, it's a job the pros can easily handle.
4. Fridge Condenser Fan Motors
The point of a fridge is to keep items cold and ensure their long shelf life. If your fridge is not doing its job, though, the condenser fan motor may be at fault. The motor is responsible for regulating the temperature inside your appliance.
If it is not working, it will need to be replaced. Replacing the motor may also decrease the noise in your fridge as it can often cause fridges to be noisy when it is not working correctly.
5. Dishwasher Hoses
A dishwasher hose moves water in and out of the dishwasher. They are usually connected to the water supply line and the dishwasher's line. If it is broken, you will need to repair or replace it so that your dishwasher runs smoothly.
Before you start this or any other project that involves water, make sure you have a bucket ready in case of any leaks. For this particular repair, put it under the pipe under your sink to be safe.
The pipe could be connected with a clip or a clamp. Make sure you know which it is before continuing the repair. If you know the maker and model of your garbage disposal, it will be easier to understand how to repair the device.
6. Washing Machine Seal and Gaskets
The seal and gaskets on your washing machine may seem small but are actually incredibly important. If one breaks, water will drip into other parts of the unit or even onto the floor, depending on where the break is. Make sure to repair it immediately to prevent damage.
Your dryer, on the flip side, has a gasket that keeps the heat in. Without it, your clothes won't dry correctly.
7. Stove Igniters
Your stove igniter not working when you are trying to cook is a real problem. Before you start a difficult project to fix it, though, make sure the stove is not simply blocked and unable to start due to debris clogging it. To do so, thoroughly clean the appliance.
If it still does not work, consider calling in the pros. Unless you are a seasoned DIYer, working on a gas stove can be quite tricky.
If you have experience working with stoves, you will start by pulling the stove away from the wall so that you can access the stove. Turn the valve behind the stove off to prevent any accidents from occurring when you work on the stove.
You can then find the igniter by lifting the stovetop if it is a gas stove. Clean the igniter to remove any debris. You can also use a toothpick to really get in there. Then put everything back where it was before you started the project. Your igniter should be working now, so you can get cooking.