How To Fix » kitchen

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal that Won’t Turn On and Won’t Make Noise

Fix Handyman — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:04:01 +0000

Fixing the Garbage Disposal

When you've lived long enough in a kitchen that has a garbage disposal, it's easy to get used to the idea that you can simply let the old grime and muck off of your dishes wash down your sink drain. It's only when the garbage disposal fails to work that we realize how much easier it made our lives around the home. So what do you do when your garbage disposal won't turn on?

In this article, we'll address this question in a specific case: what do you do if your garbage disposal won't turn on and won't make any noise?

First, a note of safety: it's crucial that you don't put your hand down the garbage disposal "hopper" - where the food goes. If your garbage disposal suddenly starts up, you'll find yourself wishing you hadn't put your hand down there, so be smart and don't do it at all! That's a basic rule of safety when working with a garbage disposal.

If your garbage disposal fails to turn on and won't make any noise, the first thing to do is to check the power itself. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it's the first place you'll want to look, as lack of power can mean other "fixes" don't do the job.

Next, if the power is fine, you'll want to check the re-set button on the bottom of the disposal (it's usually red and easy to find). Give the disposal a try after this.

If this still fails to get the disposal running, you'll actually want to check the circuit breaker. This is usually a good point to ask a professional or ask your landlord to help you out with your garbage disposal, as it may put you in unfamiliar electrical territory. It's best to leave it to the experts if you're not sure as to how to proceed.

Once someone is able to take a look at your garbage disposal, make sure you ask them about how they fixed it in case you need to know for future reference. If it helps, even make sure to write it down so that you can look back at your notes if your garbage disposal fails in the future. A good professional should be willing to give you advice.

jsgphoto

Originally posted 2009-09-25 03:32:24.

How to Fix a Noisy Dishwasher

Fix Handyman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:28:36 +0000

Noisy dishwasher? No problem, we can fix that!

When you have a noisy dishwasher, you don't exactly feel like doing the dishes. After all, doing the dishes alone isn't the most entertaining bit of home maintenance in the world. The prospect of adding noise to the equation when you're trying to watch the game on TV or hear your favorite television show makes the idea even less appealing. That's why you'll want to fix your noisy dishwasher as soon as you can - so you can get back to quiet evenings after a rough day at work.

Of course, in order to fix your noisy dishwasher, you'll have to know what's causing the noise in the first place. This is where most of the work in fixing the noise itself will take place. First, try to find your dishwasher's owner manual: if it gives any warnings against improper dish loading that you've been violating, the reason for the noisy dishwasher might simply be human error. Oops. Do the dishes right next time and hopefully the noise will subside.

It's not always human error, however. If the problem wasn't you, you'll have to do some dishwasher inspecting. The first place to look? The pump at the bottom of the dishwasher. Make sure that it's not clogged with debris such as stuck silverware, food, or uneaten seeds. This pump should be perfectly clean.

If that's not the problem, you also might want to make sure that your dishwasher is level. If your dishwasher sits on "feet," you should be able to adjust them manually. Use a level to check that it is not leaning forward/backward or to any one particular side.

If none of these fixes has made the noise go away, there's a possibility that your inlet valve is the source of the issues. The inlet valve is not an easy thing to replace, but you'll probably want it replaced if you want to get rid of the noise. If you're out of answers, call in a repairman who will know what makes your dishwasher become so noisy, and ask about the possibility of replacing the inlet valve. This could be the source of your noise, but it's not an easy challenge to take on yourself.

Make sure that you keep your dishwasher clean, regularly cleaning it out of debris and gunk. Even though the dishwasher seems like a self-cleaning machine, you'll want to check how clean it really is from time to time.

Photo Credits: scampion

Originally posted 2009-08-17 03:00:21.

How to Fix a Broken Oven

Fix Handyman — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:56:02 +0000

Oven repairs.

When your oven's broken, you know it right away. A broken oven isn't something that can wait for the winter - when you need something cooked, you need it cooked for tonight's dinner! That means that your repairs can't wait, and neither should you: that's why this article will give you a quick summary on how to repair a broken oven and how to address some of the most frequent problems that arise.

The first thing to consider is the oven type itself. Most ovens will either be an oven run by gas or by electricity. If you've cooked before, you should probably have an idea of which one it is, but if you're new to the place and haven't had the time to investigate, now is the time to double-check. Do you have an electric oven or a gas oven?

Once you know the type of oven you have, it's important to understand the type of problems these different types frequently face. For example, a gas oven will usually have problems that effect the ignition of the gas or the supply of the gas. IMPORTANT NOTE: With gas stoves, make sure there are no leaks. If you're not sure, you'll want to call in a professional.

The other most frequent oven type, the electric oven, has its own typical problems. When it comes to these electric appliances, you'll usually encounter your problem with the heating devices located within the oven itself. If you really want to find out what's wrong with your electric oven, be sure to be careful that you don't touch anything that is charged. It's best to be extra cautious when working with either a gas or an electric oven.

Once you've made sure that the gas and electricity to your oven are turned off, you'll be able to finally make some repairs. The first thing to do to fix your broken oven is actually to take the oven apart. If you've never worked with an oven before, you'll want to keep detailed notes about how you took the oven apart so that you can put it back together again.

Huh? Take the oven apart? You heard me right. As you take the oven apart, you should be able to find the problem, if you haven't already. Taking the oven apart will help you to identify the problem, and either fix it or identify the need for a replacement. In doing so, you'll also learn about how your oven works for future reference.

Photo Credits: SuperFantastic

Originally posted 2009-10-12 03:08:07.

How to Fix a Broken Pantry

Fix Handyman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:15:36 +0000

Midnight kitchen raid anyone?

Your pantry cabinet in your kitchen can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes: while some people have simple shelves, others will have full-on walk-in pantries. But no matter how big your pantry is, there's no escaping the potential for a breakdown or the need for repairs. The question is simple: will you be able to repair it yourself? After you read this article, you will.

First, it's important to realize that there are essentially two different types of breaks. The break is either superficial or structural. For example, a scratch on your pantry door would fall under the "superficial" category, in that it diminishes the attractiveness of your pantry but doesn't mean you can't still us it. Structural damage, such as a broken shelf, can be a little more substantial and might even effect your quality of life - daily life, that is.

The best way to fix most items around the house is to understand how it is put together - and then take it apart. You'll have to take apart most items down to the point of the problem itself so that you can make the necessary repairs and build it back together again. That's why it's important to properly diagnose what's wrong with your pantry. If you can't get to the problem, you'll have to do some removing, including actions like removing screws. Hey, it's not home improvement without getting your hands a little diry!

Common structural problems with pantries involve broken or stuck sliding mechanisms (for shelves and doors), broken hinges on doors, and broken shelves. Oftentimes, you'll be able to make the repairs simply by re-attaching something to where it originally belonged. If there is more extensive damage, however, you'll have to look into repairing the parts themselves and, failing that, replacing them.

You can replace virtually everything in your pantry if you understand how to find each part. If you know what kind of wood to use and how to get it properly colored and stained, you can replace a dented piece of wood. If you know the specific parts to door hinges and slides, you'll be able to order many of those online or find them in a hardware store.

What you do to fix your broken pantry will largely depend on the problems you face. But don't fret; what's important about your do-it-yourself home repair isn't always the problem, but the can-do attitude you bring to the table. Don't let your pantry be broken for weeks and then months on end: it's time to stop the procrastination and to get things done!

Photo Credits: la fattina

Originally posted 2009-07-31 03:45:35.

How to Fix a Broken Freezer Light

Fix Handyman — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:27:09 +0000

What's in here?

Over time, and thousands of openings of the freezer, we expect that that the freezer light will pop on whenever we open the door. When it doesn't, we're thrown for a quick loop. But, be honest: how many of you really fix that freezer light the moment you notice that it's not working? Some people put it off. Well, if you're reading this article, there's a chance you didn't put it off, so kudos! Let's teach you how to fix a freezer light with as little stress as possible.

The first thing you'll want to do is to check the bulb itself. Oftentimes you simply will have to replace the freezer bulb in order to get the light working again. Be sure that you have the right kind of freezer bulb.

When you do replace a freezer bulb, be sure that you unplug it from the electricity running into it. Safety first! You'll want to avoid electricity whenever possible, even if you've replaced a light bulb before. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, be sure that you have the right bulb for your freezer model to ensure that the bulb works correctly and safely. Note that some freezer light bulbs might require that you remove a cover in order to get to the bulb.

If replacing the bulb didn't help things, it's time to check your freezer's door switch. This switch is what triggers the light bulb, and if it's not working effectively, it might not be the bulb that's causing the lack of light! The switch often works by using the door being closed as a way to keep it off, meaning that whenever the door is open, the light bulb will be on.

Again, be sure that your freezer is disconnected from electrical power. Once you're sure this is the case, you can go into the switch by removing its casing - if it's not screwed in, be careful in removing it, or have someone who's experienced in this sort of thing remove it.

Once you've exposed the switch and its wires, you'll want to consult these directions for further instructions on what to do, and what to replace once you've found that there is any error with your freezer light switch.

When in doubt, call a repairman to handle these things for you, as you don't want to compromise your safety.

Photo Credits: Robert Couse-Baker

Originally posted 2009-11-12 03:12:55.

How to Fix a Kitchen

Fix Handyman — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:34:51 +0000

Five Ideas for Remodeling Your Kitchen

Whenever a spouse brings up the possibility of fixing up the kitchen, it's usually the other spouse's job to think about the money (hint: I'm on the money thinking side). After all, remodeling anything your home probably won't be a cheap situation, especially the more ambitious your plans are. But if you really want to fix a kitchen and make some necessary repairs while upgrading a room's look, there may be no avoiding it.

Don't forget that fixing a kitchen can increase the value of your home if you plan on moving to a larger home in the near future. That's just one of the reasons you'll want to remodel your kitchen, but if your heart's already set on it and you're not sure you have the cash, don't fret. This article will tell you five ways that you can remodel your kitchen while slashing the prices.

Change the wallpaper or paint the walls.
Perhaps one of the quickest and cheapest ways to change the overall look of your kitchen is to look past the cabinets, countertops, and appliances, and to the wall itself: is the wallpaper dragging the rest of the room down? Does the color contrast in all the wrong ways with its environment? It might be time to either try new wallpaper or give it a new paint job. Make sure you consult with someone to be sure you're picking a color that will improve it, not do further damage to the ambiance.
Update your countertops.
Countertops take up a lot of the space in the kitchen, and making sure that they're top-of-the-line can be a great bonus for kitchen lovers. Expensive stone countertops can make the entire kitchen seem more expensive without breaking the bank.
Modernize your appliances.
If your kitchen is clean and looks good, maybe it's time to modernize the appliances you're actually using. Even if you plan on showing your house to prospective buyers who won't be taking your appliances, the better your kitchen looks, the more perceived value your home will have. Besides, since you get to keep the appliances and use them, it works better for you.
Redo the cabinets.
Perhaps the first place most people look in the kitchen is to the cabinets: old dusty wood can be replaced by new, strong timber. It's not an easy project but if you tackle it yourself, you may be able to save a few bucks.
The floors!
Although the floors will be under your feet 100% of the time, they can still have a dramatic impact on how the rest of the room looks. If you can't figure out anything else to do with your kitchen, maybe you should stop looking around and simply look down at your feet.

Photo Credits: brianc

Originally posted 2009-07-16 03:30:16.

How to Fix an Annoying Dishwasher

Fix Handyman — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:13:02 +0000

Is your dishwasher acting up?

The dishwasher is one of the modern conveniences that we often take for granted - until it starts failing us and we realize how much easier it made our daily lives. If you have an annoying dishwasher, it's best not to put off the problem for the future. Instead, you can nip it in the bud by seeing if you can diagnose the problem and using some good old fashioned elbow grease. Here's how to fix an annoying dishwasher.

First it helps to understand how a dishwasher basically works. A dishwasher has a lot of water flowing in and out of it on a daily basis - first, it uses a heated water and detergent mix in order to complete a wash. This dirty water is then drained from the dishwasher. The dishes are then rinsed with water and a rinsing agent, and then this water is drained and the dishes are left to dry, often with heat added to the drying process. When you open up your dishwasher door again, you have a clean set of dishwasher and silverware waiting to be put away.

At least that's how it's supposed to work. If your dishwasher is having problems, empty it and take a look at some of the basic parts. For example, there is a water inlet valve which lets water in, a float that helps the dishwasher know when the water is high enough, and a motor which pushes water into a pump that sprays the dishes clean. If any of these parts look like they need to be replaced, replace them.

It helps to keep your dishwasher clean on a regular basis - dishwashers do have a lot of clean water going through them on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean the dishwasher itself will be clean; only your dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is clean and try another load to see if it cleared out whatever might have been causing the problem.

If you're still having trouble with your dishwasher, consult an owner's manual (it's best to keep your owners' manuals in the same secure spot) and see if there's anything you can do. Replace what needs to be replaced. If you're stuck, call in a repairman and see if they know what the problem is - as you do, be sure to have them explain the problem to you in case it ever comes up again. Chances are that you'll learn something about your dishwasher that just may come in handy in the future.

Photo Credits: zenobia_joy

Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:10:54.

How to Fix a Kitchen Drawer

Fix Handyman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:46:42 +0000

Got a kitchen drawer mess?

Your broken kitchen drawer can feel like a major nuisance - after all, who wants to struggle with opening a drawer when all you want to get is a simple knife or fork? Believe it or not, however, these drawers are put together simply, and fixing them can be just as simple once you take a look inside. If your drawer is broken, you should be able to fix it by setting aside a small block of time and a little persistence. Of course, you'll need a little knowledge, too.

The first step to fixing your broken kitchen drawer is diagnosing the problem you're facing. Usually, the problem is one of two things: a split in the wood itself, or a problem with a mechanical joint that is forcing the drawer to fail. Either way, your job will essentially be to re-build and re-attach either broken part so that your drawer looks like the other (working) drawers in your kitchen.

Pull out the drawer as far as you can and take a look at the problem. Is the drawer not coming out far enough? Then you're probably looking at a potential jam or blockage at some part of the roller. If you have trouble getting to your drawer, be willing to move out some nearby parts in your kitchen, including other drawers.

Since the problem usually arrives either with the wood or the mechanism itself, you'll have two ways to fix your drawer. For problems with the wood - often a wood split - you'll want to purchase some wood glue and re-set the wood so that it is even again. Let the glue dry for a while before testing out the kitchen drawer again.

Problems with mechanical joints in your drawer can be fixed in a similar way, though you'll probably want to be more careful. Make sure that the area is clean first, and make a mental note of where the old glue appears to be. You'll probably want to clear away some of this glue in order to make way for a new, stronger adhesive. Again, let the glue set before you test out the drawer.

If you get lost, try to use your functioning drawers as blueprints for how this drawer should look. Remember, a drawer is not a complicated device. There are only so many things that can go wrong. Once you diagnose the problem, you can set about fixing it right away.

Photo Credits: put that down

Originally posted 2009-08-05 13:55:30.

Basic Cookware Cleaning Tips

Fix Handyman — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:27:37 +0000

Dirty Dishes.

Let's face it - after a good meal and all of the preparation that went into it, the last thing you want to do is clean out some scrubby-looking pans. But, like it or not, you're stuck with them. That's why you'll want to find out some quick, no-nonsense tips for cleaning your pans that will help you finish the process and move on with your night. Here are some of those tips.

Remember: water is the universal solvent. If you don't want to clean out a pan right away, but don't necessarily want to let the caked-on food dry out and become hard, either, try filling it up with a good amount of water. Soaking the pan in water isn't the most attractive solution, but it will make it easier for you later on when the food comes off much more easily. Water is considered the universal solvent in the chemistry world, and you should put that bit of scientific knowledge to good use. One tip: don't use water and soap for this soaking - the water will work fine by itself.

Be mindful of temperature. Of course, you don't necessarily want to add cool water and bring your pot or pan from boiling to room temperature in zero seconds flat. Instead, give the pots and pans some time to cool off before you start cleaning them: this will help them remain durable and strong.

Read the directions after you buy some cookware. Like it or not, the directions are there to help - they can make you aware of any individual needs these pots or pans might have. So if there are certain cookware items that simply don't respond to different types of cleaning, you can save yourself the trouble simply by reading the instructions right after buying a new pot or pan.

Buy re-usable towels, rags, and cleaners. If you're going to be cleaning out your cookware on a regular basis, you'll want to do the cleaning with something you can re-use, as well. Paper towels can be great around the kitchen, but you constantly need to re-stock your supply. You can instead use an old rag to do a lot of your wiping and simply throw it in the laundry from time to time to keep it fresh and clean.

Save room in your dishwasher. Some of your cookware will go well in the dishwasher - remember, check your directions first - and you can use an empty dishwasher to your advantage simply by throwing in a couple of your pots and pans. This isn't always ideal, but it will help you to clean up the pots and pans without working too hard after a long day.

Photo Credits: kbc kevin

Originally posted 2009-07-20 08:00:48.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Handle

Fix Handyman — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:00:17 +0000

Replace that broken fridge handle quickly and easily.

Around the house, the refrigerator is probably one of the appliances we take most for granted. It keeps our food fresh for days, keeps liquids cool, and the freezer can store foods for months. If you have a broken refrigerator handle, you've already experienced what it's like when this appliance doesn't work like it usually does. You probably have one thought: "I need to get this fixed immediately!" Though the handle breaking can be a minor inconvenience, it's something you'll want to taken care of. Here's how to fix it yourself.

Fortunately, repairing a refrigerator handle is an easy thing. Why's that? Because the simplest way to do it is simply to replace the door handle itself. And in order to accomplish this, you'll follow a few, simple steps.

First, you'll want to get rid of the old door handle. Presumably, you've left this handle on. Identify the areas on the handle that are attached to the refrigerator via screws, and then loosen the screws. Make sure to keep those screws in case you need to use them with your new refrigerator handle. Even if you buy the exact model of refrigerator handle from the manufacturer, there's no guarantee that they'll include the right screws you need. Rather than go through the trouble of finding new ones, simply save the old ones! (This is unless, of course, the screws were the problem in the first place).

Next, it's time to install the new handle. Line it up with the matching holes and twist in the top screw - this will allow the refrigerator handle to hang. Don't necessarily tighten this screw right away, as you'll want some flexibility for later. Next, twist in the bottom screw to near tightness with some flexibility. Now, use the flexibility of the new handle's position to align it correctly with the refrigerator. Tighten the top screw and then the bottom one. Voila!

Often times, repairs like this can be as simple as going online and ordering the right parts. Some manufacturers will even replace broken parts for free - some will do this while requiring that you send them the old part. In either case, make sure to explore your options and take care of this right away: don't let your house deteriorate. You never know when a guest might show up unexpectedly and try to open your refrigerator.

Photo Credits: Avoir Chaud

Originally posted 2009-08-10 03:13:33.