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.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 23, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, kitchen
Save money fix it yourself.
For anyone who's ever seen a dish washer or washing machine break down, the struggle of man vs. technology can seem like a mighty one. This is particularly true if you don't have a lot of experience in working with appliances or other around-the-home machinery. In those cases, you're often at the mercy of the contractor's schedule. If waiting for a repairman to "get around to it" isn't in the cards for you, you'll want to fix your own appliances. There's good news: doing so will help you save money. But you need to figure it out first.
First, make sure you keep all of your owner's manuals in one safe place, usually in a storage box somewhere in your basement or attic. If you don't have an owner's manual for the appliance that broke down, you can still try to find one online, or see if there's a phone number printed on the side of an appliance that might be able to help. The owner's manual is there for a reason: the problem isn't that it doesn't help, but that many people forget to use it.
You can also conduct an online search to do your own research into the appliance. There are some Web sites out there that will be able to show a diagram of the appliance you're working with, and even tell you where you might find some replacement parts.
Fixing a machine usually requires two steps: diagnosis and repair/replacement. The hard part is diagnosis: if you don't understand the inner workings of a machine, you probably won't be able to figure out why your washing machine won't drain or why your dish washer has gone haywire. That's why owner's manuals can come in handy, offering blueprint-like guides to the inner workings of each appliance.
Once you've diagnosed a problem, you have to see if it's fixable or not. If you can snap something back into alignment or flip a switch that shouldn't have been unflipped, repairs will be relatively easy. But if parts have worn down beyond repair, you'll have to order a new replacement part. Don't fret; this is something that the repairman would have had to have done anyway. Figure out the name of the part and call some hardware stores in your area to figure out if you've found the right one. Then you can simply pick it up, along with anything else you might need to purchase.
Photo Credits: ztephen
Originally posted 2009-08-24 03:42:06.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 1, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances
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.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on July 2, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, kitchen
Check the water level.
Sometimes, it's more frustrating to see a machine that's partially working rather than one that is totally broken. This is especially true of the novice do-it-yourselfer, who knows that they're close to having the solution but isn't quite sure what to do next. If you're having this kind of problem with your washing machine tub, which won't fill up with enough water for your laundry, your troubles will be over in just a few minutes.
To understand exactly why a washing machine tub might not fill with a proper amount of water, it will help to know how machines "know" when they have enough water in the first place. Devices like dishwashers have level detectors that let the machine know that there's a sufficient amount of water in the machine. The washing machine has a water level switch, as well.
Note: Before you start working on this problem, be sure that your washing machine is disconnected from your electrical power. For all of your plugged-in appliances, it's best to avoid these kinds of problems simply by unplugging them before you begin.
The way a water level switch often works in a washing machine is relatively simple: the more water there is in the machine, the more the air pressure builds up. The water level detector keeps tabs on this air pressure and knows when the water is built up to a sufficient height. When your machine isn't filling with enough water, a problem with the water level switch can often be the culprit.
In order to make sure that your water level switch is working effectively, you'll want to test it (of course, the power to your washing machine should be disconnected!). Here's a good guide to testing your water level switch that will help you understand how the switch works and how to test it.
If you are still having problems with your switch, there's a possibility you might need to call in a repairman or have the part simply replaced. If you believe it needs to be replaced, it might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and find out the part that you'll need.
After you've made the adjustments and hopefully fixed your washing machine, plug it back in and try it out. How is the water level now? If you're still having problems, you'll have to check other parts of your machine. Again: disconnect before tinkering!
Photo Credits: jim212jim
Originally posted 2009-12-10 03:05:42.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 16, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Laundry Room, appliances
Frosted Fridge?
We all love refrigerators because they keep our food cool and fresh, but when we want our food cold, we put it in the freezer, not the "fridge." So what happens when your refrigerator is running too cold? Instead of freezing all of your food and drinks, you can try a couple of simple steps to fix the temperature.
When a refrigerator is running cold, it means that the temperature settings or control are out of whack: much of the work you do to fix your refrigerator will include "diagnosis" work in which you try to figure out the source of the problem.
The Refrigerator Temperature Setting
The first thing to do is check the refrigerator temperature setting itself - is it set to cold? You may not have a problem with a refrigerator; instead, you may have a prankster on your hands. You can adjust the refrigerator temperature setting simply by adjusting the setting manually. You'll want your refrigerator to run at about thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
You can confirm the temperature of the refrigerator by placing a simple cooking thermometer in there and letting it sit for a good amount of time - give it a couple of hours just to be sure. If your refrigerator temperature setting does not seem to be the problem, it's time to test the temperature control itself. This will entail some more involved electrical work, so if you're not up to the task, simply be ready to call a repairman. They'll be able to help you, and be sure to tell them whether or not the refrigerator is powered.
Testing the Temperature Control
Note: Before you begin testing the temperature control, be sure that you unplug the refrigerator, disconnecting it from any power source. This will help you avoid electric shock.
In many refrigerator/freezers, the cooling system for the freezer is simply a vent that regularly lets in cool air from the freezer. To get started testing the temperatur control, remove the temperature setting controls, often by unscrewing them.
Once you've made it that far, you'll be able to find that the control within is connected to two wires - make a written note to remember where the wires are originally. For the next steps, consult these instructions which give you pictures explaining in greater detail.
If your refrigerator is still having problems, try and check with a professional and think about buying replacement parts - or even a replacement refrigerator.
Photo Credits: tranchis
Originally posted 2009-11-19 03:19:56.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on April 26, 2010 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, kitchen
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