Washing Machine

[LaVicky]

Hey all,
For those who are slightly handy or willing to try and be!

About 3 yrs ago my Newer washing machine stopped working, it wasnt agitating(moving the clothing) just filling with water and nothing. It was a newer washer, compared to the older ones I used that worked forever in the past. Anyways, my husband looked up what goes wrong and that its the agitator, we had a sears part store down the street, the part was $15, my husband drove over, bought it and took it apart and put the new one in himself. Much cheaper then a new washer or even making a service call! And its just a little part but does take some effort to get into the washer to put it in.

Also my mom gave me a dryer Ive been using for 10 yrs now, she owned apartments and this was an apartment laundry room dryer. The thing was used then heavily, we did one service call in the 10 yrs just to replace the belt. The thing is still going.

I used to think having appliances repaired wasnt worth it, sometimes it isnt, but sometimes just a quick fix or a part or even calling the repair guy is actually worth it!

[bjl584]

Speaking of Sears, I had a Craftsman garage door opener that went bad. I tore it apart and found that the nylon gears inside were stripped. I ordered new parts for $35 and replaced them. It worked good as new and saved me over $100 had I went and bought a new unit. Fixing appliances is often worth the cost. Most of the time, the problems that they have are common, and parts can be easily found and are inexpensive.

Some things usually not worth fixing are most electronics. Digital cameras and tv sets often cost almost as much to fix as it would to go buy a new one.

[mstrohm]

Many of the appliance manuals can be found online - but don't give your email address to get a manual. Look for the actual manufacturer's manual. Many non-manufacturer websites like to republish the manuals, then get you to give them your email address so they can put you on their spam lists.

[irmanator]

I just fixed mine about a month ago, a sock got in the discharge hose and it wouldn't drain. I got the sock out and it is fine.

[MrPolarZero]

In my case, I actually try and repair an appliance first before considering replacing it. Definitely saves me a lot of money when it turns out that only a small part needs to be changed.

[GREENBACK]

I've done this over the years on a number of my appliances. Everything from replacing parts to some fairly basic electrical or mechanical work. I'm no handyman but some of it is not that hard to do with a little instruction. The internet has helped greatly with this.