DIY Appliance Repair: What You Can Fix Yourself vs. What Needs a Pro

You don't need a technician for every appliance problem. Some repairs are straightforward, require minimal tools, and take 30 minutes or less. Others involve high voltage, gas lines, or refrigerant that require a licensed professional. Here's how to tell the difference.

• Replace a refrigerator water filter — twist out, twist in. Takes 30 seconds.
• Clean a dishwasher filter — unscrew it from the bottom of the tub, rinse under water. Monthly maintenance.
• Clean refrigerator condenser coils — pull the fridge out, vacuum the coils on the back or bottom. 10 minutes, extends compressor life by years.
• Replace a dryer lint screen — if yours is damaged or clogged beyond cleaning, a new one is $10-20.
• Level a washing machine — uneven loads and vibration are often caused by a machine that's not level. Adjust the feet with a wrench.
• Clear a dishwasher spray arm — remove it (they usually unscrew), clean the nozzles with a toothpick. Free.
• Flush a refrigerator defrost drain — pour warm water into the drain hole at the back of the fridge. Fixes water on the floor.

• Replace a dryer heating element — disconnect power, open access panel, swap the element. $30-50 part. 45-60 minutes.
• Replace a washer door latch/lid switch — $30-60 part. Requires removing a panel but no electrical work beyond a plug connection.
• Replace a refrigerator door gasket — the gasket usually pulls off and snaps on. $30-80 part. Takes patience, not skill.
• Replace a dishwasher water inlet valve — shut off water, remove lower kick plate, swap the valve. $40-80 part.
• Replace an oven bake element (electric) — unplug the oven or flip the breaker, unscrew the element, disconnect the wires, connect the new one. $20-50 part.
• Replace a dryer belt — requires opening the dryer cabinet but the belt itself is a $10-20 part. YouTube has good guides for most models.

• Anything involving gas lines or gas valves — gas leaks can cause explosions. Leave gas work to licensed technicians.
• Refrigerant system repairs — requires EPA certification to handle refrigerant. Illegal to release refrigerant into the atmosphere.
• Microwave internal repairs — capacitors store lethal voltage even when unplugged. Never open a microwave case unless you know how to safely discharge the capacitor.
• Washer drum bearing replacement — not dangerous, but extremely labor-intensive. The entire drum assembly has to be split apart. 3-4 hours for experienced DIYers.
• Control board replacement on complex models — some boards require firmware programming after installation. Without the programming tool, the new board won't work.
• Any repair where you're not 100% sure about power disconnection — if you can't confirm the appliance is fully de-energized, call a pro.

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• 1/4" nut driver (the most used appliance tool)
• Multimeter (for testing continuity — $15-30 at any hardware store)
• Pliers (needle-nose and standard)
• Adjustable wrench
• Flashlight or headlamp

That's what the $49 video diagnosis is for. Simon will tell you exactly what's wrong and whether it's something you can tackle yourself. If it is, the $79 Guided Repair tier gives you 30 minutes of step-by-step coaching while you do the repair.