It’s a headache we all dread—an appliance in the home suddenly stops working, leaving us frustrated and helpless. Whether it’s your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, or other household machines, the sudden malfunction of any device can throw off your daily routine. As a homeowner, you need to know what to do when something goes wrong with an appliance so you can get it running again as soon as possible. Discover some tips on what to do when your home appliances stop working.
See if It’s Plugged In
Imagine you’re trying to make your morning coffee, but the coffee maker won’t turn on. Frustrated, you start to wonder what could be causing the issue. Before you give up and head to the coffee shop, take a few deep breaths and remember the first rule of appliance troubleshooting—see if it’s plugged in! It may sound silly, but you’d be surprised how often this simple step can solve the problem. Take a minute to make sure your appliance is properly plugged in before looking for other solutions.
Verify the Outlet Is Working
The next step is to verify that the outlet is working properly. This step can often solve the problem and save you time and money. To check if the outlet is working, you can use a voltage tester or plug a different device into the outlet to see if it works. If the voltage tester indicates no power, or the other device doesn’t work either, the issue is likely the outlet itself. In that case, you may need to consider calling an electrician to fix the problem.
Check the Circuit Breaker
It’s upsetting when an appliance suddenly stops working; sometimes, the cause can be hard to pinpoint. However, before you assume the worst, it’s worth checking the circuit breaker. By looking at the circuit breaker and flipping the switch if needed, you can save money and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements. This easy step can go a long way in ensuring that your appliances stay in working order.
Call an Appliance Repair Technician
When one of your appliances stops working, the first thing you might do is give it a quick once-over to see if you can identify the issue. If you’re not comfortable tinkering around with your appliances, the final step is to call in the professionals. An appliance repair technician can help you identify and fix the problem quickly and efficiently. However, not all technicians are created equal. For this reason, knowing what questions to ask when hiring appliance repair technicians is beneficial. Once you find the right one, you can schedule a time for them to fix the issue.
Now that you know what steps to take when an appliance stops working, you can use these strategies at the first sign of appliance malfunction. Minor issues like clogged filters and dusty vents can easily be resolved with a few preventative maintenance measures. If problems persist, though, don’t hesitate to call in professional help.