Avoid These Mistakes

Modified on Thu, 11 Sep, 2025 at 6:10 PM

Some DIY fixes for appliance repairs can be highly dangerous and cause more harm than good, including potential fires, electrocution, explosions, and costly damage.

Microwave repairs

Microwave ovens use a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a lethal electrical charge long after the unit has been unplugged.

Risks: Handling internal microwave components puts you at risk of a dangerous or even fatal electrical shock.
Why it's a trap: Without the right safety training, you may assume that disconnecting the power makes the appliance safe to work on. However, the stored energy in the capacitor makes this repair one of the most hazardous for DIYers.

Complex mechanical problems (dryer or washer)

Complex issues, such as a broken motor, drum, or compressor, are best left to a professional. While a basic fix like a clogged dryer vent is okay, deeper repairs carry more risk.

Risks: Improperly reassembling a mechanical component can damage the appliance, create a new issue, or increase the eventual repair cost. A botched repair on a high-voltage dryer, for example, can start a fire.
Why it's a trap: Modern appliances are intricate systems. Without specialized tools and knowledge of the exact model, it is easy to misdiagnose the issue or damage smaller, related parts. Taking photos during disassembly can help, but it does not prevent all errors.

When in doubt, call a professional

The risks of DIY appliance repair—including personal injury, voided warranties, and further damage—often outweigh the potential savings. A trained and certified technician can diagnose the problem accurately, fix it safely, and offer a warranty on their work, saving you money and headaches in the long run.

Complex electrical issues

While it might be tempting to tackle an electrical problem in a washing machine, refrigerator, or oven, complex wiring is a major hazard.

Risks: Faulty electrical work can result in severe shocks, electrocution, or house fires. This risk exists even when the appliance is unplugged, as some components can retain a charge.
Why it's a trap: Using the wrong replacement parts or incorrectly wiring a connection can short out the control board, destroy the appliance, or ignite a fire.

Refrigerant leaks

Fixing a refrigerant leak in a refrigerator or freezer is not a job for a DIYer, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools.

Risks: Refrigerants are hazardous chemicals. Inhaling them or mishandling them without proper ventilation can cause serious health problems.
Why it's a trap: You may only have access to inexpensive and unreliable replacement parts that are not compatible with your appliance, leading to a temporary fix that fails or causes more damage.

Gas appliance repairs

Attempting to repair a gas-powered appliance like an oven, stove, or dryer is extremely dangerous and should always be left to a licensed professional.

Risks: A small mistake can cause a gas leak, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, or fires.
Why it's a trap: Many homeowners underestimate the dangers or assume a simple connection is easy to fix. Gas leaks are often difficult to detect without proper training and equipment.