DIY Appliance Repair Tip

[planomustang]

I have been a DIY'er for nearly everything, from car repair, home remodeling, etc. That is another way to say "I am a cheap basstard".

For car repairs, youtube has become a DIY'er's best friend, over the last ten years.

For appliance repair, youtube is not there yet.

I have a 6 year old, top of the line, Samsung gas clothes dryer. About six months ago, it started squeaking. I could ignore it, until the last couple of weeks. The noise got really loud, and sometimes the drum would not spend.

Sunday, I decided to deal with it.

Google searched "Samsung" with the part number for the dryer. In about five minutes, I found this website:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/parts-for-samsung-dv419agw-xaa-0000.html

Basically, it is a site that listed the eight things a DIY'er can repair on their own. I started digging through the problem scenarios, and found my solution, within 30 minutes. The best thing are these:
1. Detailed videos for each problem, specific to your appliance.
2. Ready to go order form for the parts you need.

I spent an hour on Sunday, doing my research. I ordered the part from them on Sunday evening. The part arrived on Wednesday, and it took me 1.5 hours to make the repair.

Total Cost: $17 + 2.5 hours of my time.

Next time, I can cut my time cost by half.

Bookmark that site. I will be a customer for them, even if I could get the part cheaper somewhere else. The videos were what I needed.

FYI - I am just an irredeemable, deplorable. Not affiliated with the site I listed, here.

Randy

PS. I have a pro-tip if you are in the market for a gas clothes dryer

[Pedernal]

Awesome deal. Not only do you save money but it nice to still be able to fix stuff from time to time.

[kmitchl]

We have washer and dryer that are from the 80's with the electromechanical controls. No circuit boards here. I'll keep them on life support as long as I can since I can repair them, parts are available and reasonably priced. Repairing yourself you don't have to make arrangements to meet the service person at some indeterminate time who may have to get parts and schedule a second trip.

[Dusty Britches]

Repair Clinic is really great, too!

http://www.repairclinic.com/

I've used them to repair nearly all of my appliances and to decide when it was time to replace them. I especially like how all of the parts are laid out on a grid so you can get the exact size

[Stoof]

I've kept my washer and dryer running for eight years now. I picked them both up used. The older ones are pretty simple machines.

[Goldeneagle]

Thanks for the links. My ice maker is leaking somewhere and I had to shut the water off. Maybe now I can fix it.

[LemmeOut]

Repair Clinic is really great, too!

http://www.repairclinic.com/

I've used them to repair nearly all of my appliances and to decide when it was time to replace them. I especially like how all of the parts are laid out on a grid so you can get the exact size

I have used this site to repair a couple different appliances and been pleased each time. I have not been able to find a website with lower prices on parts either.