We’re affordable – no hidden costs

Call today! (262) 253-2200   |   (262) 783-5700   |   (414) 358-0007

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Is Your Washing Machine Worth Fixing?

You don’t realize how essential your washing machine is until something goes wrong. Then, you may be tempted simply to replace it immediately to avoid the inconvenience of dirty washing accumulating or trips to the launderette. However, it may be worth considering whether repair is the better option. In this post, we’ll explore the factors you should think about to decide whether your washing machine is worth Fixing

How Old Is It?

All home appliances wear out eventually, and for washing machines, the expected lifespan is about 10 years. So if you’ve had your machine for 10 years or more, replacement is probably the best choice, unless it’s a very simple problem to repair. The other consideration here is how much use your washing machine gets. If you do washing every day, then the 10 years of service may well be reduced. The general rule here is to replace the appliance if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new machine. The other factor in favor of replacement is the warranty that accompanies a new washing machine. With an older model, you bear the costs of all the repairs, and the older it gets, the more frequently those repairs are likely to occur. Of course, you can only make this decision if you know how much the repair is going to cost. The experts at Dave’s Appliance can help with that.

How Much Will It Cost To Repair?

Even a relatively new washing machine can develop problems. If it’s within the warranty period (which differs by make/model and part), it may not cost you anything to repair. If it’s older than one year, you should ask one of the professionals at Dave’s Appliance to diagnose the problem. We’ll be able to tell you how much the replacement parts and labor would be too. Knowing the cost of the repair is really essential information for you to decide if you should fix your washing machine or not.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

There are some washing machine repairs that you can do yourself. Especially if there are videos showing how to make simple repairs to your particular make and model of machine, you might try to do it yourself. Some parts, such as pulleys, pumps and seals, are inexpensive. You can get these replacement parts from Dave’s Appliance and install them yourself. Just make sure that you’re repairing the actual problem; again, having the experts at Dave’s Appliance diagnose the issue is essential.

Is Your Washing Machine Using Too Much Energy?

Even if your washing machine isn’t 10 years old, chances are that it is not particularly efficient if it is over 5 years old, unless it has been getting regular maintenance. If you’re using an older model, your water, energy and detergent consumption may be higher than with a newer model. If you have a front-loading machine, it is more efficient than a top-loading one. A washing machine with an Energy Star rating will use as much as 33% less water than a non-rated model. Regular maintenance makes a big difference here; ask about the service agreements that Dave’s Appliance offers.

What Is Washing Machine Maintenance?

Washing machine maintenance includes regular cleaning and servicing twice a year. Cleaning your washing machine often can improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Simply wipe down the interior of the drum, clean the seals with warm soapy water, and apply a thin layer of vaseline if the seals need it. When the experts at Dave’s Appliance do a service on your washing machine, all the parts that need cleaning (that you can’t get to) will be cleaned; all those needing lubrication will get that. The drum will be balanced and the motor checked.

The answer to whether or not your washing machine is worth fixing isn’t as straightforward as you might think. These are some of the factors you should consider. Contact Dave’s Appliance to get the best advice about your particular situation.

Posted in appliance repair, uncategorized, washing machine | Comments Off on Is Your Washing Machine Worth Fixing?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Seize Up?

Your garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance. It allows you to deal with food waste quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of ants or other pests attracted to food. If your garbage disposal makes a sound, that indicates that there is power coming into the unit but the blades are not turning. The sound can be a buzzing or a humming, and sometimes the garbage disposal will stop on its own even if you did not turn the unit off. In this post we’ll examine what some of the causes might be and what you can do about it.

Foreign Object

Maybe somebody put something down the disposal other than food. It’s easy to drop a spoon or other utensil, and if it isn’t immediately retrieved, it can cause a blockage. Maybe a child threw something down the disposal and didn’t mention it. In any event, the foreign object could certainly cause the impeller blades to jam, causing the unit to seize up.

Poorly Ground Food

Garbage disposals work by grinding up the food waste and washing it down; sometimes, though, it is not ground up as thoroughly as necessary. It is not uncommon that large bits of food or bone become stuck between the impeller blade and the drain hole causing the unit to jam. When you hear the garbage disposal making an odd sound, don’t immediately assume that somebody put something down the disposal that shouldn’t be there. It could be poorly ground food.

Tripped Power Breaker

Garbage disposals are usually on a separate circuit breaker known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCI circuit breakers and outlets protect people from electrical shock. If they detect an energy leak of even a thousandth of a milliamp, they will shut down the circuit. If your garbage disposal suddenly seized up, it could be due to a tripped breaker. This lack of electrical current to turn the motor may be the problem.

Motor Bearings

Sometimes, the motor bearings in a garbage disposal get frozen or seized up. If this is the case with your garbage disposal, you’ll likely need a professional to look at it. And it may be time for a new one. The experts at Dave’s Appliance can guide you here.

What to Do?

Reset the Unit

If the problem is a tripped breaker, simply press the reset button and see if normal disposal operation is restored. The reset button can be found at the bottom of the unit. Since this is an easy fix, it’s a good idea to start with that. If the garbage disposal is still seized up, you’ll need to investigate further.

Identify and Remove Blockage

Whether it is a large bone or a fork, an object stuck in the impeller blades needs to be removed. Since this involves some danger, it may be something you want the experts at Dave’s Appliance to do. If you want to attempt it yourself, you need to follow these steps:
Cut the power to the garbage disposer by unplugging the unit and cutting the electrical circuit. This prevents the motor from burning out and more importantly ensures that you do not get electrocuted; Under the sink you will find the breaker socket at the bottom section of the garbage disposal. You need to insert a hex head Allen wrench in that breaker socket;
Start moving the wrench back and forth to get the flywheel to turn and set free the jammed particle in the impeller blades; Return power to the garbage disposal unit and check if normal function has been restored.

When your garbage disposal seizes up, you want to deal with it right away. Hopefully, a simple reset eliminates the problem. If a blockage is the issue, you might want to contact us at Dave’s Appliance. And if you identify and remove a blockage yourself, but the humming or buzzing persists, you should definitely give us a call.

Posted in appliance repair, disposal | Comments Off on What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Seize Up?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

How Long Should Your Dishwasher Last?

A typical dishwasher should last about 10 years, according to Consumer Reports. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need to spend money on repairs during that time. In fact, Consumer Reports surveyed its members and found that 30% of all newly purchased dishwashers are likely to have issues within five years of installation. Does that mean you should replace your dishwasher when it starts requiring repairs? The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no.

The 50% Rule

As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your dishwasher is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodeling and want something that’s a better fit either in style or dimension, or if you want something more efficient than what you’ve been using.

New Dishwasher Costs
There are two factors to consider here: the cost of the appliance itself and the cost of installation. Dishwasher prices vary wildly, depending on the quality and design features you desire. You can get a dishwasher for under $500, but it will be noisy and have a plastic tub. Those between $500 and $1000 will be quiet, have a stainless steel tub, and more versatile racks. Over $1000, dishwashers will be virtually silent, with design features and wifi. So that’s the first decision you need to make. Then, there’s the installation cost. In the Milwaukee area, those vary from around $150 to $300 (again type of dishwasher is a factor here). So if you have a high quality dishwasher that will cost almost $1000 to replace, then a $300 repair becomes a much more attractive option. Likewise, if you have a dishwasher that was inexpensive to begin with, you may want to replace it.

Repair Costs
Obviously, the cost to repair your dishwasher will depend on what is wrong with it. If it’s a simple thing like door seals, it could be as little as $50. If it’s major, it could run into hundreds of dollars. Many dishwasher repairs arise from neglected maintenance, so it’s a good thing to have a maintenance contract with a reputable appliance place, like Dave’s Appliance. That way, your dishwasher will get regular servicing, minimizing the need for high-cost repairs.

Prevention
There are simple things you can do to prevent dishwasher repairs being necessary. For one thing, make sure to remove debris from plates and bowls before loading them into your dishwasher. Small chicken bones, for example, can clog your dishwasher’s drain hose or damage its other components. Use your dishwasher appropriately—don’t run it when it’s half full, and don’t overfill it either. Beware of forcing dishes into positions on the racks that strain the construction. And always use proper automatic dishwashing detergent, not dish soap made for hand washing.

If treated right, your dishwasher could last beyond 10 years, but that’s the general life-span of a dishwasher. If you have any questions about whether your dishwasher should be replaced or repaired, reach out to the experts at Dave’s Appliance. We’ll give you a straight answer.

Posted in appliance repair, dishwasher | Comments Off on How Long Should Your Dishwasher Last?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Is It Worth Repairing My Stove?

Stoves are crucial to your family’s health. If food isn’t cooked properly, it can lead to more than unhappy family members; it can cause illness. If your oven or stovetop isn’t working the way it used to, you need to make a decision whether to repair or replace. When only one burner on the stovetop functions, or the oven is taking forever to preheat, it’s time to consider your options.

The 50% Rule
As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, you’d be well advised to replace it. You can expect most stoves or ovens to give good service for at least 15 years. That time length varies depending on the quality of the stove. Another factor that affects this general rule is the availability of repair parts. Some brands have parts that are harder to replace, or are otherwise not as well supplied by manufacturers. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodelling and want something that’s a better fit either in style or dimension, or if (in the case of an electric oven, particularly) you want something more efficient than what you’ve been using.

Intangible Considerations

Every stove is slightly different, and you may know just how your particular stove works for you. Those who like to bake understand that times and temperatures need to be modified to their appliance, and it is perfectly understandable to want to preserve your stove as long as possible. Likewise, if your stove is an integral part of your kitchen decor, you might be motivated to repair it rather than have something that clashes with the other appliances. These intangible considerations are just as important as the cold monetary calculations.

 

At-home Repair
Stoves and ovens are a little tricky because of the temperatures they heat to and the electrical or gas elements they use. If you feel confident about tackling an issue yourself, you can check out our DIY guide on gas stoves here, and our DIY guide on electric stoves here. However, if you are at all hesitant about performing your own repairs, skip those and call the helpful, knowledgeable folks at Dave’s Appliance now.

Local and Warranty Repairs
Consumer surveys indicate that on average people are happier with repairs performed by local repair services over factory repairs. Having a local repair company means that they’re really dedicated to you, not the manufacturer. If your warranty is still in force, you should check whether the manufacturer uses local agents.

Additional Costs and Fees
Before deciding to replace your current stove, you should be aware of unintended costs and fees. Beware of stoves with settings or extras you’re unlikely to use. Every addition adds to the cost. And the “smarter” the oven, the more learning for you! Don’t forget that installation costs can be significant for major appliances. At Dave’s Appliance, any quotes we give you include everything, so you’re not going to be unpleasantly surprised: No Hidden Costs, Ever.

If your stove or oven can be safely and cost-effectively repaired, Dave’s Appliance will get it done for you. And if not, they’ll let you know and help you find something new. Give them a call.

Posted in appliance repair, stove | Comments Off on Is It Worth Repairing My Stove?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

5 Reasons Your Freezer Might Not Be Working Right

Your freezer is an important part of your family’s health and safety. If you’re finding the food from your freezer has freezer burn, or isn’t properly frozen, you’ve got a problem. Likewise, if your freezer is leaking water, or has frost buildup, something is definitely wrong. In this post, we’ll describe some symptoms your freezer may be displaying, and the reasons for them.

Frost Buildup.
Frost buildup can be very annoying. It decreases storage space in your freezer, and it may trap odors, or encourage freezer burn. Frost buildup can indicate a number of issues. It may result from improper fridge position, poor seals, dirty coils, or clogged freezer drain.

Freezer Not Freezing.
If your food isn’t actually freezing, then you are at risk of illness, in addition to losing food. Check the coils. If they are clean, it may be a problem with the evaporator fan motor, or the starter may not be working right. Those issues will require one of the experts at Dave’s Appliance.

Freezer Runs Constantly.
If you’re hearing your freezer run all the time, then your freezer is working too hard. That is costing you money in the electricity used. Check the temperature setting; it may be too low. Otherwise, it could be the condenser fan motor or evaporator fan motor. Those repairs need the expertise of Dave’s Appliance.

Clicking Sound.
A clicking sound from your freezer means that you should call Dave’s Appliance. Almost certainly, it’s not something that can be easily rectified. It may be a malfunctioning starter relay, or it could indicate that coolant is not moving through the coils properly. In any event, it is an issue that requires professional attention.

Freezer Leaking Water. If it is only the freezer and not the refrigerator that is leaking water, it is probably a clogged or frozen defrost drain. You can remove the cover to expose the freezer drain and check if there is an obvious clog. If so, extract it. If the drain is frozen, you can choose whether or not to deal with it yourself.

Frozen Defrost Drain. If you’re uncomfortable removing freezer covers to expose the defrost drain, or are worried about what you may find once you do, just call Dave’s Appliance. In addition to the typical issues with the defrost drain outlined above, there’s the possibility that the drain strap may have fallen off or deteriorated. If so, Dave’s Appliance can fix or replace it.

All of these problems are symptoms of an underlying issue. Here are five reasons your freezer might not be working right.

1.Refrigerator position. The refrigerator needs to be positioned away from the wall slightly to allow enough room for the air to circulate. The heat from the compressor needs to have sufficient room to dissipate.

2.Temperature. Sometimes the temperature setting becomes inadvertently moved. Your freezer should be set to 0º to keep food properly frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a thermometer in your freezer to monitor the temperature.

3.Freezer door seals. The seals of the freezer should be clean and in good repair. Simply use soapy water and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to maintain the seals.

4.Coils. The condenser coils can become dirty and dusty. Use a vacuum to clean the debris off.

5.Defrost drain. The defrost drain may become clogged or frozen. To deal with this situation, unplug the refrigerator and remove freezer covers so you can get at the drain. Then pour hot water down the drain until it is dripping into the drain pan under the refrigerator. That will deal with any ice, and may dislodge a clog. If necessary, use soapy water with some ammonia.

You don’t want to take chances with your family’s health. If you have any concerns, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance, and we’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

Posted in appliance repair, freezer | Comments Off on 5 Reasons Your Freezer Might Not Be Working Right

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Fixing an Unbalanced Washing Machine

When your washing machine starts vibrating madly it can be alarming. But is it actually an indication of a problem? Yes, it is. The problem may be something easily dealt with or it may be an indication of something more serious. In any case, if your washing machine is shaking, thumping, and threatening to walk out of its place, you need to pay attention.

Distribution in the Drum

When your washing machine gets off balance only occasionally, the cause may well be the distribution of the items in the drum. Sometimes a particular item may be much heavier than others and its presence can make the machine start to shake, especially during the spin cycle. For instance, if you are washing your bath mat along with your bedding, the material of the bath mat absorbs much more water than the cotton sheets. The difference in weight between that single item and the others is enough to throw the washing machine off balance.

Overfilling

Another reason that your washing machine may get off balance sometimes is overfilling. When too many items are in the drum, the agitation and the spin cycles of the machine are compromised. You may think that you’re saving time, energy, and water by filling your washing machine beyond capacity, but you’re not. If the clothes can’t be vigorously agitated, they can’t be cleaned properly. If they can’t move around enough for the spin cycle to be effective, it will take much longer for the dryer to dry them. So now you’ll have several problems instead of the one issue of your washing machine being off balance.

What To Do

You may be tempted to just ignore your washing machine if it gets off balance once in a while. Don’t. Every time your washing machine goes off balance, it is straining and potentially damaging the internal workings. If you hear it thumping and shaking, you need to act. If the problem is unequal distribution, remove the heavier items and spin them separately. If the problem is overfilling, take some of the items out and restart the washing machine to be sure your clothes get clean. Doing this may cause some inconvenience, but it may save your washing machine.

Machine Not Level

Both of the examples above result from specific laundry loads causing the machine to go out of kilter. If your washing machine vibrates and shakes every time you use it, there’s something else going on. It may be that your machine is not actually level. All buildings settle and it’s entirely possible that your laundry room floor is not completely level. In order to determine if this is the issue, simply place a level on top of your washing machine. If it indicates that there’s a problem, then adjust the feet of the washing machine until the level shows true.

None of the Above

When you have eliminated all of the above causes and your washing machine is still threatening to walk out on you, it’s time to call in the experts at Dave’s Appliance. It’s probably an issue with the internal parts of the machine. Anything from loose or displaced screws or bolts to a broken belt could be the culprit. In any event, it’s important to get the problem resolved. Just as driving a car that has no oil can ruin the entire motor, ignoring an off balance washing machine can ruin the whole machine.

Posted in appliance repair, washing machine | Comments Off on Fixing an Unbalanced Washing Machine

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Repair or Replace My Dryer?

Your dryer is making a strange noise; or your dryer is taking ages to dry the clothes properly. Maybe it’s filling the entire room with moist heat. In any event, it is apparent that something is seriously wrong with your dryer. Now, should you repair it or replace it? That’s a big decision, and in this post, we’ll examine the various factors you should consider.

The 50% Rule

As with other appliances, the 50% Rule applies: if your appliance is over 50% of its expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, and it costs more than 50% of its replacement cost to repair it, it may be time to think about replacement. Obviously, that calculation also changes if you are remodelling and want something that’s a better fit or are concerned about energy efficiency.

Kind and Cost

Is your dryer a vented or ventless dryer? Your house is set up for one or the other and the kind you currently have will impact your choice of repair or replace. Vented dryers are common, so they are also the least expensive to purchase. You can get a vented dryer for as little as $300 and as much as $1500. A condenser dryer can be anywhere from $600 to $2000. Heat pump dryers were only introduced to the U.S. market in 2015, and are the most expensive. They can cost $1300 and up. These are just initial costs, however. Over time, condenser dryers can save you money, especially the heat pump dryers. When there’s no vent to the outdoors, the energy efficiency of your home naturally increases. Also, the ventless dryer recycles the air it uses, thereby creating a potential savings (especially during Milwaukee winters).

What’s The Environmental Impact?

Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But perhaps you should think about it. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it may be using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.

Warranty Issues

Although consumer surveys indicate that on average people are happier with repairs performed by local repair services over factory repairs, you’ll want to call on your warranty if it’s still in force. If it’s not, the experienced repairmen at Dave’s Appliance can help. A telephone consultation is free.

Installation Fees

Don’t forget that installation costs can be significant for major appliances. Those are included in any quotes that Dave’s Appliance gives you, so you’re not going to be unpleasantly surprised: No Hidden Costs, Ever.

If you’re still wondering whether you should repair or replace your dryer, give the experts at Dave’s Appliance a call and we can advise you based on your specific situation.

Posted in appliance repair, clothes dryer | Comments Off on Repair or Replace My Dryer?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

What Should I Look For in an Appliance Repair Company?

When you need an appliance repair company, you need to find a good one. The best practices you should look for fall into the following six categories: Communication; Expertise; Equipment; Respect; Honesty; and Value. This post will consider each of these in turn.

Communication

Is it easy to get a hold of your appliance repair company? When you call, you should be able to speak to a real person who really listens to your problem. You should be told when to expect the repair person, and that should be a brief window of time, not all morning or all day. You should expect that your repair person will call you if there are any issues with the arrival time, and that he will explain the problem with the appliance to you clearly. Finally, your appliance repair company should tell you approximately how much it will cost to fix the problem.

Expertise

Your appliance repair company should have certified technicians, holding both state and federal certifications. Ideally, they should be factory-trained. Look for an appliance repair company that is well established and has a good reputation. If it’s been around for some years, it will have clients who have been helped and a name to live up to. Read its reviews, and not just the ones on its website. Look at reviews on consumer websites like Angie’s List. Reviews should mention knowledgeable technicians and proper equipment, among other positive attributes.

Respect

You want an appliance repair company that has respect for your time, for your home, and for you personally. Working with you to come to your house at a time convenient for you is a mark of respect. When the repair person comes to your home, he should make every effort to keep your space clean and tidy, both during the repair itself and when it’s finished. That’s a mark of respect. He should make sure that his repair efforts disrupt your family routine as little as possible, explain the situation to you clearly and without jargon, and give you an honest assessment of any costs or time frames involved.

Honesty

You need an appliance repair company with a strong reputation for honesty. When appliances break, repairing them can sometimes involve a lot of money. Your appliance repair company should be able to give you accurate estimates, and also let you know if there’s a range of costs. An honest appliance repair technician will tell you when you’re better off replacing an appliance rather than repairing it, too. And if you’re dealing with an independent appliance repair company rather than one connected to a major brand, you can be certain that they’re not motivated by any self-interest.

Value

The most inexpensive appliance repair company is not necessarily the best value. Value is determined by cost, of course, but it is also determined by elements like dependability, responsiveness, and relationship. Does your appliance repair company offer same day appliance repair? It should. Does it charge you another service call charge if a return trip is needed because of ordered parts? It shouldn’t. These are the kinds of intangibles that really enhance an appliance repair company’s value to you. You want someone you can rely on to get there when needed, deal with the issue appropriately, and charge you a reasonable fee.

Appliances cost a lot of money, and when they break down, it can bring chaos into your family life. You might feel desperate, but you should still take the time to find the best appliance repair company around. You’ll be glad you did.

Posted in appliance repair | Comments Off on What Should I Look For in an Appliance Repair Company?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Garbage Disposal Humming?

Your garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance. It allows you to deal with food waste quickly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of ants or other pests attracted to food. So when your garbage disposal starts making strange noises, you need to pay attention. Here, we’ll explore what it means if your garbage disposal starts humming, and what you can do about it.

The humming sound that your garbage disposal makes indicates that there is power coming into the unit but the blades are not turning. Sometimes the sound is more like a buzzing rather than a humming. Sometimes you may find that the garbage disposal will stop on its own even if you did not turn the unit off. There are a number of reasons it might be making these noises or behaving in this way.

Poorly Ground Food

Garbage disposals work by grinding up the food waste and washing it down; sometimes, though, it is not ground up as thoroughly as necessary. It is not uncommon that large bits of food or bone become stuck between the impeller blade and the drain hole causing the unit to jam. When you hear the humming or buzzing, don’t immediately assume that somebody put something down the disposal that shouldn’t be there. It could be poorly ground food.

Foreign Object

Maybe somebody did put something down the disposal other than food. It’s easy to drop a spoon or other utensil, and if it isn’t immediately retrieved, it can cause a blockage. Maybe a child threw something down the disposal and didn’t mention it. In any event, the foreign object could certainly cause the impeller blades to jam, producing a humming or buzzing sound.

Tripped Power Breaker

Garbage disposals are usually on a separate circuit breaker known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCI circuit breakers and outlets protect people from electrical shock. If they detect an energy leak of even a thousandth of a milliamp, they will shut down the circuit. If your garbage disposal is humming or buzzing, it could be due to a tripped breaker. This lack of electrical current to turn the motor may cause a humming sound to be produced.

What to Do?

Reset the Unit
If the problem is a tripped breaker, simply press the reset button and see if normal disposal operation is restored. The reset button can be found at the bottom of the unit. Since this is an easy fix, it’s a good idea to start with that. If the humming or buzzing persists, you’ll need to investigate further

Identify and Remove Blockage
Whether it is a large bone or a fork, an object stuck in the impeller blades needs to be removed. Since this involves some danger, it may be something you want the experts at Dave’s Appliance to do. If you want to attempt it yourself, you need to follow these steps:

Cut the power to the garbage disposer by unplugging the unit and cutting the electrical circuit. This prevents the motor from burning out and more importantly ensures that you do not get electrocuted;

Under the sink you will find the breaker socket at the bottom section of the garbage disposal. You need to insert the hex head Allen wrench in that breaker socket;

Start moving the wrench back and forth to get the flywheel to turn and set free the jammed particle in the impeller blades;

Return power to the garbage disposal unit and check if normal function has been restored.

When your garbage disposal starts acting up, you want to deal with it right away. Hopefully, a simple reset eliminates the humming or buzzing. If a blockage is the problem, you might want to contact us at Dave’s Appliance. And if you identify and remove a blockage yourself, but the humming or buzzing persists, you should definitely give us a call.

Posted in appliance repair, disposal | Comments Off on Garbage Disposal Humming?

Dave's Appliance Service Blog

Questions to Ask Before Repairing or Replacing an Appliance

Appliances are essential aspects of life and understanding when they need to be repaired or replaced is important. In this post, we examine some basic questions you should ask yourself before replacing or repairing any appliance.

How Much Would It Cost?

Generally, the larger the appliance the costlier it is. So if your stove breaks, you’re looking at a major investment to buy a new one. But if your microwave goes, you can purchase one for under $75. Consumer Reports advises that if the cost to repair your appliance is greater than half the cost of a new one, it makes sense to replace it. Obviously you won’t know how much the repair would cost without consulting an appliance repair service. At Dave’s Appliance, our experts can diagnose your appliance’s problem and give you an estimate for the repair. With all of that information, you can make an informed decision.

How Much Do You Value It?

Other than cost, you have to consider how much you value your current appliance. Your refrigerator/freezer may have external ice and water dispensers, pull-out shelving, and other features you really appreciate. Your washer and dryer may fit just perfectly into the space in your utility room. Maybe you love to cook and bake and your stove suits you perfectly. Your appliances could be built-in and that customization is worth preserving. It might even be that your appliances coordinate with your decor. These are definitely legitimate reasons to hesitate about replacing them when they break. Again, a visit from one of the friendly members of Dave’s Appliance team will help you understand the extent of your problem.

How Old Is It?

In the appliance world, there is a general 50% rule: replace an appliance that is more than halfway through its expected life span and requires repair work that’s more than half its original cost. The average lifespan of appliances are as follows (in years):
Dishwasher: 9
Dryer: 13
Electric stove: 13
Exhaust fan: 10
Freezer: 11
Garbage Disposal: 12
Gas stove: 15
Microwave: 9
Range hood: 14
Refrigerator: 13
Trash Compactor: 6
Washer: 10

How Energy Efficient Is It?

Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But it’s something for you to consider. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it’s using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.

Would Appliance Maintenance Help?

The lifespan of all of your appliances will be extended if you are conscientious about maintenance. You can do a lot of the maintenance yourself; you can clean out the dryer vent, vacuum the condenser coils of your refrigerator and freezer, and keep your stove-top clean. Those small maintenance practices will make a difference. You can also call the experts at Dave’s Appliance to come and give your appliances a tune-up once or twice a year. Getting into this habit will prevent problems from happening and definitely minimize the need for repair or replacement.

With the right information, you can make a sound decision about whether your appliance needs replacing or repairing. With the right maintenance, that decision will be postponed. If you have worries or concerns about any of your appliances, contact the experts at Dave’s Appliance. We will help you sort out your options.

Posted in appliance repair | Comments Off on Questions to Ask Before Repairing or Replacing an Appliance

« Older Entries Newer Entries »
scottmac

“We offer fast, friendly and very affordable appliance repair service.”

2018 Angies List Super Service Award

2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award

2017 Angies List Super Service Award

2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award

2016 Angies List Super Service Award

2016 Angie’s List Super Service Award

2015 Angies List Super Service Award

2015 Angie’s List Super Service Award

2014 Angies List Super Service Award

2014 Angie’s List Super Service Award

2013 Angies List Super Service Award

2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Facebook logo Dave's on Facebook

Twitter logo Dave's on Twitter

BBB accredited business logo Dave's on BBB

Blog Categories

Specials

Read more about our specials

Helpful Hints

Things to check before you call:

  • CHECK for a blown fuse
  • CHECK that the appliance is plugged in
  • CHECK that the dryer vent is clean
  • CHECK that refrigerator controls are at the proper setting