DIY or Call a Pro? When It’s Okay to Fix Your Appliance and When to Step Back
We’ve all been there—you open the fridge, and it’s warmer inside than it should be. Or the washing machine decides mid-cycle that it’s done for the day. Your first instinct? “I’ll just fix it myself.” After all, a little YouTube tutorial and some elbow grease, and it’s good as new… right?
Well, sometimes. There are plenty of small appliance issues you can handle yourself without breaking a sweat. But there are also times when rolling up your sleeves can make things worse (and way more expensive). So, how do you know when to DIY and when it’s time to call in the pros—like the team at Manny Appliance Repair in Chicago? Here’s your guide.
1. The Fridge Isn’t Cooling
Your fridge is like the unsung hero of the kitchen. When it stops working, panic sets in fast—no one wants spoiled milk or melted ice cream.
DIY it if:
- You check and the fridge is still plugged in (hey, it happens!).
- The temperature settings got accidentally bumped.
- The condenser coils are dusty. Pull the fridge out, vacuum or wipe down the coils, and see if that fixes the issue.
Call a pro if:
- The fridge is running, but it’s still warm inside. This could mean a failing compressor or refrigerant leak.
- You hear loud clicking or humming sounds—never a good sign.
- The fridge is leaking water or ice is building up where it shouldn’t.
⚠️ Why it’s better to call Manny: Fridges are packed with electrical parts and coolant systems. Messing with them without the right tools can make things worse—and cost more to fix.
2. The Washing Machine Won’t Drain
Laundry day isn’t exactly thrilling, but it gets a whole lot worse when the washer decides to hold onto all that water.
DIY it if:
- You check the drain hose and find it clogged with lint or small items (socks love to go rogue).
- The filter or pump trap (usually near the bottom of the machine) is full of debris—clean it out and try again.
- The washer is off balance. If the drum gets overloaded, some machines stop draining as a safety feature.
Call a pro if:
- Water still won’t drain, even after clearing out clogs. The pump itself may be damaged.
- You hear grinding or clicking sounds during the drain cycle.
- There’s water leaking all over the floor—no one needs that kind of stress.
⚠️ Why it’s better to call Manny: Replacing a drain pump or fixing internal leaks requires specialized tools and expertise. It’s not worth turning a small problem into a major flood.
3. The Oven Won’t Heat
Holiday dinner or not, a broken oven is no joke. When it refuses to heat up, you’ve got two options: fix it, or order takeout.
DIY it if:
- You check the temperature settings (yes, sometimes it’s as simple as that).
- The oven light works, but the heating element doesn’t glow red. A visible break or crack in the element? That’s replaceable—just make sure the power is off before you start!
- The gas burner isn’t lighting, and you clean the igniter.
Call a pro if:
- The oven takes ages to preheat or doesn’t heat at all—this could mean a faulty thermostat or control board.
- The oven makes strange buzzing or clicking noises.
- Gas ovens smell like gas but don’t ignite (never DIY anything involving gas).
⚠️ Why it’s better to call Manny: Ovens deal with high heat, gas lines, and electricity. The risks aren’t worth it—one wrong move can turn into a safety hazard.
4. The Dryer Won’t Heat Up
A dryer that spins but doesn’t heat is like a treadmill that doesn’t move—pointless.
DIY it if:
- You clean out the lint trap and vents. Clogged vents are the #1 cause of dryers not heating properly.
- You double-check that you’re not overloading it with too many clothes.
Call a pro if:
- The drum spins, but it still blows cold air. This could mean a burned-out heating element.
- You hear a thumping or screeching noise—likely a belt or motor issue.
- The dryer doesn’t turn on at all.
⚠️ Why it’s better to call Manny: Dryer repairs often involve electrical systems or heating components, which can be dangerous to handle yourself.
So, DIY or Call the Pros?
Here’s the thing—small fixes, like cleaning a lint trap or unclogging a drain, are easy wins. They’ll save you time and money. But when it comes to motors, compressors, heating elements, or anything involving gas or electricity? That’s when you call Manny Appliance Repair.
We’ll handle the tricky stuff quickly and safely so you can get back to life as usual (and avoid making a small problem worse).
📞 Need help with a stubborn appliance?
Call Manny Appliance Repair at +1 (847) 257-6387.
💻 Book your appointment online today, and let’s get it fixed right the first time!
