Safety Guidelines

When to DIY and when to call a professional.

🚨 Important

Your safety is more important than any repair. When in doubt, call a professional. The cost of a service call is always less than the cost of an injury.

Golden Rules

Before starting ANY appliance repair:

  1. Disconnect power — Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker
  2. Turn off water — For washers, dishwashers, refrigerators with ice makers
  3. Turn off gas — For gas dryers, ranges, and water heaters — then CALL A PRO
  4. Wait before touching — Some components retain charge or heat after disconnection
  5. Know your limits — If you're unsure, stop and call a professional

Repair Difficulty Levels

✅ DIY-Friendly Repairs

These repairs are generally safe for most homeowners with basic tools:

  • Cleaning lint traps and filters
  • Replacing refrigerator water filters
  • Cleaning dishwasher filters and spray arms
  • Unclogging washer drain hoses
  • Replacing washing machine inlet hoses
  • Cleaning dryer vent ducts
  • Replacing refrigerator door gaskets
  • Leveling appliances

⚠️ Intermediate Repairs

These repairs require more skill and proper safety precautions:

  • Replacing washer water inlet valves
  • Replacing dishwasher pumps
  • Replacing dryer drum belts
  • Replacing refrigerator evaporator fans
  • Replacing oven heating elements (electric)
  • Replacing washer door locks

Requirements: Verify power is disconnected with a multimeter. Have proper tools. Understand the repair process before starting.

🛑 Professional Only

These repairs should ALWAYS be done by licensed professionals:

Gas Appliances

NEVER attempt DIY repairs on gas valves, gas lines, or gas igniters. Gas leaks can cause explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Always call a licensed gas technician.

Refrigerant Systems

Sealed refrigerant systems (refrigerators, freezers, AC units) require EPA certification to service. Refrigerants are hazardous and require proper handling and disposal.

High Voltage (240V)

Electric dryers, ranges, and ovens use 240V circuits. The risk of electrocution is significantly higher than standard 120V appliances. Call an electrician.

Microwave Internals

Microwave capacitors can hold lethal charges even when unplugged. Never open the microwave cabinet unless you are trained to safely discharge capacitors.

Appliance-Specific Safety

Washing Machines

  • Water + electricity = danger. Always unplug before any repair.
  • Turn off water supply valves before disconnecting hoses.
  • Front-loaders may have residual water — keep towels handy.
  • Wait 5 minutes after unplugging before touching electronic components.

Dryers

  • Gas dryers: Only clean lint and vent ducts yourself. All other repairs should be professional.
  • Electric dryers: Use 240V — higher risk than other appliances. Unplug completely.
  • Clean lint buildup regularly to prevent fire hazards.

Dishwashers

  • Turn off power at the circuit breaker (many are hardwired).
  • Turn off water supply under the sink.
  • Be aware of standing water when removing components.

Refrigerators

  • Wait 5 minutes after unplugging before touching components (capacitors).
  • Never puncture refrigerant lines.
  • Turn off water supply before working on ice makers or water dispensers.

Ovens & Ranges

  • Gas ranges: Professional service only for anything involving gas.
  • Electric ranges: 240V circuits — high risk, prefer professional service.
  • Allow cooling time after use before any service.
  • Never use oven cleaner on self-cleaning ovens.

Emergency Situations

🔥 Call 911 Immediately If:

  • You smell gas (evacuate first, then call from outside)
  • You see flames or smoke
  • An appliance is sparking or making buzzing sounds
  • Someone has received an electrical shock
  • You see or smell burning plastic or wiring

Gas Leak Protocol

  1. Do NOT turn on/off any lights or switches
  2. Do NOT use your phone inside the home
  3. Leave doors open as you evacuate
  4. Call 911 from outside the home
  5. Do not return until cleared by fire department

Essential Safety Tools

Before attempting any repair, have these safety items:

  • Multimeter — Verify power is actually off
  • Non-contact voltage tester — Quick power verification
  • Work gloves — Protect from cuts and pinches
  • Safety glasses — Protect eyes from debris
  • Flashlight — Good visibility is essential for safety

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if any of these apply:

  • The repair involves gas lines or connections
  • The repair requires working with refrigerant
  • You're unsure how to safely disconnect power
  • The repair involves high voltage (240V) circuits
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks
  • The appliance is still under warranty
  • You're uncomfortable with any aspect of the repair
  • The repair instructions seem unclear or complex

Disclaimer

ApplianceCodeFix provides repair information for educational purposes. By using our repair guides and statistics, you accept full responsibility for your safety and the safety of others. We recommend professional service for any repair you're not confident performing safely.

See our full Disclaimer for more information.