Essential safety tips for your home appliance repairs

Our home appliances are an essential part of our lives, but they can occasionally break down or develop faults. While it may be tempting to call a professional as soon as something goes wrong, some minor repairs can be tackled easily and safely at home, saving you time and money. In this blog, we will guide you through safety steps to repair your household appliances. Follow our essential safety tips for your home appliance repairs.

Assess the situation

Investigate the issue and determine if its something you can handle. If the appliance has major damage or requires extensive electrical work, it’s best to consult a qualified technician. Remember, safety should always be your top priority.

Check statutory requirements in your state or territory

Different Australian states and territories have specific regulations for electrical and gas repairs, requiring the involvement of qualified professionals. These regulations aim to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards. Familiarise yourself with regulations in your state before you start on your repairs.

South Australian regulations can be found here.

Find your replacement spare part

Have your replacement spare part on hand, ready for your repair. You can find Australia’s biggest range of appliance spares at Statewide Appliance Spares, ready to order with fast delivery. To find the right spare part to correctly fit your appliance, you will need your model number. Refer to our handy guide showing the model number locations on most household appliances.

Unplug the appliance

Before work starts on your appliance, unplug it from the outlet. This will help to eliminate risk of electric shock. If the appliance is hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker or disconnect it from the main power supply.

Turn off water and gas supply

For appliances that involve water or gas connections, such as washing machines or gas ovens and cooktops, turn off the water supply valves or gas source first. This precaution prevents leaks or accidents during the repair process.

Gather the necessary tools

Make sure you have the right tools for the job. This may include screwdrivers, pliers, multimeter, insulated gloves and safety glasses. Using the right tools will make the repair process smoother and safer.

Safety with with heavy appliances

When it comes to working on heavy or bulky appliances, take extra care, as they can easily topple over. Its best to get some help if they need to be moved or tilted.

Read the manual

Consult the user manual to familiarise yourself with the appliance’s components, safety instructions and any specific repair procedures recommended by the manufacturer.

Work in a well-lit area

To ensure you can see properly and avoid mistakes, make sure your work area is adequately lit.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

We recommend wearing PPE, such as insulated gloves and safety glasses, when working with electrical appliances. These can help to protect against electric shocks, sparks and flying debris.

Research

Take the time to research and understand the inner workings of tyour appliance and any potential issues. Consult online resources, or instructional videos found on Statewide’s YouTube channel. This knowledge will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem more effectively.

Take extra care

If you need to open the appliance’s casing, use gentle force and not too much pressure. Pay close attention to any cables, wires, or components that may be delicate or interconnected.

Handy tip! It is a good idea to take a picture or make notes during disassembly so that you can remember how to reassemble your appliance later.

Avoid moisture and wet surfaces

Never work on electrical appliances in wet or damp areas. Moisture increases the risk of electric shock. Ensure your work area is dry and, if needed, use a rubber mat to insulate yourself from the floor.

Test for live electricity

Before touching any wires or components inside the appliance, use a multimeter to check for any live electricity. This will help you identify potential hazards and ensure that the power is completely off.

Get advice if you get stuck

Follow repair procedures specific to your appliance and the issue you are addressing. If you face an expected challenge, get some professional advice or seek assistance from a qualified technician.

Test your appliance

After you complete your repairs, test the appliance and check it’s functioning properly by looking out for unusual sounds, smell or performance issues. Disconnect the appliance or consult a professional for advice if you notice anything concerning.

Always make safety a priority

Repairing your home appliances can be a practical and cost-effective solution for minor issues. Just make sure you prioritise your safety! Consult a qualified professional for advice, if you don’t have the confidence to tackle a repair. They have the know how to perform a repair safely and accurately.

Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares

Statewide Appliance Spares is your go-to destination for all your home appliance spares. The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping. Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220.

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