Understanding the Risks Posed by DIY Appliance Repairs
Before making your decision on whether you should repair your appliances by yourself, you must understand the risks posed by this type of repair.
23/11/2021
One of the common things that occur when your household appliance breaks down is to think that you can always fix it yourself. Fixing the washing machine, microwave oven or the refrigerator can be fun and a good way to save money. It is a fact that hiring a professional can be expensive but then you are shelling out the extra dollars for competence and reliability. You should know that DIY repairs are risky and can easily cost you more in the long run. Before making your decision on whether you should repair your appliances by yourself, you must understand the risks posed by this type of repair.
DIY repairs provide a number of advantages. For one, you get to develop a wide range of skills that can serve you in an emergency. Unless you have 24- hours service appliance repair shops in your area, a sprung leak in the middle of the night leaves you no option but a DIY repair. Another advantage of DIY repair is that you gain familiarity with your house appliances and systems and this may come in handy in knowing when trying to determine when maintenance will be needed and what parts are likely to need replacement. The following are the risks posed by DIY repairs;
Personal Injuries
Personal injury is one of the major risks of DIY appliance repairs. Depending on the type of appliance, personal injury risk can run from small to large. Accidents during appliance repairs can lead to minor and major damages to the body parts and in some cases decapitating conditions. Aside from you, DIY repairs can also lead to your family members suffering different kinds of personal injuries.
Appliances with electrical components or sophisticated mechanical parts are more likely to lead to electrocution, bruises, abrasion and falls. Also, in repairing appliances, using a toolbox you are not familiar with can also lead to injuries. Some repairs also require you to move the appliance from one floor to another. If this is not handled right, you run the risk of developing neck and back pains.
Further Damages of Appliances
Another type of risk associated with DIY repairs is that you may further damage the appliance. There are various kinds of damages or breakdowns that can require repairs. A professional repairer has diverse experience for fixing different appliances. In doing a DIY repair, non- familiarity with the parts can lead to further damage. This is often the case especially when electrical circuits and digital interfaces are involved. In the end, doing a DIY repair can cost you more because the appliance or parts may be damaged beyond repairs leading to high replacement costs.
Saving your money in the long run is possible if you hire a professional. Aside from providing a reliable service, you also have a warranty for up to a year. If you need help finding a home warranty, you can check online and find reputable providers offering extended appliance warranties. It can be a lifesaver when it comes to protecting yourself from unexpected repair costs.
Damages to Structural Parts of the House
One of the most important types of the risks associated with DiY repairs is the damage caused to other parts of the house. In some cases, these types of damages cost several times more than the repair costs that will be charged by a professional repair company. In some other cases, the damage of structural parts may lead to destruction of the building.
One of the risks in this category is that of fire. Repairing an electrical appliance such as carrying out a refrigerator repair by yourself can lead to electrical sparks which in turn can lead to fires that can put the whole building and even your family at risk. According to reports "more than 16,000 house fires are caused by the electrical sparks during or after the repair of appliances". This leads to billions of dollars in costs and causes financial distress especially when your home is not adequately insured.
Another structural risk posed by the DIY repair of your appliance is plumbing risk. This risk is caused by tampering with the plumbing system of the water supply, washing machines, dishwashers or even refrigerators. Even if you make the smallest error in fixing the plumbing system, there is a possibility of flooding. Flooding can lead to floor and wall damages requiring further expenses on your part. To forestall these damages, it is advisable to hire a professional plumber.
In the end,
deciding whether to hire a professional or do
DIY repairs depends on a weighing of costs and
benefits. Professionals will charge more but you
are assured of reliable service. DIY repairs are
much cheaper but the risks are too many and
outweigh any benefits you can gain.