3 Common Fridge Repair Mistakes

We get it—YouTube makes fixing your own appliance look easy. And hey, sometimes it is! But when it comes to repairing a fridge, oven, or washer, there’s a fine line between DIY hero and "uh-oh, now it’s worse." Before you grab a screwdriver and go full handyman, here are the top 3 mistakes we see homeowners make when trying to fix their Fridge appliances themselves.

3 Common Fridge Repair Mistakes

1. Replacing Parts Before Diagnosing the Real Problem

Swapping out a heating element or control board without properly diagnosing the issue is like putting a bandage on the wrong knee. Fridge appliances can have multiple symptoms for a single issue—or one symptom caused by something totally unexpected.

What happens: People buy and install a new part, only to find the appliance still doesn’t work. Now they’re out $100+ and still need a repair.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, call for a diagnosis first. It might save you money in the long run to avoid those 3 common Fridge Repair Mistakes

2. Watching One Video and Thinking It Applies to Every Model

You find a five-minute tutorial that looks exactly like your dishwasher—except it isn’t. Appliances have dozens of models, and what works for one may not apply to another. Wires are routed differently, screws are hidden in weird places, and what looks “easy” can turn into two hours of head-scratching.

What happens A simple fix turns into accidental damage, a scratched-up appliance, or worse—broken connectors that weren’t even part of the problem.

Pro tip Always check your model number before following any guide. And if the steps don’t match, pause before diving in.

3. Forgetting to Unplug the Appliance (Seriously!)

It sounds obvious... until someone gets a mild shock or fries a control board. We’ve seen folks try to replace heating elements or motors while the unit is still plugged in or wired to power. Even if the appliance is “off,” current may still be running through certain components.

What happens: Sparks fly (literally), or the board short-circuits, making a small repair a much bigger one.

Pro tip: Unplug the unit, turn off the breaker if needed, and always double-check before touching anything electrical.

Know When to DIY — And When to Call Us

We’re all for saving money and feeling handy, but sometimes a quick call to a pro can save time, cash, and frustration. If your Fridge is acting up and you're not 100% sure what’s going on, we’re here to help.

📞 Call T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair 📍 Serving Burlington & Durham💻 Book online 24/7 — because life happens outside business hours.