Repairing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Clean the dryer vent hose annually to remove flammable lint buildup.
Clogged vents reduce efficiency and dryer lint is cited as a leading cause of house fires.
one person who lived it
Buy TVs during transition periods like Black Friday, before the Super Bowl, or in March-May when new models are released.
Current models are deeply discounted as newer ones arrive.
3 people, independently
Replace the heating element yourself if an older dryer stops drying clothes.
One user fixed a 12-year-old dryer for $30 by replacing the element after identifying it via Google.
- Based on one user's experience with a specific age of appliance.
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Connect an old laptop to your TV to play content from websites instead of using slow smart TV apps.
Smart TV apps can take up to 10 seconds to start, whereas a laptop can load any website immediately.
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Keep spare vacuum belts and filters on hand.
Having spares makes the vacuum feel brand new again after a quick fix.
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clean, washing, removing, prevent16
Clean carburetors on gas-powered lawn equipment to fix starting issues caused by fuel degradation.
Remove foreign objects like nails from washing machine drain pumps to fix drainage issues.
Removing a nail stuck in the pump blocking the impellers saved money on part replacement and labor.
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Replace gas stove thermostat sensors and igniters yourself if preheating is slow or temperature control fails.
One user spent $40 on parts and replaced them easily by unscrewing components and removing a bottom panel.
- Based on one user's experience.
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Use a plunger with strong suction on bathroom drains, not just toilets or kitchen sinks.
It works well and can keep the plumber away.
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Clean the coils on refrigerators to improve performance.
It can resolve issues that might otherwise lead to spending thousands on a replacement.
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Inspect mechanical appliances for foreign objects stuck in moving parts to resolve scraping noises.
Removing the object fixed the issue and saved money on service calls.
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Clean or change clogged vacuum filters to improve suction.
A clean filter improves suction.
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Regularly check vacuum hatches for hidden blockages to prevent motor burnout.
A partial blockage can cause the engine to burn out.
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Thoroughly clean lint from dryers while they are disassembled to prevent shorts or fires.
It serves as preventative maintenance.
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Clean lint traps and exhaust tubes regularly to prevent fire hazards and maintain drying efficiency.
Even with regular lint trap cleaning, the entire tube can become clogged, causing damp clothes and mini fires.
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Carefully poke a needle into the charging port to remove compacted dirt that may be blocking charging.
Compacted dirt often stops the phone from charging properly.
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Replace the heating element (resistance) in a dishwasher if dishes are not getting clean or water is not heating.
A faulty heating element can prevent proper washing; replacing it may restore cleaning performance.
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Replace the spark plug if your lawnmower fails to spark regularly.
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Clean debris such as hair from vacuum connectors to eliminate burning smells.
Debris wrapped around the connector caused the smell; removing it resolved the issue.
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Unclog washing machine filters to resolve drainage issues.
Filters can become blocked with debris, preventing proper function.
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Clean carburetors on gas-powered lawn equipment to fix starting issues caused by fuel degradation.
2 people, independently
Attach a large magnet with tape to noisy areas of a washing machine to catch loose metal debris hitting the motor.
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parts, repair, appliance, appliances71
Replace small, inexpensive parts like switches or hoses to revive old appliances instead of buying new ones.
Attempt simple DIY repairs before discarding appliances, as many problems are obvious and cheap to fix.
It is rewarding to get years more service out of appliances for low prices.
2 people, independently
- Replace small, inexpensive parts like switches or hoses to revive old appliances instead of buying new ones.8
- Search online for your appliance's make, model, and symptoms to identify common, easy fixes before attempting complex repairs.2
- Tear into electronics or appliances before recycling them to attempt repairs or salvage parts.1
- Search online for repair videos and troubleshoot yourself before assuming an appliance is broken or calling a professional.5
Ask friends or roommates moving out if they are willing to sell their TV directly to you.
It is cheaper than buying new or searching for used options online.
2 people, independently
Shop in February for electronics.
People who spent their tax refunds on electronics may need to sell them to pay bills.
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Work part-time at a hardware store to gain exposure to proper tools and repair knowledge.
Exposure to tools and environments allows you to fix almost any home issue you encounter.
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Search Facebook Marketplace in affluent neighborhoods for used appliances from people renovating kitchens.
One user bought a relatively new appliance for $95 plus a $20 hose kit this way.
- Based on one user's experience.
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Watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to replace specific appliance parts, even with zero mechanical skills.
It enables you to buy cheap parts and fix the item yourself.
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- Watch YouTube instructional videos to learn how to fix household appliances like lawnmowers, TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators.5
Look near dumpsters at college housing complexes during move-in and move-out dates for discarded appliances and electronics.
Residents often leave behind large items they cannot take with them.
3 people, independently
Avoid buying 'special' electronics made exclusively for big-box store sales events.
They often use the cheapest components and may fail within a few months.
one person who lived it
Check online for part costs before deciding an appliance is beyond repair.
You may find that the repair is inexpensive.
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Use 3D printed parts, bearings, and rubber bands to repair vacuums.
This combination was enough to triple the vacuum's life.
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Buy used control panel boards from reputable repair companies instead of purchasing new ones.
Used boards work perfectly and cost less than new ones.
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Disclose DIY repairs when selling your home so buyers are aware of potential issues.
Non-professional work may devalue the home or reveal problems to the buyer.
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Be cautious when buying used floor models as they run continuously for months or years and may fail sooner than new units.
Prolonged use and lack of cleaning shorten lifespan
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Buy a cheap tool kit to enable DIY repairs like changing oil.
Having tools makes tasks like changing oil manageable.
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Buy a second-hand KitchenAid blender with a broken gasket and replace it yourself using an online manual.
The replacement part is inexpensive and the unit works like new afterward.
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Spend time repairing simple electronics yourself to build confidence for future DIY projects.
It is a frugal way to live.
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Buy dented or scratch-and-dent appliances from stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, or American Freight to save money.
3 people, independently
Research the function and location of components rather than relying solely on visual matches in repair videos.
Visual differences can cause issues; knowing what a part looks like and how it functions helps even if its location differs between model years.
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Set low-bid starting auctions on eBay for used appliance parts to attract maintenance professionals.
Maintenance professionals search for used parts below market price.
- You will receive less money than with a 'buy it now' listing.
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- Check eBay for appliance repair persons liquidating old stock to find hard-to-find or discontinued parts at lower costs than manufacturers.1
Turn off the power to floor model TVs before buying to clearly see physical damage like scratches.
Scratches may be invisible when the screen is on
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Call the manufacturer before discarding a broken appliance to inquire about discounts or support.
Manufacturers may offer discounts on next purchases or send engineers to fix the issue free of charge.
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Sell unrepairable vintage items to shops that harvest them for parts, potentially earning cash.
People and places will pay for old items to use them for parts.
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Stockpile cheap toilet replacement parts like flappers and fill valves.
They are inexpensive and you will eventually need to replace them.
- One person joked about not fixing their own toilet due to landlord issues.
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Attend local repair workshops or maker spaces to diagnose and fix appliances with volunteer assistance.
With a little assistance, you can diagnose and repair items, sometimes needing only cheap parts.
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- Look for local 'Fix It Clinics' or 'Repair Cafes' at libraries or community centers for low-cost repair help.4
Replace small, inexpensive components like thermal fuses or belts to fix non-heating or noisy appliances instead of replacing the entire unit.
Simple part replacements can resolve major functional issues at low cost.
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Recycle your old car battery to receive a core charge refund.
Stores recycle the materials and typically provide money back.
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Purchase brand-name replacement parts from retailers like Amazon that offer free returns in case the part does not resolve the issue.
If the part is not the cause of the problem, you can return it without financial loss.
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Use maintenance manual flowcharts to diagnose appliance issues before assuming major parts are broken.
Technicians might suggest replacing expensive components like blowers when a cheap part is actually the cause.
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Use springs from ballpoint pens to replace broken springs in appliances like vacuums.
It fixed the vacuum perfectly.
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Ensure you completely understand the instructions before starting any repair.
Failing to do so risks damaging the item.
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Ask the seller why they are selling the item to help gauge its condition and legitimacy.
Seeing a newer model in their home suggests the old one is likely fine and they just upgraded.
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Replace worn bowls and beater attachments on used mixers with new ones to ensure food safety.
Old parts may have absorbed substances that are not food-safe.
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Check big-box store promotions for free tools or batteries when purchasing related items.
you can acquire batteries and extra tools to sell
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Ignore money already spent on repairs when deciding whether to fix or replace an item, as that money cannot be recovered.
Sunk costs should not influence future decisions.
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Repair old dryers by replacing inexpensive parts like belts or fusible links.
2 people, independently
Invest in high-quality, durable blenders like Vitamix or Blendtec if budget allows, as they tend to last longer and have good after-sales support.
These brands offer great after-sales support and durability.
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Only attempt to fix small electronics if the disassembly process shown in videos seems manageable.
If disassembly takes over an hour and looks insanely difficult, it is not worth the time.
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Contact independent local appliance repair shops for parts if big-box retailers do not stock them.
Major retailers may not have specific parts, while local shops often do.
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Check for simple obstructions, like paperclips, inside small appliances before assuming they are broken.
Shaking out an obstruction can fix the appliance without tools or new parts.
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Use RepairClinic.com to diagnose appliance issues, find OEM parts, and watch installation videos.
The site provides specific part recommendations and instructional videos based on your appliance's make and model.
2 people, independently
- Diagnose and fix appliances by searching online, even without handyman skills.1
Avoid replacing phone batteries yourself if the device is under warranty or insured.
Doing so voids warranties and coverage.
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Consider salvaging working electronics from trash even if minor accessories like wireless adapters are missing.
One person found a G903 mouse worth $120 new in the trash; despite missing the wireless adapter, it worked great using the included cord.
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Search curbs and online listings shortly after holidays or sales events for discarded electronics with minor glitches.
People often throw away items with easily fixable issues to replace them.
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Pick up discarded lawn mowers and vacuums from neighborhoods, fix them in your garage, and sell them at flea markets.
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Explain your case concisely and objectively to customer service.
It can do wonders.
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Learn safety procedures and how to shut off utilities before attempting DIY repairs.
Mitigates the risk of damaging your home despite the work being easy to do.
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Thank content creators who share repair knowledge, as their work enables community self-sufficiency.
They are incredibly helpful to those learning to repair things.
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Be aware that technicians may focus on speed or factory-authorized methods over diagnostic accuracy to avoid liability, leading them to replace parts rather than analyze problems.
Explaining non-standard repairs in a lawsuit is a prospect most people can't stomach.
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Search for free PDF repair manuals online using the appliance model number.
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Google error codes on dryers and buy replacement parts from appliance supply stores instead of hiring technicians.
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One person bought a faulty accessory on eBay for £10 and received a brand new replacement from Microsoft after sending the old one back.
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Replace only the specific failed component, such as a bulb, rather than entire assemblies like lamp housings.
Replacing the entire assembly is wasteful.
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Open the appliance and replace specific parts found via online tutorials rather than replacing the unit.
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Inspect loose wires or connections on small engines before discarding them.
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- Inspect simple electrical connections like loose wires before paying for professional diagnostics.1
Take photos of each step while disassembling an appliance to ensure you can reassemble it correctly.
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Do not attempt to claim warranties on salvaged TVs due to unknown legal ramifications.
The legal ramifications are unknown.
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Avoid purchasing extended warranties for appliances.
Extended warranties are described as a joke and may leave you without coverage regardless.
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Avoid buying Hotpoint appliances if possible.
They are generally considered poor quality.
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Call the manufacturer to request replacement parts even if the item is out of warranty.
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Practice soldering on low-stakes items before attempting to repair small electronics like Wiimotes.
2 people, independently
Send photos or cut cords to manufacturers to trigger warranties or replacements.
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Order electronics online instead of waiting in physical store lines for holiday sales.
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batteries, battery12
Rely on external streaming hardware such as Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast rather than the TV's native software.
Avoid draining Ryobi leaf blower batteries below 3.0V to prevent permanent damage.
draining below this level can kill the whole battery
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Install a higher-capacity battery in devices like the Wii U GamePad to double playtime without external packs.
A 3000mAh battery doubles the play time compared to the stock 1500mAh battery.
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Set a time limit for self-research before seeking human help if you are stuck.
Sometimes we do not have enough time to continue struggling alone.
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Rely on external streaming hardware such as Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast rather than the TV's native software.
These standalone units typically run faster, are more dependable, and provide superior app compatibility and interface design.
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Use battery-powered LED lights for power outages.
They work well and do not run through batteries quickly like incandescent bulbs.
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Fix busted micro USB ports on controllers by replacing the port component.
- One person completed this replacement in 15 minutes.
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Use a battery charger with independent channels.
It is helpful.
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Download pre-designed 3D model files from online repositories instead of designing parts from scratch.
This allows you to print items without doing any 3D modeling.
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Choose Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries with green labeling over those with black labeling.
The black ones perform poorly compared to the grey/green ones.
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Use free apps on a smart TV to access additional channels if antenna reception is poor.
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Avoid using dollar store batteries in devices with significant power drain.
They die very quickly under such conditions.
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Reuse existing coaxial cable infrastructure left by previous providers to connect an outdoor antenna.
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Charge hourly rates for skilled labor to reflect its actual cost.
Skilled labor has a price tag that includes overhead and profit for the employer.
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Learn to solder wires and perform simple wiring tasks.
It is easy and comes in handy often for frugal people.
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Do not expect non-smart TVs to be cheaper than smart models.
The price difference between smart and non-smart variants is often negligible due to economies of scale.
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Check eBay 'sold comps' rather than just listed prices to determine if an item is worth selling.
Sold comps show what actually sells, not just what is listed.
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Do not connect Smart TVs to the internet to prevent businesses from accessing and selling your data.
Connecting to the internet gives businesses access to your data to sell for profit.
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Expect higher charges from tradesmen if you have attempted and failed a DIY repair based on online videos.
Professionals may charge a fee for correcting amateur mistakes.
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Gain mechanical skill by tinkering until you learn universal principles used in other places.
People aren't born mechanically inclined; they learn universal things through tinkering.
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Scuff plastic surfaces with a scuff pad before spray painting to improve adhesion.
It gives the paint something to grab onto, preventing chipping.
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Use desoldering wick instead of a solder sucker when removing capacitors to avoid creating inhalable metal powder.
Solder suckers can turn solder into fine powder that is dangerous to inhale.
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