The satisfaction of fixing something yourself

[JoeP]

The joys of home ownership!

Our high efficiency top loader washing machine had started making a scraping sound when the drum rotated. And then it started throwing a fault code. I've taken that thing apart dozens of times, and did it again today. Found a sock and quarter between the basket and tub, but that didn't fix the issue. Turns out the spindle bearing and seal are failing. I was able to reassemble and confirmed it worked.

But a new bearing kit, and required assembly kit, runs about $160. Found a video on youtube, and plan on tackling this some time this spring.

What a disappointment! We paid over $1100 for this, got the extended warranty for I believe another $70, had it serviced outside warranty, and I've made a few repairs myself. I hate the washer!

[disneysteve]

Our high efficiency top loader washing machine

What a disappointment! We paid over $1100 for this, got the extended warranty for I believe another $70

I learned long ago that more expensive does not equal better quality or better durability. As a result, when our appliances die, we tend to replace them with the cheapest option that fits our needs. I think our current washing machine was about $350. When it dies, we'll replace it as it is unlikely to be worth repairing, especially if it means having a repair service come out.

I've heard so many stories of people buying high end appliances and then being upset when they don't hold up any better than the cheap ones.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

DIY is almost a hobby for myself these days, but I will punt on a job if it doesn't seem to fun or satisfying to me, or if I feel I'm over my head and it's stressing me out.

DIY has 3 factors for me:

1) "Fun" factor of using a tool, learning a skill. Plus the "satisfaction".
2) exercise factor. DIY Is a good way to get exercise
3) saving money.

Some jobs I look at and figure will be a PITA to do myself. For most appliance jobs, I try to look on the internet for a solution. Car repairs I'm doing more and more myself but they often involve climbing under the car, which I promised my parents I would never do. If I can repair from the hood, or sides, I'll try to do myself. I have done some minor repairs this way.

I Had a screen door repair job I decided to punt on, and I'm glad I did, the way our door was, the pump for the screen door had to go on in a weird way, and Lowes kept ordering the wrong parts. Would have been a nightmare to fix.

[ua_guy]

Car repairs I'm doing more and more myself but they often involve climbing under the car, which I promised my parents I would never do. If I can repair from the hood, or sides, I'll try to do myself. I have done some minor repairs this way.

Just curious, but what's wrong with climbing under the car (so long as it's raised properly and supported)? Bad DIY experience with a car falling off of something?

[maat55]

I've saved a small fortune repairing my wife's car. While it feels good after the fact, the jobs are horrific in the process. YouTube is a very useful site.

[greenskeeper]

I've saved a small fortune repairing my wife's car. While it feels good after the fact, the jobs are horrific in the process. YouTube is a very useful site.

such as? Do you have the correct tools for the job? It makes all the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to do any type of repair on a vehicle.

[maat55]

such as? Do you have the correct tools for the job? It makes all the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to do any type of repair on a vehicle.

Replacing the water pump and thermostat on my wife's BMW was not fun. Neither was taking apart half the upper area above the motor to replace the starter. What tools I did not have I bought.

I'll call you next time. You sound like a glutton for punishment or you have not owned a lemon BMW.

[JoeP]

Just had a mild victory last weekend.

Garage door opener, 4 years old, started malfunctioning: door opened a few inches and stopped. Then it went down hard and bowed the track. Called Chamberlain and they said it was probably the motor and travel sensor ($75). I felt the motor was just fine, and since the travel sensor was not available separately, I decided to search for solutions.

Looking inside, I found the motor and travel sensor, and the latter had a couple grass particles interfering with the optical pickups. The grass likely came from a robin trying to build a nest on top of the opener. A quick shot of compressed air and I was back in business!

Amazing how a little effort can save so much money.

[QuarterMillionMan]

My light fixture globe (plastic) fell off again today (twice thusfar). It had only 2 screws holding it on. Found another screw in my bucket of screws and I'm quite certain it won't fall off again.

[sv2007]

I still have a reverse osmosis water filter under our kitchen sink that I've yet to install. It's been there for 6 years. Should have paid somebody to install it; maybe I will make a call tomorrow.