The Home Repairs Thread

Yeah, I was going to limit myself to this one part, one attempt then just replace it. This was a cheap part. I had the actual timer part quoted at $155 to me...and motors run at least $100. Not worth it to put hundreds into an old washer when I can get a new one for not much more.

I managed to do this job without gettiing hardly any water on the floor too....miraculously. I had a paint tray and a shopvac ready when I took the hose off the pump...I held it over the tray and shoved the vacuum hose right into the washer hose.

Another "Internet saved me money & grief on repairs" Couple years ago, during a sewing emergency (don't ask!), my wife's sewing machine stopped working at 2:00 a.m. on a project needed at 8:00 a.m.

I got on the internet, goggled the make/model - came up with post with diagrams explaining the problem as a common one caused by a jammed gear. Disassembled the sewing machine, found the issue exactly as described/shown, fixed it, reassembled it and had it working all in ~45 minutes.

Fixed a TV per the internet also. Truly amazing the info that is out there.

I wonder how anyone ever fixed anything before the internet. The number of things I have fixed or made directly through internet advice is unknowable at this point.

I'll have to agree with the internet and repair tips and directions. I have used it for help with car, boat, and several appliance repairs. I know I have saved over a grand the past several years just on the few appliance repairs I made on my own. Then comes the satisfaction of fixing something on your own.

I wonder how anyone ever fixed anything before the internet. The number of things I have fixed or made directly through internet advice is unknowable at this point.

We didn't ... we either pulled it apart to try and fix it, breaking irreparably in the process, or we called a repairman.

Yeah, there was a lot more trial and error, a lot more busted knuckles and cursing and a lot more money spent, time wasted and happy repairmen.


I used to rely on Chilton's and Haynes manuals for car repair, now I just sign up for a car forum every time I change cars. You get tips from people who have already done the cursing and breaking parts on their own.