Most appliance repairers specialize in either larger appliances or smaller appliances. Larger appliances include washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Smaller appliances include microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, toasters, irons, blenders, and food mixers. Repairers first must look at the appliances to find problems. They may visually inspect them or operate and test them for unusual noises, vibration, leaks, or loose parts.
Repairers make adjustments and replace belts, motors, heating elements, switches, and gears.
They tighten, align, and lubricate parts. They may replace circuit boards or other electronic components. They read service manuals and guides for troubleshooting. They follow wiring diagrams and use testing devices. When repairing gas appliances, they may replace pipes, valves, thermocouples, thermostats, and indicator spindles.