How to Replace a Gasket in Your Home
Appliances?
As the owner of a Appliance Repair Boise company, one of the most common and basic components in major
home appliances such as a refrigerator or a washing machine is the gasket. The
role of a gasket is to prevent leakage of air and water,
and in the process increasing the efficiency of the appliance. If the gasket of
your home appliance has failed, it must be replaced at the earliest
possibility.
Inspect the
Gasket
You can conduct a physical inspection of the gasket
to determine whether it needs a replacement. The gasket should feel spongy, but
if you find that it has hardened, or it has developed cracks and tears at
places, it needs to be replaced. Rather than go for a universal,
one-size-fits-all gasket, you should replace a defective gasket with a new one
that is specifically designed for your appliance.
Clean Before
Installation
While replacing an old gasket with a new one, you
can follow a few simple steps to do the job efficiently on your own. As a first
step, remove the old, faulty gasket. If it is channel mounted, you must it pull
out of the channel carefully. In case it is flush mounted, you can take out the
fasteners, retaining strip or panel to remove the old gasket. Before you are
ready to install a new gasket, clean the gasket area with liquid detergent and
warm water thoroughly. Thereafter, allow it to dry completely.
It should be
Smooth
Now you can begin installing the new gasket, easing
it around the corners and smoothing it evenly into its place. If the
manufacturer specifies the use of gasket cement, you must follow the guideline.
If you are placing a channel mounted gasket, use a splinting tool to press it
into place. No part of the new gasket should be curled under or sticking up,
and the entire gasket must be smoothly positioned. Finally, use mineral spirits
to remove any excess gasket cement, but make sure the appliance’s finish is not
damaged in the process.
