# Tasks & work activities — household appliances repair technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-9031.00 (Home Appliance Repairers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.
- **[Core]** Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
- **[Core]** Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.
- **[Core]** Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.
- **[Core]** Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.
- **[Core]** Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Reassemble units after repairs are made, making adjustments and cleaning and lubricating parts as needed.
- **[Core]** Record maintenance and repair work performed on appliances.
- **[Core]** Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.
- **[Core]** Maintain stocks of parts used in on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of appliances.
- **[Core]** Clean and reinstall parts.
- **[Core]** Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
- **[Core]** Observe and test operation of appliances following installation, and make any initial installation adjustments that are necessary.
- **[Core]** Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
- **[Core]** Instruct customers regarding operation and care of appliances, and provide information such as emergency service numbers.
- **[Core]** Clean, lubricate, and touch up minor defects on newly installed or repaired appliances.
- **[Core]** Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers and water dispensers, using hand tools.
- **[Core]** Set appliance thermostats, and check to ensure that they are functioning properly.
- **[Core]** Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes, using hand tools.
- **[Core]** Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.
- **[Core]** Install appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.
- **[Core]** Contact supervisors or offices to receive repair assignments.
- **[Core]** Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
- **[Core]** Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble new or reconditioned appliances.
- **[Supplemental]** Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants used in cooling systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Install gas pipes and water lines to connect appliances to existing gas lines or plumbing.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations, performing minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Advise others on issues related to repairs, installation, or equipment design.
- Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
- Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
- Collect payments for goods or services.
- Confer with coworkers to resolve equipment problems.
- Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
- Connect hoses to equipment or piping.
- Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Dispose of hazardous materials.
- Estimate costs for labor or materials.
- Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards.
- Inspect systems to determine if they are operating properly.
- Install home appliances.
- Install piping for installation or maintenance activities.
- Level machines or equipment.
- Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Measure distances or dimensions.
- Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.
- Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
- Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
- Reassemble equipment after repair.
- Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Train customers in the use of products.
- Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.