Home Appliance Parts Key Terms

Learn and understand home appliance parts key terms

By Sherry Grant

The home appliance parts business is an essential and far-reaching industry. Manufacturers will always need to produce parts for refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines. Appliances frequently break, wear out and need repairing or replacing. Clients depend upon industry experts to guide their purchase or repair. Professionals in the retail and repair business assist consumers in identifying and troubleshooting needed parts for home appliances. Review the key terms below for a look at a few of the many home appliance parts on the market.

Water filters

Water filters for refrigerators filter out impurities, metals, chemicals and odors through a filter in the dispensing unit. Refrigerator water filters are installed inside the refrigerator itself or simply placed in the apparatus. Water filters for the refrigerator purify the water used to make ice or the ice and water device built into the appliance.
Try: The Family Handyman tells you how to install a refrigerator water filter. An overview is provided as well as step by step instructions with photos. Envirotech Products gives you a visual of several water filters. Envirotech also provides information regarding the life and performance of the filter.

Agitator

An agitator causes the clothes in the washing machine to rotate from the top to the bottom of the wash tub while also providing a vibrating motion. Agitators are only found in top loaded washing machines.
Try: Washing Machine Advisor explains the function of an agitator, common problems and tips for maintenance and repair. Acme Parts.com tells you how to safely remove an agitator for fixing or testing.

Float assembly

A float assembly acts as a trigger for the float switch to shut off and cease the flow of water coming into the dishwasher when the water that fills the dishwasher reaches a certain level.
Try: PartSelect.com describes a float assembly and gives you links for checking and replacing the dishwasher float assembly. Part Select also covers the float switch and other integral parts of a dishwasher.

Clothes dryer drum

A drum used in a clothes dryer is also called a tumbler. Heated air is circulated in the rotating drum to evaporate moisture from the clothes. The drum rotates slowly and is driven by a belt and induction motor. Larger drums reduce the number of loads and are more economical.
Try: The ServiceMaster Company gives tips for troubleshooting an electric clothes dryer. Problems with dryer drums are addressed. Kitchen.com gives an overview of clothes dryer drums, their load capacity, size and drum materials.

Gas oven igniter

A gas oven igniter controls the flow of gas to the heating elements. Igniters come in two types, either flat or round. The most common igniter used is the glow bar igniter.
Try: Dave's Repair Service explains gas oven glowbar igniters, how they work as well as how to replace them. Appliance411 answers frequently asked questions about igniters and gas oven ignition systems.

Drip pans for electric ranges and gas burners

A basic drip pan is used for safety reasons and to catch cooking spills. Drip pans are made from chrome or porcelain. Reflector drip pans allow heat to be absorbed back into the pan. If drip pans are not kept clean they will be unable to efficiently perform this function.
Try: Mid-America Appliance Parts Center gives an overview of the purpose and function of a drip bowl and how to keep drip pans clean. Sears provides basic information on electric ranges including the drip pan.