Appliance 101: What to Do Before Calling a Repair Service
Appliances can make our lives so much easier... until they suddenly stop working. A noisy refrigerator, a washer that won’t spin, or a dryer that won't heat up can be incredibly frustrating. Before you rush to schedule a service call, this guide will walk you through a few simple DIY troubleshooting steps.
Disclaimer: Every home is unique, and installations may vary. Not all tips in this guide may be applicable. Consult your owner's manual for additional details.
These quick checks apply to almost any appliance that's acting up. They're a great place to start!
Start with the Source
Is the power cord securely plugged into a working outlet? It's a basic step, but often the solution. You can test the outlet by plugging in a lamp or another small appliance.
Reset the Power
Many modern appliances have a sensitive electronic control board. Unplugging the unit for a minute or two, or resetting the circuit breaker for that appliance, can often give it the “reboot” it needs to start working properly again.
Inspect the Fuse or Circuit Breaker
Check your home's fuse box or circuit breaker panel. A blown fuse or a tripped breaker can cut off power to the appliance. If you reset the breaker and it immediately trips again, a more serious electrical issue may exist, and it's time to call a professional.
Oh, That's Shocking!
If you suspect an electrical problem, it's always best to let a qualified electrician handle it rather than attempting to fix it yourself.
Unlocking the Mystery
Double-check your appliance's settings to ensure a child lock or Sabbath mode is not activated, as these features can prevent the unit from operating.
Dishwashers
Your dishwasher is designed to make life easier, but sometimes it needs a little help.
Why Won't My Dishwasher Start?
Make sure the door is firmly latched. Most dishwashers won’t start unless the door clicks into place.
Check if the delay start feature is active. A small light or icon on the control panel will often indicate this.
Confirm that the water supply is turned on.
My Dishes Aren't Getting Clean or Dry Enough.
Are the spray arms blocked by large items? Spin them by hand to make sure they rotate freely.
Check for clogged spray arm nozzles. You can often use a toothpick to gently clear them.
Are you using the right kind of detergent? For most dishwashers, you need specific pods or powder, and the amount can vary based on your load size and water hardness.
Avoid overcrowding! Properly loading the dishwasher helps ensure water and detergent can reach every surface.
Washers
When your washer isn't working, laundry day comes to a grinding halt.
My Washer is Moving During Cycles. Help!
Ensure the washer is perfectly level. All four feet should be on the floor.
Check for and remove the shipping bolts from the back of the washer if it's a new installation. These are put in place to prevent drum movement during transport and must be removed before use.
An unbalanced or overly large load can cause a lot of shaking. Try adjusting the items inside the drum.
Houston, We Have a Leak.
Check that the fill hoses are attached tightly to both the washer and the water supply.
Make sure the drain hose is securely connected and not clogged.
My Washer is Not Draining.
Check the drain hose for any clogs or kinks. Also, ensure the end of the hose is not too high above the floor, which can prevent proper drainage.
Small items like socks or strings can get caught in the pump.
An unbalanced load or a tightly packed washer can also prevent the machine from spinning out excess water.
Dryers
A dryer that won't heat up or take too long to dry clothes is a major time-waster.
Why Aren’t my Clothes Drying?
Always clean the lint screen before every load to ensure proper airflow.
Inspect the exhaust vent and the outside vent hood for lint buildup or obstructions. A clogged vent is the most common cause of poor drying and a major fire hazard.
Avoid overloading the dryer. A full drum prevents proper tumbling and airflow.
Refrigerators
Refrigerator issues can be particularly stressful. No one wants wilted produce!
My Fridge is Making a Racket!
Refrigerators make many common sounds. A pulsating or hissing sound is often the compressor cycling on, while a sizzle can be from water dripping onto the defrost heater. Consult your manual to learn what noises are normal for your model.
My Fridge Lost Its Cool.
After installation, give your new refrigerator 12 to 24 hours to cool down completely before you add a large grocery haul. You can place any current food inside and use it to help the cooling process continue. Avoid spending money on a lot of new groceries that may not stay as fresh during this time.
Make sure the controls are on and set to the right temperature, usually between 0°F to 37°F. Refer to owner's manual for complete details.
Ensure the doors are closing completely and aren't being blocked by food packages.
Ice, Ice, Maybe?
Allow 12 to 24 hours for ice production to begin. Typically, ice is the last thing your refrigerator focuses on, so it may take a while to get a full batch.
Is your refrigerator connected to the water supply, and is the supply valve fully open?
Have you replaced the water filter recently?
Check for any kinks in the water source line that could restrict flow.
Cooking
Don't let a faulty range or microwave cancel dinner plans.
A Recipe for Disaster: My Appliances Won't Turn On.
Check that the appliance is firmly plugged in and that a fuse hasn't blown or a breaker hasn't tripped. For gas ranges, check that the manual shut-off valve is open.
Your stovetop burners might not be igniting because the burner caps are misaligned, the ports are clogged, a fuse is blown, or the gas shut-off valve is closed.
My Oven is Not Cooking Evenly.
For precise temperature readings on digital appliances, a digital thermometer is recommended, as analog thermometers may not provide an accurate reading.
Ensure the oven has been fully preheated, the racks are positioned correctly, and you are using the proper bakeware.
Is the proper length of time being used? Oven peeking releases oven heat and can result in longer cooking times.
Are the air circulation vents covered? Avoid placing foil on the oven bottom, as this can interfere with heat circulation.
Should I Self-Clean My Oven?
It's typically okay to use this convenient cleaning cycle. However, we don't recommend self-cleaning before a holiday with heavy-duty cooking. Here's why.
Hoods
An ineffective hood can leave your kitchen full of smoke and odors.
Seems Like My Hood Blower isn't Working.
First, check that the power is on, the control board wiring is in place, and the blower cables are connected.
Is the motor obstructed by debris?
If the unit is vibrating, the blower is not secured.
If the lights work, but the blower is not turning on, the blower cable may be disconnected.
How Do I Fix Poor Ventilation?
Make sure you are using the correct size and type of ducting for your unit. Flexible ducting, for example, can significantly reduce airflow.
Check that the vent opening is not blocked.
Is the hood hanging too high from the cooktop?
Tired of Troubleshooting? We Can Help!
If you’ve gone through these steps and your appliance is still on the fritz, it’s likely time for a professional. Our in-house appliance repair team is equipped with extensive mechanical know-how and is passionate about helping others. We’re authorized to service nearly every major appliance brand, so it doesn’t matter where you purchased your appliances, we’ll get it back up and running for you.
Call and schedule your repair today: 309-691-4100