Common Appliance Problems & How To Fix Them
The moment your appliance starts acting up means immediate, noticeable issues for you, maybe even a disruption to your daily routine. Here are some common appliance problems, their tell-tale signs, and what you can do about them. We hope this handy guide will help you diagnose your problems quicker, and get them fixed sooner.
Refrigerator Issues
Fridge not cooling properly.
Your refrigerator’s condenser coils might be dirty. These dissipate heat as the refrigerant goes through them, and if they are dirty they will not dissipate heat as effectively, or they may do it unevenly. The more debris that builds up on these coils, the less efficient your fridge will be, and the less evenly it will cool. If cleaning does not do the trick then you may be looking at a more difficult problem such as your condenser or evaporator fans being faulty. In this case, it is a better idea to call an electrician for parts replacement or repairs.
Leaking water.
This might mean your fridge’s drain is clogged or frozen over. If the defrost drain is frozen or clogged water will overflow in the drain trough and drip to the bottom and floor of your fridge. Check to see if this part is clogged, and inspect the water tank assembly for any leaks. Remember that leaks in the water tank are small and may be hard to find, but even the smallest fractures will require a replacement tank. Contact Appliance Handyman if neither of these solutions is helping, as you may require a more thorough appraisal of the issues.
Stove and Oven Issues
Electric Stove will not heat.
There are a few possibilities that can cause this problem. If a single burner is not heating, there is a good chance that it is only the heating coil and connection that are causing the issue. Swap your coil for another one to see whether the issue is with the coil. If the burner still does not work, rewire the connection and try again.
If the issue is with all of the burners and not just one, it is likely an electrical issue. Check your power connection, test the outlet your stove is connected to and make sure it is not a blown fuse. If all of this is working properly, the problem is likely in the internal wiring and will require professional repairs.
Gas stove will not light.
If you have a gas stove and it is not lighting, rest assured that it is most likely an easy fix. Your stove should make a ‘click’ sounds repeatedly if the power is on and the stove dial is set to light, and you should be able to smell gas. If there is no clicking you might have a defective ignition switch and will need a replacement. If there is no gas, there could be an issue with the gas connection or flow and you will need to check the internal mechanisms.
Electric Stove not adjusting heat properly.
This issue usually suggests that the Infinite Switch is broken or malfunctioning. The switch is connected to the dial and allows for a variable power output, which changes the heat. It may need to be replaced or repaired professionally.
Dishwasher Issues
The washer is making strange noises.
Your dishwasher should not be making much noise, and any excess noise could indicate a problem. That, or you may just be stacking your dishes too high and preventing one of the spray arms from turning properly. Check to make sure that you are placing larger dishes inside correctly. If it is definitely not a problem with the arms, you may have a defective pump. Consider a replacement or hire an appliance repairman.
The washer does not fill with water or fills too much.
Take a look at the inlet valve. If the valve is blocked or appears to be causing the issues it may be worthwhile to consult with a professional about replacing it. You can also check the float and float switch, as these parts inform the washer about the right amount of input water. An improperly set float switch stuck on the “fill” setting may also be the cause of overfilling.
The washer does not start.
Before you panic, make sure you check the plug and the fuses that the washer is plugged into. You can also check your circuit breaker as a last resort. If none of these are the cause of the trouble, check your door latch. Sometimes a blockage to the door latch will cause problems, as dishwashers are programmed not to start with an open door. You can also inspect the electronic controls or timer panel. We recommend consulting with a professional repairman if the problem cannot be fixed outright.
Washing Machine Issues
Washing Machine will not drain.
Take a deep breath and relax, because this one is usually simpler than it is messy. Just remove the drain pump and check that there is nothing blocking it, like a wad of socks, paper towel, or other small objects. If there is nothing there, consider replacing the pump or calling a repair person to find out the real cause of the problem.
Washer refuses to spin.
You do not want to manually spin your washer, and your clothes do not wash properly if it is not spinning itself. To fix this issue, you can first inspect the lid switch assembly. If the switch fails or falls into an improper position, the washer could believe that the lid is open, and therefore not spin. Use a multimeter to test the lid switch, and replace it. If this is not the case you can inspect the belt drive to see if it is broken loose on the pulleys. If broken, replace it; if loose, simply tighten it.
The washer is leaking water.
Your drain pipe pump is responsible for pumping water out of your drain hose. If the drain pump is cracked or damaged, the pump may leak water. Unfortunately, you cannot repair this issue and will need to replace the whole pump. Another possibility is that your tub seal is torn and leaking as a result of the tear. The water then leaks into the bearings, which can cause them to fail. It’s usually a good idea to replace both the tub seal and the bearings if this is the case. This repair is quite complicated, and will require a technician as well as spare parts.
Dryer Issues
No heating during the drying cycle.
This problem is likely caused by a bad thermal fuse. Take off the back panel of your dryer to get access, and unplug all the wires from the terminus. Pull out the fuse to check for breaks, and replace it with an identical one if found.
The dryer does not work at all.
There are a few different causes and solutions to this issue. First, you can check if the power is off. Check the voltage at the outlet, and determine if any power is reaching the appliance. You can also check your breaker or fuse box for failures, and lastly plug your appliance into another outlet to check if that one is the cause of the problem.
Another possibility is a bad terminal block. To fix this, you will need to remove your power cord and access the panel. Use the multimeter to check the voltage at the terminal block. If nothing goes, you may need to call in a technician for part replacement.
Microwave Issues
The microwave does not heat.
This is a very common problem. We see people complaining about irregular heat distribution, or heating cessation all the time. The most common reason for this problem is magnetron failure. A magnetron uses the high voltage that helps the microwave cook food, and can be damaged if the microwave is turned on while empty. A burned magnetron should be replaced as soon as possible. Other possible causes of the issue are capacitor burn, faulty diodes and transformer failures. Check with a local technician today to effectively diagnose the problem.
Microwave runs but stops.
There may be an issue with your door switch or transformer. Often times, this fix will require electrical work or parts replacement and is usually too complicated for DIY repairs. Contact us today with detailed symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis.
The plate doesn’t spin, causing my food to be cooked IRREGULARLY!
Lumpy food inconsistency aside, there is nothing we hate more than biting into a half-frozen, half-searing meal, so we feel your pain. One of the possible reasons for your plate not spinning could be that the motor is burned out or worn, and may need to be replaced. Another possibility is an issue with the main control board. Microwaves are significantly more complicated than ovens for this exact reason: there is a lot of internal programming that can go wrong. Call us today for a more accurate diagnosis, as there is little we can do without actually seeing the problem.
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Appliance Handyman is your number one appliance repair company in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We offer repairs, replacement parts and installations for most appliances such as your refrigerator, washing machine, oven, dryer, stove or anything else. Our technicians are competent in repairs of appliance brands such as GE, Miele, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Viking and more. Contact us for service within North York, Toronto, Thornhill, Markham, Scarborough, Brampton, Newmarket, Aurora, Mississauga, Oakville and further.
