Appliances make daily life easier—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s the fridge not cooling or the washing machine refusing to spin, these problems interrupt your routine and often cause stress. Knowing the most common appliance repair issues can help you catch problems early and avoid bigger headaches later.
1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
A fridge that runs but doesn’t cool is one of the most common complaints. Often, the problem stems from dirty condenser coils or a faulty thermostat. However, in other cases, the evaporator fan or start relay might be to blame.
If the fridge feels warm inside or food is spoiling too quickly, it’s time to investigate. To clarify, a working compressor and fan don’t guarantee effective cooling. Cleaning the coils behind or beneath the unit may help, but if the issue continues, professional support is usually necessary.
2. Dishwasher Leaving Dishes Dirty
When a dishwasher stops doing its main job—cleaning dishes—it becomes an instant frustration. The usual suspects include a clogged spray arm, worn-out wash impeller, or a broken heating element.
For instance, if dishes come out greasy or with bits of food stuck, it’s often a water distribution problem. On the other hand, if glasses look cloudy, the issue might relate to rinse aid or water hardness. Checking the filter and ensuring the spray arms spin freely can offer a quick fix. If not, you might need appliance repair in Calgary.
3. Washing Machine Not Draining
A washer full of dirty water after a cycle signals a drainage issue. Most commonly, the drain hose is clogged or the pump is jammed. In other cases, the lid switch or control board might be malfunctioning.
Therefore, checking the hose for blockages is a good starting point. Meanwhile, lifting the washer and listening for strange sounds during the spin cycle may help identify a stuck pump. If water remains or leaks appear, it’s best to stop using the machine until it’s been looked at.
4. Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes
If your dryer runs forever but clothes stay damp, there may be a problem with airflow. Lint clogs are the number one cause. That is to say, even if you clean the lint trap regularly, the vent hose and ducts can still collect buildup.
Moreover, heating elements or thermostats sometimes fail, reducing heat output. A dryer should fully dry a medium load in about 45 minutes. If it doesn’t, inspect the entire vent path or consult a technician to avoid fire hazards and energy waste.
5. Oven Not Heating Evenly
Uneven baking or food burning in spots often points to a faulty bake element or sensor. Most ovens use both a bake and broil element to maintain steady temperatures. When one fails, it throws off the balance.
In other words, if cookies are burning on one side and raw on the other, a heating issue is likely. Checking for visible damage like blistering on the heating element can confirm the problem. A simple multimeter test can check continuity if you’re comfortable with DIY diagnosis.
6. Freezer Building Up Excess Ice
Frost in a freezer is normal, until it’s not. Excess ice on walls or around the door may indicate an airflow restriction or seal issue. When warm air sneaks in, it creates condensation that freezes quickly.
To fix this, first examine the door gasket for gaps or damage. Secondly, make sure no items are blocking air vents inside. In more complex cases, a faulty defrost heater or timer could be the cause. Addressing this early helps prevent bigger cooling problems later.
7. Microwave Not Heating
A microwave that turns on but doesn’t heat food is frustrating, especially when you’re hungry. Usually, the magnetron or high-voltage diode is defective. That is to say, internal components can fail even when the lights and turntable seem fine.
Microwaves also use door switches as safety measures. If one switch wears out, the appliance may still power on but won’t heat. Due to the high voltage inside, it’s strongly advised not to open the casing yourself. Instead, get in touch with a technician for safe, proper diagnosis.
8. Stove Burner Won’t Light or Heat
Gas burners that click but won’t light often suffer from clogged igniters or wet spark modules. For electric models, a faulty burner or switch might be the issue.
For example, cleaning the burner holes with a pin or toothbrush can help gas flow properly. However, if there’s no spark at all, it may be an electrical fault. Also, if only one burner is affected, the rest of the stove can usually still be used until the part is replaced.
9. Ice Maker Not Producing Ice
Modern refrigerators often include built-in ice makers, but they’re prone to issues. If ice production stops, check the water line and inlet valve. Kinks or leaks in the line can reduce or cut off water flow.
Likewise, if the freezer temperature is too high, the ice tray won’t freeze correctly. Resetting the ice maker cycle can sometimes jumpstart the system. If problems persist, inspecting the water filter and replacing it if clogged is a useful next step.
10. Garbage Disposal Jammed or Humming
A garbage disposal that hums but doesn’t spin is likely jammed. Foreign objects like utensils or fibrous food waste (e.g., corn husks) can clog the impellers.
First, cut power at the breaker and use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the bottom flywheel. After that, remove any visible debris using tongs or pliers. Do not use your hand. If it still won’t start or keeps tripping the reset button, internal damage could be the issue.
Bonus Tip: Listen to the Sounds
Most appliances give you a warning before failing—if you listen. For instance, a rattling noise in your fridge could mean a fan is off balance. Similarly, high-pitched whines from washers or dryers may signal bearing wear. Therefore, don’t ignore new or strange sounds. Catching a change early can save you money and prevent larger damage down the road.
FAQ
What’s the first thing to check if my appliance stops working?
Start by checking power. Plug it in fully and test the outlet. If the appliance still doesn’t respond, look for tripped breakers or reset switches before assuming a major failure.
When should I repair vs. replace an appliance?
If repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit or the appliance is over 10 years old, replacement may be smarter. However, many issues are simple and affordable to fix.
Is it safe to fix appliances myself?
For minor tasks like unclogging a drain or cleaning filters, yes. For internal parts or anything involving electricity or gas, it’s safer to call a technician.
Why do appliances fail so quickly nowadays?
Modern units use more electronics and lighter materials to save energy and cost. While efficient, they often have more failure points than older models.
Can one broken part cause other damage?
Yes. For example, a failing dryer vent can overwork the motor. Similarly, a blocked fridge coil can strain the compressor. Prompt repairs prevent domino effects.