Your home appliances make your day-to-day easier--unless they suddenly stop functioning! And when you need to finish drying your clothes for an important event, or you need your fridge to keep cooling, it's an urgent situation. But what can you do in the moment?
More than you think! Of course, calling in an appliance technician (like the experts on our team!) is always best when your appliances are malfunctioning. However, there are several diagnostic steps you can take yourself to potentially fix the issue and get your day back on track.
Let’s see what these first-aid checks look like and how they can help your appliances!
Appliance Troubles
- Refrigerator Not Cooling
- Washer Leaking
- Dishwasher Overflow/Not Starting
- Oven Not Heating
- Dryer Not Drying
- Microwave Not Heating
- General Safety Tips!
Refrigerator Not Cooling
When your refrigerator suddenly stops cooling and you’re not experiencing a power outage, it’s a pretty big deal. But there are a few things you can check before throwing out (or eating your way) through all your perishables!
- Power Source: First, ensure that your fridge is properly plugged in, as the plug can sometimes become loose or disconnected. Also, check your home's electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped.
- Frequent Door Openings: Constantly opening and closing the fridge door can let in warm air, making it hard for the appliance to maintain a consistent temperature. This is especially true in busy households or during hot weather.
- Temperature Setting Changes: Sometimes, the temperature controls can be accidentally adjusted, especially if they are located where they can be bumped easily. Double-check to ensure they are set to the manufacturer's recommended settings.
- Blocked Airflow Inside: Overpacking your fridge can restrict airflow, which is necessary for even cooling. Make sure there's enough space between items for air to circulate.
Pro Tip:
Always make sure the condenser coils are clear of dust and debris, so the cooling system can run smoother!
Washer Leaking
A leaking washing machine can quickly escalate from a minor nuisance to a major problem, potentially causing water damage in your home. If you notice your washer leaking, there’s a few things you can do right away:
- Turn Off Water and Power: Immediately shut off the water supply to the washer to prevent further leakage. Also, unplug the machine from its power source for safety.
- Check Hose Connections: Inspect the hoses at the back of the washer for any signs of leakage. If you find a loose hose, try tightening it by hand (but not too tight — that can cause more damage!).
- Inspect the Door Seal (Front-Load Washers): For front-loading washers, check the door seal (gasket) for any tears or obstructions that might be causing water to escape.
- Look for Overflows: Sometimes, using too much detergent or the wrong type can create excessive suds, leading to overflow leaks. Ensure you're using the appropriate amount and type of detergent for your machine.
- Drainage Issues: Check the standpipe or laundry sink for clogs. A clogged drain can cause water to back up and leak from the washer.
Pro Tip:
Water damage is no joke! If you continue to have issues, it’s best to leave to appliance techs (like our team) to find and fix the source!
Dishwasher Overflowing or Not Starting
Having your dishwasher stop working might not seem like the most urgent issue — until you have a sink full of dishes with crusty food bits! So, if your dishwasher is overflowing or not starting, running these urgent steps is essential!
- Overflow: If your dishwasher is overflowing, the first step is to turn it off to prevent more water spillage, then check for visible blockages in the filter at the bottom. Make sure to remove it and clean it before trying the dishwasher again.
- Not Starting: For this issue, always begin with a power reset by unplugging it or turning off the power at the circuit breaker for a minute, then restore power. If that doesn’t work, make sure the door is properly latched.
- Check Control Panel: Double-check the control panel for error codes or lights that might indicate a specific problem linked to the dishwasher’s manual!
- Inspect Water Supply: Ensure that the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on and that there aren’t any kinked hoses preventing the water from reaching the appliance.
Pro Tip:
Can’t find a clog but you’re sure it’s the water supply? It’s time to call in the pros! We can troubleshoot it quickly and safely!
Oven Not Heating
When your oven suddenly won't heat up, it can throw a wrench into meal preparations. But before you resort to takeout, run through these steps:
- Verify the Power Supply: First, check that the oven is correctly connected to the power source or if the circuit breaker has tripped (for electric ovens). For gas ovens, ensure the gas supply valve is open.
- Clock & Timer Settings: Some ovens won’t heat up if the timer is set, so make sure the clock/timer isn’t on.
- Simple Reset: Like anything else with a plug, ovens can benefit from a basic reset. So, unplug it or switch the power off at the circuit breaker, wait a minute, and then restore power to reset the oven’s internal computer — it’ll resolve any minor glitches!
- Check the Heating Elements (Electric Ovens): If you have an electric oven, visually inspect the heating elements for any signs of damage or irregularities. Don’t touch them; look for visible signs like breaks or blistering.
- Gas Ignition Issues (Gas Ovens): For gas ovens, if you can safely access and observe the burner, check if the igniter is glowing when you turn on the oven. If it glows but doesn't light, the igniter might need replacing.
Pro Tip:
If the issue requires a bigger fix like calibrating the oven temperature or dealing with loose heating elements or gas connections, it should be left to a qualified technician for your safety!
Dryer Not Drying Clothes
If your dryer leaves clothes damp, it's not just an annoyance – it disrupts your whole laundry routine. Before you call for help, try these quick fixes:
- Lint Filter Check: A full lint filter is often the culprit. Clean it out after every load to ensure proper airflow – it's essential for effective drying.
- Avoid Overloading: Too many clothes in the dryer? They won't have enough space to tumble and dry evenly; it’s best to dry manageable loads.
- Right Setting, Right Cycle: Using the correct heat setting and cycle is key. Heavier fabrics need more heat, while delicates require a gentler approach.
- Venting System Inspection: A clogged vent can hinder drying efficiency. Make sure the external vent is clear and unobstructed!
Pro Tip:
Haven’t had your vent system professionally cleaned in years, or ever? You might be overdue!
Microwave Not Heating
Got a microwave that's just spinning your food around without heating it? Try these steps before calling for backup:
- Door Seal Check: First, ensure the door is sealing correctly. A loose seal can stop your microwave from heating, so make sure it’s clear of food bits.
- Setting Double-Check: It's easy to hit the wrong button accidentally. Take a moment to ensure you've selected the correct cooking mode and power level.
- The Power Reset Trick: Unplug your microwave for a minute and plug it back in. This simple reset can often kickstart things back to normal.
- Error Codes: If your microwave has a digital display and it's flashing some codes, take note. These can be handy clues for diagnosing the issue with your owner’s manual!
Pro Tip:
If these steps don’t work, it might be a faulty magnetron. But don’t replace it yourself — leave it appliance technicians, like our team!
General Appliance Safety Tips
When your home appliances hit a snag, diving into heavy DIY repairs is tempting, especially if the simple first aid steps don’t work. But safety is crucial, and sometimes, calling in the pros, like our service team at Dick Van Dyke Appliance World , is the smartest move! For instance, if a fix requires messing with wiring or gas connections, it’s best to let professional appliance technicians handle it — trust us, it’s safer that way for you AND your appliance!
And don’t forget to follow other safety tips, like being cautious with water leaks around electrical components. Or if an appliance is making strange noises, emitting odd smells, or showing error messages you can’t decipher or fix, it’s a job for the pros! So, if you’ve done the first aid steps and your appliance still won’t work, don’t wait; give us a call or stop by and set up your appointment!