Common Appliance Issues

Not sure if your problem is serious? Here are the issues we see most often for each appliance - and a quick read on whether they usually point to a repair or a replacement. For a recommendation specific to your appliance, run the full diagnosis.

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Refrigerator

The most common problems homeowners report with fridges and freezers.

Fridge warm, freezer still cold

Usually a faulty evaporator fan, defrost heater, or damper, not the compressor.

Often a cheap fix

Water pooling on the floor

Typically a clogged or frozen defrost drain, or a cracked water line.

Often a cheap fix

Constantly running or loud

Dirty condenser coils are common and easy to fix; a failing compressor is more serious and often not worth repairing on an older unit.

Depends on cause

Ice maker not working

Usually a blocked or faulty water inlet valve, or a frozen fill tube.

Often a cheap fix

Frost building up inside

A worn door seal (gasket) or a failed defrost system is the usual culprit.

Depends on cause

Compressor won't shut off / hums but doesn't cool

A sign the compressor itself is failing - often the single most expensive part to replace.

Weigh against fridge age
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Dishwasher

The most common problems homeowners report with dishwashers.

Water left standing at the bottom

Usually a clogged filter, drain hose, or a failing drain pump.

Often a cheap fix

Dishes come out still dirty

Clogged spray arm holes or a worn wash pump impeller are the most common causes.

Often a cheap fix

Leaking from the door

A worn or misaligned door gasket is the usual suspect and is inexpensive to replace.

Often a cheap fix

Won't start

Could be a simple door latch issue, or a failed control board, which costs more.

Depends on cause

Loud grinding or buzzing during the cycle

Often worn wash pump motor bearings - repairable, but weigh the cost against the unit's age.

Weigh against age

Won't fill with water

Usually a faulty water inlet valve or float switch.

Often a cheap fix
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Oven / Range

The most common problems homeowners report with ovens, stoves, and ranges.

Uneven or inaccurate baking temperature

Usually a worn heating element or a drifting temperature sensor - both inexpensive parts.

Often a cheap fix

Won't turn on at all

Could be the control board or, on gas models, the igniter - cost varies quite a bit by part.

Depends on cause

Gas burner won't light

Usually a dirty igniter or clogged burner ports - a quick, cheap fix.

Often a cheap fix

Electric cooktop element not heating evenly

A failing heating coil or element is common and inexpensive to swap out.

Often a cheap fix

Self-clean cycle won't run or door won't unlock

Usually a faulty door lock switch or control board.

Depends on cause

Smell of gas, or scorch marks near connections

This is a safety issue. Shut off the gas supply and have it inspected by a licensed professional immediately - don't attempt a DIY fix.

Safety issue - call a pro
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Washer

The most common problems homeowners report with washing machines.

Won't spin

Often a worn drive belt or a faulty lid/door switch - both usually inexpensive fixes.

Often a cheap fix

Leaking water

Usually a worn door seal, hose, or pump connection.

Often a cheap fix

Excessive shaking or noise during spin

Frequently just an unbalanced load, but worn suspension springs or shock absorbers are also common.

Depends on cause

Won't drain

Usually a clogged pump filter - often something you can clear yourself.

Often a cheap fix

Won't start

Could be a simple door lock issue or a failed control board, which is more expensive.

Depends on cause

Musty or sour smell

Usually mold or detergent buildup in the gasket or drum - a cleaning fix, not a repair.

Cleaning fix, not a repair
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Dryer

The most common problems homeowners report with dryers.

Runs but doesn't heat

Usually a broken heating element or blown thermal fuse - both inexpensive to replace.

Often a cheap fix

Takes two or three cycles to dry a load

Almost always a clogged lint trap or blocked vent line - a maintenance fix, not a repair.

Maintenance fix, not a repair

Won't start

Often a door switch or thermal fuse - both cheap parts.

Often a cheap fix

Loud squealing or thumping

Usually worn drum rollers, a bearing, or a stretched belt - moderate repair cost depending on the model.

Depends on cause

Drum won't turn

Usually a broken belt, though a failed motor is possible and costs more to fix.

Depends on cause

Burning smell or unusually hot to the touch

Stop using it immediately - this is often a blocked vent creating a fire risk and needs prompt attention.

Safety issue - address now

Not sure which one applies to you?

These are general patterns. Your specific repair cost, appliance age, and warranty status all matter - run the free diagnosis for a recommendation built around your situation.

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