Your home appliances put advanced technology to use in your daily life-but even top-of-the-line appliances aren't immune to malfunctions. You can easily fix some issues yourself, but other problems require the attention of an appliance repair professional.
Your dishwasher, dryer, and refrigerator keep your home running smoothly. But when one of them stops working properly, it can throw a wrench into your family's routine. Some issues can be resolved with a little investigation or elbow grease on your part. For major malfunctions, however, it's generally a good idea to call in an appliance repair expert.
Dryer Not Heating or Drying Properly
If your clothes dryer isn't doing its job, check the lint trap. Lint buildup can block moist air from leaving the dryer. This can result in increased drying times and low heat levels, among other mechanical issues. Clean out the lint trap and dryer vent using a vacuum or duct brush to improve your dryer's performance. If the machine's efficiency doesn't get drastically better, contact a specialist in washer and dryer repair.
Dishwasher Not Filling
You've loaded in the dirty dishes, added detergent, and selected a wash cycle. The dishwasher door is shut and locked-but you don't hear the telltale sound of water pouring in. Before you panic, check one crucial spot inside the dishwasher: the float switch. This generally looks like an upside-down cup in the bottom of the fill basin. As the water level rises inside the dishwasher, the float goes up, and when the float reaches a certain point, the washer knows to stop adding water. It's possible for silverware and other items to accidentally jam the float switch into the up position, tricking the washer into thinking it's already full. If you see that this is the case, rearrange your dishes around the float and try again. If the dishwasher still will not fill, or if there is no apparent jam, call in a dishwasher repair expert.
Low Refrigerator Water Pressure
If the water is trickling out of your refrigerator's built-in water and ice dispenser, and you haven't replaced the water filter in more than six months, now's the time to take care of that task. Refrigerator water filters are designed to need replacing every six months to a year, depending on how much water you actually use. A worn-out water filter can also affect the quality of your water, leading to sediment in your water or ice cubes. Install a new filter, following the manufacturer's instructions. If the water and ice dispensers continue to work poorly, contact a refrigerator repair company.
Refrigerator Frost Problems
It can be hard to find the perfect temperature balance in your refrigerator and freezer. If you start to see frost buildup on the back of the freezer and you can still hear the fan working, you may have a defrosting problem. Unfortunately, defrosting issues will also keep the fresh food compartment in the refrigerator from cooling properly. Before you call an appliance repair specialist, unplug the fridge and open the doors to allow the freezer to thaw. Then, check your own refrigerator use habits. Do you make sure that the door is all the way sealed each time you close the fridge? Is there anything inside the fridge that could be blocking it from closing fully? If you are vigilant about closing the refrigerator door for about a week and the frost problem recurs, it's time to bring in the pros.
Save money on an expert consultation by checking for these common appliance problems and consulting your owner's manual at the first sign of trouble. However, avoid tackling more complicated appliance repairs on your own if you aren't extremely familiar with the model's mechanical workings. A certified professional repairman will have the knowledge, skill, and replacement parts to get your broken appliance up and running in no time.
