Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system is different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. Appliance Rescue can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
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Safety tip: Before making any repairs, or testing anything electrical, pull the plug from the receptacle or shut off power at the breaker. Turn off water before working on any water valves or associated plumbing and tubing.
Parts can be purchased locally at Appliance Parts Depot
Dishwashers have many parts that can become blocked, jammed or clogged. So it's wise to know how to avoid trouble with this key kitchen appliance. Here are some maintenance and repair tips from the experts.
Important things to know about your dishwasher*
Very hot water – 140 to 160 degrees F – is a basic requirement to get good service from a dishwasher. This is also a common reason for consistently lackluster cleaning. It is common for water heaters to have the temperature setting below 140 F, to reduce the chance of a "scalding" accident. This is probably a wise trade-off if young children are in your home.
Most dishwashers are equipped with an air gap near the kitchen sink to prevent wastewater from backing up into the washer. Because it collects bits of waste, the air gap must be cleaned regularly. Remove the cap and cover and check for debris.
A dishwasher without an air gap has a high loop in the drain hose. Make sure that it's not kinked, and clear any obstructions from it with a length of wire when necessary.
Safety tip: Before making repairs, pull the plug from the receptacle. Turn off the hot water valve under the sink before working on the water inlet valve or disconnecting the hot water hose.
Troubleshooting dishwashers
Can't get the dishwasher to run?
Start simple. If the door is unlocked, lock it.
Check the setting of both the time and selector buttons.
If power is not reaching the unit, check your fuse box/circuit breaker.
You may have a defective timer, door switch, motor or other component. This is probably a good time to call for professional service
Dishes still dirty at the end of the wash?
The water may not be hot enough. Check the temperature of the hot water from the tap. Manufacturers recommend minimum incoming water temperatures around 140 degrees F. Check the hot water heater setting.
You may need to better prepare your dishes for washing. Be sure to scrape and rinse all dishes before loading your dishwasher.
Your dishes may not be stacked correctly. Again, scrape and rinse all dishes before loading.
Your detergent may have gotten old. Exposure to moisture and air breaks down the chemical cleaning agents in dishwasher detergent. Always keep detergent fresh and dry. Don't buy more detergent than you can use in a month.
Make sure your detergent dispenser opens. Check the detergent cup and remove hardened detergent or mineral deposits. Be sure the lid is not blocked. Fill with detergent and latch cover. Check at the end of the cycle to make sure it opened fully and detergent dissolved completely.
The machines spray arms may not be turning. Be sure nothing is preventing spray arms from spinning. Check that spray arms turn freely by hand. Also check the holes on top of the spray arm, if debris plugs these holes, clean them out.
Dishwasher tub doesn't fill with water?
The water inlet valve or solenoid may be defective. Check the valve or call a professional.
The overflow switch could be defective. Check the switch. If it sticks in the FULL position or is defective, the unit can not fill.
Water valve under sink may be off. Check hot water at sink?
Timer may not be advancing, or has defective contacts inside.
Water wont stop! -Flood!
Shut off the hot water line for the dishwasher. It is usually located under the sink. You can also shut off the water at the inlet of your homes hot water heater, or when all else fails, at the main water line to the house. Call for service.
You may have a defective timer.
The overflow switch could be defective. If the switch is stuck on the EMPTY position, the dishwasher could overflow.
On any flooding problem, we recommend having a service person check out your dishwasher. Repeated flooding can cause major damage to your home.
Water not draining out of the unit?
Clogged or kinked drain hose. Disconnect the drain hose and blow through it to be sure it is clear.
The machine's pump motor may be defective. Testing this requires a good understanding of dishwasher electrical diagrams. Test it or call for professional service.
Your timer may be defective. Testing this requires a good understanding of dishwasher electrical diagrams. Test it or call for professional service.
Dishes aren't drying?
Mineral deposits on the heating element could be the problem. They can be easily removed with vinegar.
The heating element wire may be loose. Check all the electrical connections around the heating element.
The heating element may be burnt out.
Blower motor may be defective on units equipped with one.
Your machine's timer could be the problem. Testing this requires a good understanding of dishwasher electrical diagrams. Test it or call for professional service.
Some of the "lower end" dishwashers don't do a real good job of drying dishes regardless of how well they are functioning.
Water leaking out of the dishwasher?
The door seal may be damaged. Replace the seal.
Motor-Pump seal may have failed.
Wrong detergent. If a detergent that is not designed for dishwashers gets into your dishwasher, foaming will occur and cause leakage. Check for foam while unit is running, if dishwasher is foaming inside, add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil to the water to break down foam. Determine source of incorrect detergent and eliminate.
Could be a defective overflow switch allowing machine to overfill.
Are door hinges working properly? If not, repair or replace them. If the door doesn't close straight, the door seal can not do its job, and water will leak past.
Your machine's heating element nuts could be loose. Tighten the nuts that attach the element to the tub.
Check and tighten loose hose clamps. To see if there's a loose hose connection, you may have to move the unit.
Dishwasher unusually noisy?
The spray arm may be hitting dishes. Reload the unit so dishes don't touch the spray arm.
If you hear a knocking sound while the unit fills, the water inlet valve may be damaged. Replace the water inlet valve.
There may not be enough water in the tub. Stop using other faucets while the dishwasher fills. If problem persists, valve may need to be replaced.
Think you need a new timer, heating element, seal or motor? Let us help. For diagnosis or repair of your dishwasher problems, give us a call!
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system is different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. Appliance Rescue can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
Safety tip: Before making repairs, pull the plug from the receptacle. Turn off the hot water valve under the sink before working on the water inlet valve or disconnecting the hot water hose.
Diagnosing and fixing refrigerator problems
Keep your refrigerator in tip-top condition*
According to SDG&E, a typical refrigerators uses from $9.00 to $50.00 in electricity per month, so it's a good idea to keep them working efficiently! Here are some helpful maintenance and repair tips from the experts:
Routine maintenance tips
Periodically brush or vacuum the coils underneath or behind your refrigerator. This simple task will save electricity as well as add years to the life of your refrigerator.
Do you have an automatically defrosted model? If so, water from the melting frost flows out the floor drain into a pan, where it evaporates. Food particles can be carried along, clogging the drain and causing odors.
Follow these simple steps to clean your drain:
Remove the stopper.
Using a pipe cleaner or similar device, push any accumulations through to
the drain pan below.
Force a solution made from soap, ammonia and water through the drain.
Empty the pan and wash it.
Refrigerator Door Gasket
Is your door gasket sealing well? Close a dollar bill in the door. If you feel a resistance when you pull it out, the gasket is holding. Repeat the test in several places. Replace the gasket if it does not pass this test. If door gasket is in good shape, heating it up with a hair dryer will sometimes allow it to return to its correct shape and re-seal.
Refrigerator Temperature Settings
Temperature dials in refrigerator and freezer compartments are given arbitrary numbers. Start with the middle setting for both the refrigerator and the freezer. After 24 hours, check the temperature and adjust to a higher setting (higher = more cold) or lower (warmer) setting. Wait 24 hours and then re-check temperature.
Generally 34 to 38 degrees F is typical for the refrigerator compartment and 0 to 10 degrees F for the freezer. If you suspect a problem, or you suddenly find yourself turning up the dials to maintain the cold, call for service asap!
Troubleshooting
Refrigerator has stopped running. No sound can be heard and lights don't work.
Typically the lights inside your refrigerator will work whenever the unit has power. If there's no power at the outlet, check the fuse box/circuit breaker. Try a different outlet. Also check the outlet with a VOM or lamp. If the refrigerator blows fuses, put it on its own circuit. If it still blows fuses or trips breakers, call for service.
May also be a damaged power cord or internal connection. Replace the cord if necessary, or call a professional.
Your refrigerator has stopped running, but the light is on and you can hear occasional clicking.
If your condenser coils are dirty, clean them.
For frost-free units, your condenser fan could be defective. Check it.
Your unit may not be getting the correct voltage. Check the voltage with a VOM. If it's not between 105 and 125 volts, call your power company.
The unit's thermostat could be defective.
The compressor could be defective. For professional advice, schedule an appointment with one of our experts!.
Does your refrigerator constantly cycle on and off?
The wrong voltage could be reaching the unit. Run the unit on its own circuit. Check the voltage at the outlet.
Could be a defective compressor.
Could be a defective Cold control.
The unit could be leaking refrigerant.
The condenser coils could be dirty. If so, clean them.
The unit doesn't cool well or runs constantly.
The thermostat could be on the wrong setting. Check the temperature.
Condenser coils could be dirty. If so, clean them.
The door gaskets may be damaged. Check them.
Could be a sagging door. If so, straighten it to improve efficiency.
Do you have heavy frost accumulation? Try defrosting your unit more often, or if it is a frost free model, call for service.
If the weather is hot and humid, it's normal for your refrigerator to run up to 90% of the time, but it should still maintain proper temperature inside.
If the inside light stays on, check the door switch.
Wet insulation on the door and sides? On a dry day shut the unit off and open the doors to let it dry out. Also repair or replace cracked doorjambs and panels.
If the room is too warm, move the refrigerator to a cooler place or start cooling the room.
The evaporator or condenser fans could be damaged.
The unit's defrost timer could be defective.
On rare occasions, it may be low on refrigerant, although this usally means a leak has developed, and that would be the bigger problem.
Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost at all.
Open the door as little as possible.
In the case of a sagging door, straighten it for best efficiency.
The door gasket could be damaged. Replace it.
Be sure to cover and seal all foods, especially liquids.
Check for and clean clogged drains.
Check the units timer, heater and thermostat for defects.
Does the unit make an unusual noise?
If the unit is not sitting level, adjust its position.
Could be a rattling drain pan. If so, move the pan so it doesn't touch the unit sides.
The units compressor mounts could be hard or broken. If so, replace them.
Could be blocked fan blades. Check the evaporator and compressor fans for obstuctions.
Does the unit smell unsual?
Could be a clogged drain. Open and flush drains.
Check the unit's drain pan. If it's dirty, clean and disinfect.
Wash out the inside with a weak bleach and water solution to wipe out any odor causing bacteria.
Water leaking underneath or inside the unit?
Check for a broken drain hose or drain pan. Replace broken parts.
Could be a clogged drain or full pan. Open the drains or empty the drain pan.
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system is different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. Appliance Rescue can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
Getting the best effort from your clothes washer
Diagnosing and fixing clothes washer woes*
The clothes washer is an essential appliance in many homes. It's a popular belief that when your clothes look good, you look good. To keep your wardrobe in tip-top shape, here are some maintenance and repair tips from the experts.
Washer safety tips
Before making repairs, pull the plug and turn off the faucets.
Appliance models vary; see your owner's manual for information specific to your washer.
Key things to know about washer care
Oversudsing causes leaks and blocks drains. To reduce the suds, pour ˝ cup white vinegar mixed with some cold water in the washer. Next time, use less detergent (try low-suds type).
Water temperature not right? Be sure the faucets are fully open, screens in the water inlet valve or hoses aren't clogged, and there's lots of hot water.
Washer won't spin or begins to vibrate? The wash load may be too large or out of balance. Try removing some of the items or redistribute the load.
Troubleshooting clothes washer woes
Your washer doesn't work.
Check for proper power supply. You may need to repair the power supply.
You may have an unplugged or defective cord. If so, plug in or replace the cord.
If you have a blown fuse or circuit breaker, replace fuses or turn the circuit breaker back on.
If you have a kinked water supply or drain hose, straighten or replace the hose.
Your washer doesn't fill.
If you have clogged filters, check the inlet hose filters and clean them.
If you notice a kink in one of the hoses, straighten the water supply hoses.
If your water valve has failed, or is clogged, have a professional replace it. (Never remove inlet screens in valves! - Flood Danger!)
If your timer is not set, turn the timer slightly or press the buttons firmly.
If you have a defective timer, replace it. If you have a defective temperature selector, replace it.
The washer doesn't agitate.
You may need to tighten or replace a loose or broken drive belt.
You may need to replace the agitator solenoid.
The washer doesn't spin.
You may need to tighten or replace a loose or broken drive belt.
If you have a defective lid safety switch, timer or spin solenoid, click here to schedule an .
The washer doesn't drain.
Your drain pump could be jammed or defective. Clear jam or replace pump.
Does the washer vibrate excessively?
If your machine or load in the machine isn't level, adjust the leveling feet or load in the machine.
If you have a defective snubber, it needs repair or replacement. Click here to schedule an .
If your basket is loose, tighten the basket's hold-down nut.
Worn basket support needs replacement. Click here to schedule an .
The washer doesn't shut off.
If your air hose is disconnected, reconnect the hose to the water level switch.
Replace a defective water inlet valve.
The washer fills but the motor doesn't start.
If motor hums, unjam pump or replace a defective motor.
The overload protector could be tripped or defective. Reduce the wash load. Let the protector reset and replace if defective.
The water doesn't stop running.
Disconnect the overflow switch and the hose. Replace the water hose.
If it's a defective overflow switch, replace it.
It could be a defective timer that needs to be replaced.
It could be a damaged mixing valve that needs to be replaced.
The tub fills with water but the machine doesn't run.
Check for a tripped lid safety switch. Make sure the lid is closed and check the switch.
If there's too much laundry in the tub, check the switch.
To check for a defective motor, take some things out and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset.
You may have a defective timer.
The motor runs but the machine doesn't agitate or spin.
It could be a loose or broken drive belt. Tighter a broken drive belt or replace it if necessary.
If you have broken gears or transmission, click here to schedule an .
The washer leaks.
Check and tighten a loose hose connection.
Replace defective hoses.
Check the gaskets, and replace them if they are damaged.
Check the mixing valve for cracks. Defective mixing valves must be replaced.
Check for defects and replace bad parts of a damaged pump.
If you have a defective overflow switch or sensor, click here to schedule an .
The washer won't drain.
If there's a kink in the drain hose, straighten the hose.
Is the position of the drain hose too high? Make sure the hose is not emptying more than 3 feet above the floor.
If the timer is defective, replace it.
It could be a jammed drain pump.
The washer doesn't get hot enough.
Check the water heater setting. If it's too low, reset your water heater thermostat to 140-160 degrees F.
If the water supply hoses are misconnected, reverse the hose connection.
It could be the mixing valve is defective. If so, replace it.
It could be the timer is defective. If so, replace it.
For help diagnosing and repairing your washer problems, schedule an appointment.
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system is different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. Appliance Rescue can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
Maximizing your clothes dryer efficiency
Diagnosing and fixing clothes dryer woes*
What powers your clothes dryer? Dryers are classified by the kind of power that provides their heat—either electricity or gas. But even a gas dryer uses electricity for all its non-heating actions.
To keep your dryer working at its maximum capacity, here are some maintenance and repair tips from the experts.
Dryer fundamentals
When your dryer doesn't do its job, look first to the basics. Is it plugged in? Is the cord defective? Has the dryer's fuse blown or has the circuit breaker tripped?
Clean the lint trap and use a vacuum or a piece of wire to remove any lint from the exhaust duct.
If the load seems too wet to dry efficiently, put it through the washer's spin cycle again.
Safety tip: Before doing any work on your dryer, pull the plug. Turn off the gas supply to a gas dryer, at either the appliance shutoff or the main shutoff valve. Should you smell gas, get out of the house immediately and call your gas company.
Guide to symbols
G – gas heater only
E – electric heater only
Troubleshooting clothes dryer dilemmas
Drum doesn't rotate, though dryer turns on.
The start switch, door switch, or timer could be a defective. Replace part or parts.
The drum belt could be loose or broken. Tighten loose belt or replace part.
The idler pulley or spring could be a loose or broken. Replace part or parts.
The support roller, centrifugal switch, or motor could be a defective. Replace part or parts.
The dryer doesn't heat, though the drum rotates.
If the temperature control or timer parts are defective, replacement is needed.
The over heat protector could be a defective. Replace part.
E - Is the power off? Check fuse or circuit breaker.
E – If the heating element defective, ? Replace heating element.
G – Is your pilot light out? Relight or replace flame switch.
G –The electric pilot could be a defective. Replace pilot.
G –The air-gas ratio could be incorrect. Adjust shutter on burner.
Your clothes don't dry.
The lint trap or exhaust duct could be a clogged. Clean lint trap or exhaust duct.
The door seal could be a worn. Replace door seal.
G –The air-gas ratio could be an incorrect. Adjust shutter on burner.
The dryer runs noisily.
The drum belt could be a worn. Replace belt.
The idler pulley or support roller could be a defective. If so, replace part or parts.
The blower could be a loose. Tighten setscrew holding blower to shaft.
The motor bearings could be worn. Replace part or parts.
You can't turn the dryer on.
Is the dryer door open? Shut the door again.
Is no power reaching the outlet? Check the fuse box/circuit breaker.
Is the motor wiring loose? Tighten the electrical connections.
Is there a damaged door switch or defective centrifugal switch or defective wiring between the outlet and the terminal block? Check the switch and replace it if necessary.
It could be a defective timer. Check the timer and replace if necessary.
It could be a defective motor. Replace the motor.
The motor runs but the drum doesn't turn.
The drum could be a blocked. Open the unit and look for any obstruction around the drum.
The drive belt could be a broken. Replace the belt.
The idler wheel assembly could be a broken. Check the assembly and replace if necessary.
Check the work support wheel.
The drum turns but nothing gets dry.
It could be a clogged lint trap or exhaust vent. Unclog lint trap or exhaust vent.
The safety thermostat could be a defective. Replace safety thermostat.
The heating element could be a defective. Replace heating element.
The timer could be a defective. Replace the timer.
It takes too long to dry a load.
The lint trap or exhaust vent could be a clogged. Clean the trap and vent.
It could be that the dryer is overloaded dryer or that clothes are too wet. Reduce the load and try again.
A fan could be loose. Check fan and tighten if necessary.
The door gasket could be damaged. Check the gasket and replace if necessary.
The dryer doesn't stop drying at the end of a cycle.
If you have a defective timer, it needs to be replaced.
Your dampness sensor could be defective.
For help diagnosing and repairing your dryer problems, schedule an appointment with one of our experts!
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system is different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. Appliance Rescue can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.