Many of the most common appliance problems could be fixed with RepairClinic's troubleshooting and how-to information, an inexpensive replacement part and 20 minutes of your time.
As one happy customer recently wrote, “A $10 part, a totally free how-to video and 20 minutes, and that we have a fixed washing machine. RepairClinic just saved me a minimum of $400. I cannot believe how easy it was! Thank you!”
Here are 10 common appliance problems and fixes:
1. Problem: Dryer is taking longer than expected to finish its drying cycle
Common cause: Lint buildup in dryer venting.
Lint buildup in dryer venting causes air restriction, premature component wear and chance of fire.
Fix: DIY dryer venting cleanout from the inside of the dryer to the outside.
Cost: $39 for any vent cleaning brush
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
2. Problem: Refrigerator is running nearly constantly
Common cause: Dirty condenser coils.
Your refrigerator keeps your perishables fresh by removing heat in order to keep its interior at the set temperature. Heat is dissipated through the refrigerator's condenser coils – the black, radiator-like coils found at the back or beneath the refrigerator. Because of their location and because of their warm temperatures, dust and dirt collect quickly around the coils, causing the refrigerator to have to work harder to remove the heat.
Fix: Clean from the condenser coils
Cost: $9 for a long-handle brush
Estimated repair time: 10 minutes
Common cause: Worn refrigerator gasket.
The gasket is the rubber seal between the door and the refrigerator's interior. It keeps the cold air in and the warm air out. The gasket has got the important job of sealing the refrigerator to keep cold air in and heated air out. Since the refrigerator door is opened and closed frequently, the gasket wears out quickly. Sagging and tears in the gasket cause warm air to enter the refrigerator – and forces the refrigerator to operate harder.
Fix: Gasket replacement
Cost: $50 for a new gasket
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes*
*As reader Larry Lengle wisely stated, because gaskets are folded for shipping purposes, installation might take longer than 30 minutes. Sometimes, the locations once the gasket was folded require additional focus on ensure proper sealing. It’s a good idea to take the gasket out of the box and allow the bends and folds to straighten out for a week or so to save time during installation.
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3. Problem: Washer is making thumping noises and vibrating floor
Common cause: Washing machine is unlevel.
Fix: Adjust the legs.
Note that you'll need a helper for this DIY job. Raise the washing machine and rest front legs up around three inches from the floor. Turn the front legs until they're in the same level. Bear in mind that the closer the device is to the floor, the less it ought to vibrate. Next, use a wrench to tighten the locking nuts to avoid the legs from turning. Lower the device back down to rest on all legs. For front loader automatic washers, follow the same process to adjust the trunk legs.
Most top loader washing machines have self-adjusting rear legs. Tilt the washer up a few inches and rest on its front legs. Return the machine to rest on the floor. If the rear legs don't self-adjust, you may need to use a hammer to tap on the legs.
Cost: $0
Estimated repair time: 10 minutes
4. Problem: Lawn mower engine won't start
Common cause: Weakened or faulty spark plug.
Fix: Install new spark plug
Cost: $4 for any new spark plug
Estimated repair time: Two minutes
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5. Problem: Icemaker won't make ice
Common cause: Restricted or bad water inlet valve.
Fix: Water inlet valve replacement
Cost: $40 for a new water inlet valve
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
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6. Problem: Dishwasher isn't cleaning well
Common cause: The dishwasher isn't getting enough water to do its job properly. An insufficient water supply might be caused by a defective or clogged water inlet valve.
Fix: Water inlet valve replacement. You can access the water inlet valve beneath the dishwasher, just behind the removable front kick plate.
Cost: $40 for any new inlet valve
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
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7. Problem: Glassware is foggy after washing in dishwasher
Common cause: Fogginess or cloudiness on glassware is etching – permanent damage brought on by using too much detergent inside a dishwasher.
Fix: Reduce the amount of detergent accustomed to prevent any future damage; try using only half the amount of detergent and find out how it goes. Unfortunately, once etching appears on glassware, there is no way to remove it.
Cost: $0
Estimated repair time: n/a
8. Problem: Oven won't heat
Common cause: Failing oven igniter.
If the oven igniter glows in excess of 90 seconds without igniting the gas flame, you know it's the cause and that it will need to be replaced.
Additionally, you can test the oven igniter to determine if it's open for continuity or not:
Fix: Oven igniter replacement.
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
Remember to enter your range's model number in RepairClinic.com before trying to find an oven igniter in order to find the exact one that fits your unit. Oven igniters all look similar but vary in design.
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9. Problem: Oven doesn't bake evenly
Common cause: Failing heating element.
A heating element is the thin, black tube found at the bottom of an on oven. When it is operating normally, it will glow red. Whether it's failing in some places, you'll see burned out or blistered sections.
Fix: Replace heating unit.
Cost: $40
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
RepairClinic has model-specific heating unit replacement how-to videos. Enter your oven's model number to find the replacement heating element and how-to video for the model.
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10. Problem: Washing machine fills and agitates but won't drain or won't spin
Common cause: The lid switch has failed mechanically or electrically.
Fix: Test the lid switch to confirm that it's broken. If confirmed, replace the lid switch assembly.
Estimated repair time: 30 minutes
Here's how to test your washing machine's lid switch assembly:
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Washing machine repair help
