Appliances Problems
Fridges, washers, dishwashers, and more—when they stop working.
The dishwasher finishes its cycle, and when you open it, the dishes are still dirty. Not "a few spots" dirty—like, nothing happened. You wonder if it even ran.
Or the dryer's been going for two hours and your clothes are still damp. The washer's making a sound like it's trying to launch into orbit. The refrigerator is sweating, or worse, not cold at all.
Appliances are supposed to work. That's the whole point. And when they don't, you're suddenly stuck—hand-washing dishes, hanging clothes to dry, throwing out food. This section helps you figure out whether your appliance is worth fixing or if it's time to say goodbye, and what you can try before you go shopping for a replacement.
DIY Repairs
You can probably handle this yourself:
- Cleaning dishwasher filters and spray arms — Pop out the filter at the bottom, rinse it, check the spray arm holes for food gunk. Do this monthly.
- Clearing a garbage disposal jam — Turn it off, use an Allen wrench in the bottom slot to manually turn the blades, then hit reset. Never stick your hand in there.
- Cleaning dryer lint trap and vent — Pull the lint screen after every load. Once a year, disconnect the vent hose and vacuum it out. Clogged vents cause fires.
- Leveling a washing machine — If it's walking across the floor, adjust the feet. A level machine doesn't shake itself apart.
- Checking refrigerator coils — Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils on the back or bottom. Dirty coils make it work harder and die sooner.
When to Call a Pro
Call an appliance repair tech:
- Refrigerator not cooling — Could be the compressor, condenser fan, or sealed system issues. Sealed system work requires EPA certification.
- Washer or dryer not spinning/draining — Motor, pump, belt, or control board. Diagnosing requires pulling the machine apart.
- Oven not heating evenly or at all — Heating elements, igniters, and control boards involve electrical work and sometimes gas.
- Dishwasher leaving dishes dirty after cleaning — Pump issues, broken spray arms, or failed heating elements need proper diagnosis.
- Any gas appliance issue — Gas leaks and ignition problems are not DIY territory. One mistake can be catastrophic.
What to Expect
Cost Ranges
- Service call (diagnostic): $75–$150
- Dishwasher repair: $150–$350
- Refrigerator repair: $200–$500 (sealed system: $500–$1,000)
- Washer/dryer repair: $150–$400
- Oven/range repair: $150–$350
Timeframes
- Diagnostic visit: 30–60 minutes
- Most repairs: 1–2 hours
- Parts ordering: 3–7 days (if not in stock)
Questions to Ask an Appliance Tech
- "Is this worth fixing, or should I replace it?" (Use the 50% rule: if repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replace)
- "What's the warranty on the repair?"
- "Do you have the parts, or will you need to order them?"
- "Is this a common failure for this model?"
- "Can you show me what failed so I can prevent it next time?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dishwasher leave dishes wet?
Check if you're using rinse aid, and make sure the heating element is working. Plastic items don't hold heat, so they stay wet.
Should I worry if my refrigerator runs constantly?
If it's maintaining temperature, maybe not. But if it's running nonstop and still not cold, you've got a problem. Clean the coils first.
Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
Front-loaders especially trap water in the door seal. Run a cleaning cycle monthly, and leave the door open between loads.
Why is my dryer taking forever to dry clothes?
90% of the time, it's a clogged vent. Check the lint trap, then the vent hose. If that's clear, your heating element may be failing.
Can I run my dishwasher if it has a little water at the bottom?
A small amount is normal. If there's standing water after a cycle, your drain pump or line is clogged.
Why does my garbage disposal smell?
Food buildup. Grind ice cubes and citrus peels to clean it. Run water while it's running and for a few seconds after.
Should I repair or replace my 10-year-old refrigerator?
Fridges last 10–15 years. If it's a minor repair under $300, fix it. If it's a major component like a compressor, replace the unit.
Common Appliance Problems
Fridge Not Cooling
hardYour food is getting warm and time is running out.
Washer Won't Drain
mediumClothes sitting in a tub of dirty water isn't the goal.
Dryer Not Heating
mediumTumbling but not drying—something's broken.
Dishwasher Not Draining
mediumStanding water at the bottom after a cycle.
Garbage Disposal Humming
easyIt's trying to run but something's stuck.
Need an appliance repair tech? Get help now.