Frequently Asked Questions
Appliance Repair Frequently Asked Questions | Appliance Repair Pros
Welcome to the Appliance Repair Pros FAQ page. We understand that when a major home appliance breaks down it creates immediate stress and disruption in your daily life. You likely have questions about the repair process the specific issues with your machine and whether it is worth fixing. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to answer your most pressing inquiries. Our goal is to provide transparency and demonstrate our deep expertise in diagnosing and resolving appliance issues for homeowners in Gloucester Massachusetts and the surrounding communities of Rockport Essex and Ipswich.
We believe that an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. Whether you are dealing with a leaking Bosch dishwasher or a warm Samsung refrigerator we want you to understand what is happening inside your machine. Below you will find detailed answers categorized by appliance type and brand to help you navigate your repair needs.
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General Service Questions
Do you provide service in my area?
We are a locally focused business dedicated to the North Shore. We provide appliance repair services throughout Gloucester Rockport Essex and Ipswich. We know these neighborhoods well from the historic homes near the harbor to the modern condos inland. This local focus allows us to respond quickly and minimizes travel time ensuring we can spend more time focusing on your repair. We service the zip codes 01930 01931 01966 01929 and 01938.
How quickly can you come to my home?
We understand that a broken refrigerator or a washing machine filled with water is an urgent matter. We strive to offer the soonest available appointments. In many cases we can accommodate same day or next day service requests depending on our current workload. We recommend reaching out as soon as you notice a problem so we can fit you into the schedule immediately.
Should I repair my appliance or replace it?
This is the most common question we hear. The answer depends on the age of the unit the physical condition and the nature of the failure. Generally if an appliance is less than ten years old and the repair involves a standard component like a pump heater or sensor repair is a smart investment. High end brands like Miele Sub Zero and Bosch are designed to last twenty years or more making repair the logical choice almost every time. We will provide an honest assessment of the condition of your machine so you can make an informed decision.
Do I need to clean my house before you arrive?
You do not need to deep clean your home but we do ask for clear access to the appliance. For washers and dryers please clear any laundry piles from the area. For kitchen appliances please ensure we have room to pull the unit out from the wall. If you have pets please secure them in another room for their safety and ours while we work with tools and heavy equipment.
Do you service gas and electric appliances?
Yes we are fully qualified to repair both gas and electric configurations. Whether you have a gas range with an ignition failure or an electric dryer with a heating element burnout we have the skills to handle it. We prioritize safety when working with gas connections and high voltage electrical circuits.
Refrigerator and Freezer Repair FAQs
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
If you hear the compressor humming and the fans blowing but the air is warm it often indicates a problem with the sealed system or the condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils are a frequent culprit especially in homes with pets as dust buildup prevents the unit from releasing heat. It could also be a failure of the start relay which boosts the compressor or a defrost system failure where ice blocks the airflow. We can pinpoint the exact cause quickly.
Why is there water leaking on my kitchen floor?
Water leaks usually come from one of two places. The first is the defrost drain. If the drain tube freezes up water from the defrost cycle overflows into the fresh food compartment and eventually onto the floor. The second common source is the water inlet valve or the tubing for the ice maker and water dispenser. We check all connections and drain paths to ensure your floor stays dry.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Ice makers require three things to work: cold temperatures (below 10 degrees Fahrenheit) water supply and mechanical movement. If your freezer is too warm the ice maker will not cycle. If the water filter is clogged the valve may not open. Often the module itself has failed or the fill tube has frozen solid blocking water entry. We repair all types of ice makers from door mounted units to freezer drawer buckets.
Why is my refrigerator making a loud noise?
Refrigerators have fans that move air across the evaporator and condenser. If a fan blade hits a piece of ice or debris it creates a loud ticking or buzzing sound. A failing compressor can also make a knocking or rattling noise when it shuts off. We listen to the frequency and location of the sound to determine which part is struggling.
Dishwasher Repair FAQs
Why is my dishwasher not draining water?
Standing water in the bottom of the tub is usually caused by a blockage in the drain filter or the drain pump. It can also be caused by a clogged air gap on your kitchen sink or a blockage where the hose connects to the garbage disposal. In some cases the drain pump motor itself has failed. We inspect the entire drain path to restore proper flow.
Why are my dishes coming out dirty?
Poor cleaning performance is often due to a lack of water pressure or temperature. If the spray arm holes are clogged with food debris or hard water scale water cannot reach the dishes. If the circulation pump is weak the spray arms will not spin. We also check the wash temperature as water must be at least 120 degrees to activate the detergent enzymes effectively.
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the door?
Door leaks can be caused by a worn door gasket or seal. However they are also frequently caused by using the wrong type of detergent. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that push past the seals and spill onto the floor. We also check the lower spray arm to ensure it is not cracked and spraying water directly at the door vent.
What is the white film on my glasses?
This is typically hard water mineral buildup. Gloucester and the surrounding areas can have water conditions that leave calcium deposits. It can also be caused by etching if the water is too soft and hot. We can recommend adjustments to your detergent usage or rinse aid settings to combat this issue.
Washing Machine Repair FAQs
Why does my washing machine smell like mold?
This is a common issue with front load washers. The door seal is designed to be water tight which traps moisture and detergent residue. Over time this creates a breeding ground for mildew. We recommend leaving the door ajar between loads and running a monthly clean cycle with a dedicated washer cleaner. If the mold is severe we can replace the door boot seal.
Why is my washer vibrating violently?
Excessive vibration usually indicates an unbalanced load or a leveling issue. However if the machine is level and the load is balanced it likely points to a suspension failure. Top loaders use suspension rods and front loaders use shock absorbers to dampen movement. When these wear out the tub bangs against the cabinet. We replace these components to restore smooth operation.
Why won’t my washer drain and spin?
If the washer is full of water it will not enter the high speed spin cycle for safety reasons. This usually points to a drain pump failure or a clog in the coin trap filter. Small items like socks or coins often get stuck in the pump. Once we clear the drainage system the spin function usually returns to normal.
Why is my washer leaking from the bottom?
Leaks can originate from several points including the fill hoses the drain pump or the tub seal. On front loaders a tear in the door gasket is a common source. We remove the service panels to trace the leak to its source and replace the compromised hose or seal.
Dryer Repair FAQs
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
This is the single most common dryer complaint. On electric dryers it is often a burned out heating element or a tripped circuit breaker. On gas dryers it can be a weak igniter or failing gas valve coils. It is also frequently caused by a blown thermal fuse which is a safety device that trips when the vent is clogged.
Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?
If your dryer takes more than one cycle to dry a load it is almost always an airflow issue. Moist air must escape through the vent for clothes to dry. If your home venting is clogged with lint the air cannot escape and the moisture stays in the drum. We check the airflow at the vent hood to determine if a vent cleaning is necessary.
Why is my dryer making a squeaking or thumping noise?
Dryers use a drum supported by rollers and a belt system. Over time these rollers can wear out causing a rhythmic thumping sound. The idler pulley which keeps tension on the belt can also seize causing a loud squeal. We replace these wear parts to make your dryer quiet again.
Oven Range and Cooktop Repair FAQs
Why is my oven temperature inaccurate?
If your oven is burning cookies or undercooking roasts the temperature sensor or thermostat may have drifted out of calibration. We can test the resistance of the sensor to ensure it is reading correctly. We also check the door hinges as a door that does not close tightly allows heat to escape causing temperature fluctuations.
Why won’t my gas burner light?
If you hear clicking but see no flame the burner cap may be misaligned or the burner ports may be clogged with spills. If you hear no clicking the spark module or the switch harness may have failed. We clean the ignition area and test the spark system to ensure safe ignition.
Why is my electric cooktop burner not working?
On glass cooktops the ribbon heating element under the glass can burn out. Alternatively the infinite switch behind the control knob can fail preventing power from reaching the element. We test the continuity of the element and the switch to determine which part needs replacement.
Brand Specific Questions
We are experts in the specific engineering of all major brands. Below are questions related to the unique technologies found in the appliances we service.
Samsung Appliance FAQs
Can you fix the ice maker in my Samsung French door fridge?
Yes this is a very common issue where the ice maker compartment freezes over. We install a specific service kit that addresses the air leaks causing the frost buildup. This includes a new ice maker unit updated clips and resealing the compartment to prevent warm air intrusion.
What does the UR or Ub code mean on my Samsung washer?
This code stands for Unbalanced Load. It means the washer cannot distribute the clothes evenly for a spin. If redistributing the laundry does not help it often indicates that the suspension rods or dampers have failed and need replacement.
Why is my Samsung dryer heating element always burning out?
Samsung heating elements are sensitive to airflow restrictions. If your vent is even partially clogged the heat builds up inside the heater housing causing the coil to break. We replace the element and advise on vent maintenance to prevent repeat failures.
LG Appliance FAQs
Why is my LG refrigerator making a buzzing or knocking noise?
This can be a symptom of a Linear Compressor issue. LG uses a specific type of compressor that can develop internal mechanical faults. If you hear this noise and notice temperatures rising please contact us immediately for a diagnosis.
What does the LE code mean on my LG washer?
LE stands for Locked Rotor. This indicates the motor is not turning properly. On LG Direct Drive washers this is often caused by a failed Hall Sensor on the motor stator. It is a precise repair that restores the machine to full function.
Why is my LG dryer showing a D80 or D90 code?
These codes indicate that the airflow is 80 percent or 90 percent blocked. This is a crucial safety feature called Flow Sense. It means your home ductwork is clogged with lint and needs cleaning immediately to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
Bosch Appliance FAQs
What does the E15 error mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E15 indicates that the safety system has detected water in the base pan of the dishwasher. Bosch units have a solid bottom to catch leaks. When water is detected the machine shuts down to prevent flooding. We locate the source of the leak often a sump seal or valve and resolve it.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher not drying dishes?
Bosch dishwashers use condensation drying which relies on the dishes being hot. If the heating element built into the wash pump fails (Error E09) the water will not heat and dishes will stay wet. We can replace the heat pump assembly to restore drying performance.
Why is my Bosch washer not draining (E18)?
E18 is a drain pump timeout error. On Bosch compact washers the coin trap filter at the bottom front is frequently clogged with debris. We clean this filter and check the pump impeller for blockages.
Miele Appliance FAQs
Why is my Miele dishwasher Intake/Drain light flashing?
This general alarm often points to a drainage issue (F11) or an intake issue (F13). Miele dishwashers have a non return valve in the sump that must be kept clean. We check this valve and the circulation pump for obstructions.
What is the Waterproof System alarm on my Miele washer?
Miele washers feature a sophisticated leak detection system. If the internal float switch detects moisture in the base the machine locks down to protect your home. We must open the unit to find the internal leak and dry the sensor.
Why is my Miele TwinDos system not dispensing?
If the machine is not used for a period of time the liquid detergent in the TwinDos lines can dry out and clog. We can disassemble the system to flush the lines or replace the dispensing hoses to get it working again.
Whirlpool Maytag and KitchenAid FAQs
Why is my Whirlpool washer making a loud banging noise?
On Whirlpool and Maytag VMW (Vertical Modular Washer) units loud banging usually indicates worn suspension rods. The tub is no longer dampened correctly and hits the cabinet during spin. We replace all four rods to stabilize the machine.
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not cleaning the top rack?
This is often caused by a failure in the chopper assembly or the diverter motor. If the chopper breaks debris clogs the water path to the upper spray arm. We inspect these internal components to ensure full water circulation.
Why is my Maytag fridge warm but the freezer is cold?
This is a classic sign of an airflow issue. It is often caused by a failure of the evaporator fan motor or the air damper control. On some models a defrost failure causes ice to block the air passage. We test these components to restore air movement.
GE and Frigidaire FAQs
Why is my GE oven taking so long to preheat?
On GE gas ranges the glow bar igniter must draw a specific electrical current to open the gas valve. As the igniter ages it gets weak and takes longer to open the valve causing slow heating. Replacing the igniter restores rapid preheating.
What does the SY EF code mean on my Frigidaire fridge?
SY EF stands for System Evaporator Fan. It means the control board cannot detect the fan spinning in the freezer. This is a common issue that causes the fridge section to warm up. We test the fan motor and the board to see which has failed.
Why is my Kenmore dryer squeaking?
Since many Kenmore dryers are built by Whirlpool or LG they suffer from similar wear. A squeak is typically a worn idler pulley or drum roller. We identify the specific manufacturer of your Kenmore unit to use the correct parts.
Maintenance and Care Questions
How can I prevent dryer fires?
The most important step is to clean your lint screen before every single load. Additionally you should have your dryer vent ducting cleaning professionally every one to two years depending on usage. If your dryer feels hot to the touch or takes too long to dry your vent is likely restricted.
How do I maintain my front load washer?
To prevent odors always leave the door and the detergent dispenser drawer slightly open when the machine is not in use. This allows the drum to dry out. Wipe down the door gasket regularly and run a hot sanitize cycle with a washer cleaner tablet once a month.
How often should I clean my refrigerator coils?
We recommend cleaning the condenser coils every six to twelve months. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the coils which forces the compressor to work harder and run hotter. This simple maintenance step can significantly extend the life of your refrigerator.
What can I do to extend the life of my dishwasher?
Scrape large food particles off dishes before loading but you do not need to pre wash them. Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub regularly to prevent pump clogs. If you live in an area with hard water like parts of Essex use a dishwasher cleaner periodically to remove mineral buildup from the spray arms and pump.
Conclusion
We hope this FAQ page has provided clarity on your appliance issues. At Appliance Repair Pros we are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our neighbors in Gloucester Rockport Essex and Ipswich. We combine deep technical knowledge with a commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you have a minor repair or a major component failure you can trust us to be honest reliable and effective.
Reach out to us for assistance.
