5 Common Home Appliance Problems and How to Fix Them

September 7, 2023

Home appliances have become an integral part of our daily lives. They make our lives easier and more convenient, but they can also experience problems over time. Dealing with a faulty appliance can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive if you opt to hire a professional. However, some common home appliance problems are easy to fix with some basic knowledge and a few tools. In this article, we’ll cover five of the most common appliance problems and provide tips on how to fix them, so you can save time and money and get your appliances working properly.

1. Washing Machine Not Draining

If you’re washing machine isn’t draining, there are a few steps you can take to dig into the issue:

  • Check the drain hose: Make sure the drain hose isn’t twisted, kinked, or clogged.
  • Check the drain pump filter: Typically, the drain pump filter is located at the bottom of the washing machine. Once you power off your machine, remove the filter and clean it thoroughly.
  • Check the drain pump: A faulty drain pump could be the culprit behind any drainage problems. To confirm, you can listen for strange noises and check if the impeller is moving without obstruction. If you spot any issues, a replacement may need to be considered.

If none of the above seem to be the issue, it may be time to call in a professional. They can evaluate and diagnose the problem.

2. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

You most likely won’t notice this issue right away. Your dishwasher will slowly but surely stop cleaning effectively. In order to ensure spotless dishes, inspect your dishwasher’s spray arm for any potential hindrances. Take out any blockages you find and give the washer another go-around.

Additionally, it can be helpful to clean the filter – normally found at its base – getting rid of unwanted particles that could interfere with washing effectiveness. Should these steps fail in restoring satisfactory performance levels then a faulty motor or clogged pump may be causing trouble, and consulting a professional may be necessary.

3. Oven Not Heating Up

If your oven has suddenly lost its heat, it could be due to several possible failures. Begin by confirming that the appliance is still properly connected to a power source – then you can investigate deeper issues like faulty heating elements or temperature sensors which might need professional attention.

4. Dryer not Drying Clothes

If you’re unloading damp clothes once your dryer has completed its cycle, something is off. If your dryer is not working as it should, there could be a range of simple explanations – from power supply disruption to lint accumulation or improper settings. Even if the vent becomes blocked, this could cause disturbances in performance. To get back up and running smoothly again, check each possible factor and assess with testing a load after.

5. Dripping AC Window Unit

During the heat of summer, window air conditioning units can be a lifesaver. If your window AC unit is dripping water, it may be due to a clogged drainage system or poor installation. Dirt, dust and debris can accumulate in the drainage system, causing water to overflow from the unit.

An incorrectly installed unit may not be angled correctly or have a poorly connected drainage system, causing water to accumulate and drop from the unit. To fix the problem, the drainage system should be cleaned out using a brush or pipe cleaner, and the unit should be checked to ensure it’s angled correctly and level. If the issue continues, it may be necessary to have a professional take a look.

FAQ

Why are all of my appliances breaking all of the time?

Power surges can wreak havoc on appliances, leading to major breakdowns. What causes them? Severe weather and downed power lines are the usual suspects – but faulty wiring in your own home could be at fault too!

What is the lifespan of appliances?

Most major appliances should last 8-15 years. Homeowners can also make repairs before fully replacing an appliance to make them last even longer.

What appliances wear out quickly?

Appliances that come in contact with water are more likely to break down. In general, dishwashers tend to break more than most home appliances.

Additional Appliance Resources