5 Common Household Appliance Problems and How to Fix Them

Household appliances make our lives easier until they stop working correctly. When an appliance malfunctions, it can disrupt your daily routine and potentially lead to expensive repairs. The good news is that many common appliance issues have simple solutions that you might be able to handle yourself before calling a professional. In this article, we'll cover five of the most common household appliance problems and provide step-by-step guidance on how to troubleshoot and potentially fix them.

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

Common Causes:

• Dirty condenser coils
• Improper temperature settings
• Door seal issues
• Blocked vents inside the refrigerator
• Faulty thermostat

DIY Solutions:

1. Clean the condenser coils: Unplug the refrigerator and locate the condenser coils (usually at the back or underneath). Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
2. Check temperature settings: The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 3-5°C (37-41°F). Ensure your settings are within this range.
3. Inspect door seals: Look for cracks, tears, or food build-up on the rubber gaskets. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper – if it pulls out easily, the seal may need replacement.
4. Check for blocked vents: Ensure food items aren't blocking the air vents inside the refrigerator compartment.

When to call a professional: If cleaning the coils and checking seals doesn't solve the problem, or if you hear unusual noises, it's time to call a professional. Issues with the compressor, refrigerant leaks, or electrical components require expert attention.

2. Washing Machine Vibrating Excessively or Moving

Common Causes:

• Unbalanced load
• Machine not level on the floor
• Shipping bolts still in place
• Worn suspension or shock absorbers

DIY Solutions:

1. Redistribute the load: Stop the cycle, rearrange the items to distribute weight evenly, and restart.
2. Level the machine: Use a spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the feet (usually by turning them) until the machine is level both front-to-back and side-to-side.
3. Check for shipping bolts: If it's a new machine, ensure all transport/shipping bolts have been removed according to the manual.
4. Inspect for obstructions: Make sure nothing is caught under the machine causing it to be unstable.

When to call a professional: If leveling and load distribution don't help, or if you notice damaged components like broken shock absorbers or suspension springs, professional assistance is recommended.

3. Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

Common Causes:

• Clogged spray arms
• Incorrect loading technique
• Filter blockage
• Hard water deposits
• Insufficient water temperature

DIY Solutions:

1. Clean the spray arms: Remove them (usually by unscrewing or unclipping) and clear any debris from the holes with a toothpick or small wire.
2. Check and clean filters: Most dishwashers have removable filters at the bottom. Remove, rinse under running water, and scrub gently if necessary.
3. Proper loading: Ensure dishes don't block the spray arms and water can reach all items. Don't overcrowd.
4. Check water temperature: Your hot water should be around 49-60°C (120-140°F) for optimal dishwashing. Run the hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher.
5. Use a descaler: Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher descaler or white vinegar to remove hard water deposits.

When to call a professional: If cleaning doesn't improve performance, or if you notice water leaks, unusual noises, or problems with the water inlet, consult a technician.

4. Dryer Not Heating

Common Causes:

• Clogged vent or lint trap
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Faulty heating element
• Thermal fuse blown
• Gas supply issues (for gas dryers)

DIY Solutions:

1. Clean the lint trap: Remove and clean the lint screen thoroughly after each use.
2. Check the vent pipe: Disconnect the vent and ensure it's clear of lint and obstructions. Clean if necessary.
3. Check the circuit breaker: Many dryers use two breakers - one for the motor and one for the heating element. Make sure both are on.
4. Verify gas supply: For gas dryers, check that the gas valve is open and other gas appliances are working.

When to call a professional: If checking vents and power/gas supply doesn't resolve the issue, the problem likely involves internal components like the heating element, thermal fuse, or gas valve, which require professional repair.

5. Microwave Not Heating Food Properly

Common Causes:

• Door not closing properly
• Incorrect power level settings
• Turntable not rotating
• Magnetron failure

DIY Solutions:

1. Check door latches: Ensure the door closes securely and all latches engage properly.
2. Verify power settings: Confirm you're using the appropriate power level for the food being heated.
3. Inspect the turntable: Make sure it's sitting correctly on the drive and can rotate freely.
4. Clean the interior: Remove food debris and wipe down the interior surfaces, particularly around the door seals.

When to call a professional: If basic checks don't solve the issue, it may indicate a problem with the magnetron or other internal components. Microwaves contain high-voltage capacitors that can retain charge even when unplugged, making them dangerous for DIY internal repairs.

Conclusion

Many common appliance problems have simple solutions that you can handle yourself with basic tools and a bit of patience. However, it's important to recognize your limits and know when to call in professional help.

At yarkaya-ikra.com, our experienced technicians are equipped to handle all types of appliance repairs, from simple fixes to complex issues. If you've tried the troubleshooting steps above without success, or if you're dealing with a problem not covered in this article, don't hesitate to contact us for professional assistance.