General

• Make sure that the unit is plugged in and turned on.
• If it is not running, check all circuit breaker/fuses.  Reset/replace the breaker/fuse and test again.
• Make sure that all water valves are turned on.
• Make sure that all lids and doors are unobstructed and securely closed.
• Make sure that you are following all recommended loading and operating procedures as outlined in the "use and care" book that came with the unit when purchased. 

Return to top

Appliances

Select an Appliance from the list below for more helpful tips:

Washers

• Follow the proper loading and machine operation procedures.
• Never overload the machine, this can strain both the belts and motor.
• Make sure that the lid is properly closed.
• Make sure all controls are properly set (buttons completely pushed in).
• Make sure the timer is set.
• Make sure both water faucets are turned on.

Well Water – If you have a well system or have high sediment content in your water, insert screened hose washers in the end of both washing machine fill hoses where they attach to the external supply faucets. These screens will prevent the fill valve from collecting the debris in its screens and clogging or causing slow fill times. Change these filters as often as necessary.

Return to top

Dryers

• Follow proper loading and machine operation procedures.
• Never overload the dryer.
• Try to match like items in each load (Heavy Towels and T-shirts should be separated).
• Clean the lint filter after (or before) each load.

If the clothes are not getting dry:

• Make sure that the dryer has not pushed back against the rear exhaust duct causing an air flow restriction.
• Make the the clothes are coming out of the Washer spun damp dry - if the washer is not spinning the clothes damp dry, it will take longer to dry the clothes. 

Return to top

Dishwashers

If the dishes are not getting clean:

• Make sure the water is hot enough - it should be at least 140 degrees, which is hot enough to burn you.  If the water is not hot enough, turn the hot water heater thermostat up to a higher setting.
• Make sure that the spray arms (upper and lower) are unobstructed and are "free turning".
• Make sure the bottom inside is clean and free of debris.
• Follow the proper loading and operating procedures.
• Use the proper amount of detergent and make sure that the detergent is fresh.

If the door isn't closing:

• Make sure the latch assembly is unrestricted and latching properly.
• Make sure that nothing is blocking the door.

If the unit is leaking:

• Make sure you are following the proper loading and operating procedures, including proper type and amounts of detergents (run unit through cycle empty, if it doesn't leak it is probably a loading problem).
• Make sure that the racks are positioned properly.
• Make sure that the door is unrestricted around the opening.

If the inside is turning brown or developing mineral stains:

• Put Limeaway (available at grocery store) and run a cycle.
• Put Tang Citrus Drink (like the astronauts drink) and run a cycle. The citric acid from these products will remove the mineral buildup and restore the finish.

If your dishwasher is developing a film on the inside:

• Put 6-7 cups of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher and run the machine through a complete cycle.  This will wash away soap scum, mineral deposits, and grit.  Do NOTuse more than 1/2 gallon of vinegar. 

Return to top

Refrigerators

If the refrigerator is not running or is not cold enough:

• Turn the thermostat up to the next highest setting...
• If the refrigerator comes on, let it run for 24 hours to confirm that it is working ok.
• Clear/remove anything that is blocking the air flow around the outside of the refrigerator (on top, underneath, behind, beside, in front, etc.).  Allow at least 3 inches of clearance all the way around.
• If there are condenser coils on the rear of the box, make sure the are several inches of clearance to the wall and that nothing is on the top, blocking the heat from dissipating.
• If the condenser coils are under the refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least 4 times a year.

If the door is ticking or not closing properly:

• Wipe off the face of the gasket with a wet rag and make sure that the interior shelves, drawers, and food are not preventing the door from closing.

 Advice for problems with refrigerators installed in garages, basements, hot kitchens or out-buildings where ambient temperatures may fall below 60F (15C) or above 110F (43C).

• The best solution is to move the refrigerator to ambient conditions between 60F and 110F.  On top-mount refrigerators, the cold control is mounted in the fresh-food section, so the unit cycles around 35F. With ambient temperatures below 60F, the food compartment takes extra time to warm up to cycle the compressor on and these long off-cycles may allow the food in the freezer to defrost. If the ambient temperature falls below 35F, the compressor will never run, causing real problems with frozen food.
• Side-by side Refrigerators, on the other hand, cycle the compressor based on freezer temperatures.  This allows better performance at lower ambient temperatures. The problem in these models is that the food in the bottom of the fresh-food side will start to freeze at lower ambient temperatures even with a closed damper on the food compartment control. There is enough back draft into the food compartment to freeze that food during long off-times. Of course, with either style, really low temperatures will cause problems from broken bottles and burst cans in the fresh-food section.
• If the temperatures exceed 110F, the compressor run time increases to 100 percent!  This can lead to all sorts of problems, including premature compressor failure, cycling on overload, allowing frozen food to thaw and fresh food to warm.

Odors:

• Remove any food that has spoiled.
• Place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator, this will absorb many odors.

Return to top

Freezers

• Follow all procedures outlined under refrigerator tips.
• Do not pack the freezer, air needs to circulate to keep the food frozen.

If the unit is not self defrosting and the temperatures begin to rise, check the frost build up on the inside of the freezer.  If it is heavily frosted, manually defrost the freezer by unplugging it from the wall and allowing 12 hours for the ice to melt, with the doors open.  Do not attempt to chisel or chop the frost from the freezer, as this can cause damage to the unit. 

Return to top

Garbage Disposers

If the unit Jams/hums:

• Turn the unit off.  After turning off the unit, remove anything that has fallen into the grinding chamber.
• Turn the unit off.  After turning off the unit, insert the "un-jamming" tool into the bottom and turn clockwise.  Once the tool turns freely, remove whatever was causing the jam.

If the unit is dead, push in the red reset button located on the bottom or side of the disposal.  If the unit begins to hum and reset trips again, it is jammed, see above and then push the reset button.

If the disposal clatters when running, this can be caused by the blades being stuck or frozen in place.  The blades can be loosened by emptying a tray of ice cubes into the disposal and running.

If the disposal has a bad odor, grind some orange or lemon peels without running water.   

Return to top

Microwaves

• Always use microwave save dishes.
• Do not use aluminum foil or anything with metal on it.  
• Wipe off the seal on the door with a wet rag and dry it thoroughly.
• Do not twist, bend, or slam the door.

FLASHING NUMBERS 

If your microwave begins flashing numbers, will not take commands, or shows all 8's, unplug the unit and leave it off for (20-30) seconds.  Plug it back in and sometimes this simple trick will reset the microprocessor and the unit will work again! 

Return to top

Ranges

Electric

• If your electric burners are not heating, make sure that they are sitting straight and in their proper positions.
• If your electric oven is not heating, make sure the clock is set on the manual cycle and not on automatic time bake.

Gas

• Raise up the top and make sure the area is clean and free of grease.
• If the burners are not lighting, wipe off the burner head with a hot, damp rag and dry completely.
• If the oven is not heating, make sure the clock is set on the manual cycle and not on the automatic time bake.

Return to top

We strive to offer same day service and have the most competitive prices for appliance repair.