Home appliances first made an appearance on the scene to make everyday life easier. Today, we rely on these appliances for everything from keeping groceries fresh and making delicious meals to handling our weekly loads of laundry and saving us time and effort. Because we depend on them so much, they tend to get a lot of use — and that constant use can take its toll.
Eventually, even the best appliances start to show signs of wear and tear, and homeowners are left dealing with a range of frustrating issues, from leaky dishwashers to noisy dryers. Since these problems are rampant, we decided to explore the most common appliance repairs homeowners need in Contra Costa County and how they can be avoided in the future.
1. Repairs for a Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling Properly
Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home, working around the clock to keep your food fresh and safe. So, when it starts losing its cooling power, it becomes an immediate concern. This is, perhaps, why a refrigerator not cooling properly is one of the top reasons we need to perform appliance repairs in Contra Costa County, CA — no homeowner wants to sit around with a broken fridge because it just means they lose more money as time goes by.
Why do refrigerators lose their ability to keep food and drinks cold? The problem can often be traced back to a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning compressor, or even worn-out door gaskets. A professional technician can inspect and clean the coils, check the thermostat and door seals, and determine if a compressor replacement is needed. You will just want to hire a professional as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
Want to avoid this problem in the future? Take these steps to reduce the chances of needing refrigerator repairs:
- Don’t overfill the fridge, as it restricts airflow.
- Make sure door seals are tight and intact.
- Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year.
2. Repairs for an Oven or Range That Is Not Heating
Whether you’re preparing weeknight dinners or baking holiday treats, a functioning oven is essential for home cooking. Unfortunately, individual components can fail at the worst possible times, leaving you with undercooked meats and half-baked goodies. In most cases, an oven that won’t heat properly (or at all) is due to a malfunctioning igniter, a broken heating element, a faulty temperature sensor, a worn oven door seal, or electrical issues.
Our local appliance repair technicians in Contra Costa County will thoroughly inspect your oven to identify the root of the issue. Then, based on our findings, we can replace burned-out elements, recalibrate the oven’s temperature sensor, or simply replace a worn seal. If the control board has failed, we can install a new board.
Before we leave, we’ll provide tips on preventing your oven or range from losing its heating abilities. These tips often include:
- Cleaning up spilled food in the oven right away to prevent buildup around heating components.
- Not slamming the oven door or placing aluminum foil directly on heating elements.
- Regularly testing oven temperature accuracy with a thermometer.
- Scheduling annual maintenance checks.
3. Repairs for a Dishwasher That Is Not Draining or Is Leaking
Dishwashers are supposed to make cleaning up after meals easy, so when they stop working correctly, they can become a great source of stress. If water pools at the bottom of the appliance or leaks out onto your kitchen floor, there may be a problem with the unit’s filters, drain pump, float switch, water inlet valve, or dishwasher door seal.
Instead of continuing to use the appliance and letting the problem worsen (or washing dishes completely by hand), schedule a home appliance repair in Contra Costa County with our certified technicians. We can unclog drains, replace broken parts like pumps, gaskets, filters, or spray arms, and ensure everything is sealed properly.
To keep your dishwasher draining and cleaning properly, take these steps after getting a repair:
- Scrape food off your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
- Clean the dishwasher filter monthly.
- Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner every few months to remove mineral buildup.
- Check for and replace cracked door seals.
4. Repairs for a Washer That Is Not Spinning or Draining
When your washing machine stops mid-cycle or refuses to spin or drain, it can throw your schedule out of whack. And because we all have busy lives that can’t afford to be disrupted by malfunctioning washers, washing machine repairs are some of the most common appliance repairs we address in Contra Costa County, CA.
A washing machine that won’t drain or spin is often the result of a worn-out lid switch or door latch, broken drive belt, clogged hose, faulty water pump, or an unbalanced load. Since sopping-wet clothes and a backed-up laundry routine are a major inconvenience, our technicians respond promptly to service calls. We can easily replace lid switches or drive belts and unclog drain pumps and hoses.
If you’re looking to avoid this problem in the future and minimize your need for a washing machine repair, keep these tips in mind:
- Balance your loads properly to reduce stress on suspension components.
- Use the appropriate amount of high-efficiency detergent to prevent excess suds (which is less than what the package says to use).
- Periodically clean the machine with a washing machine cleaner.
- Check the hoses annually for signs of wear or bulging and replace them every five years as preventive maintenance.
- Leave the door open after use to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth.
5. Repairs for a Dryer That Is Not Heating or Tumbling
Are you constantly having to restart your clothes dryer? If it’s not heating or tumbling, there is likely a problem with the heating element, thermal fuse, or drum belt. Because these intricate components require the touch of an expert, you should reach out to our team at FixEm Appliance Repair as soon as possible. We can address your call immediately and prevent piles of damp laundry from taking over your home. We will test and replace broken components and restore the dryer to proper working condition. We’ll also help you avoid future problems with tips like:
- Clean the lint trap after every load.
- Have the vent hose and duct professionally cleaned once a year.
- Don’t overload the dryer.
Call Today for a Professional Appliance Repair in Contra Costa County
Is your refrigerator, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, or washer and dryer acting up? Call FixEm Appliance Repair! We diagnose and fix broken appliances often on the same day so that our clients’ daily routines can keep running smoothly.
