We expect our home’s major appliances to make our lives easier; we don’t wake up in the morning thinking today might be the day our dryer or oven will throw a wrench in our plans. Unfortunately, unexpected problems can arise, and even the most reliable appliances can start showing signs of trouble. This is why you should familiarize yourself with the most common signs you need appliance repairs now.
If you notice any of the following appliance problems or have general concerns about your unit’s performance, call FixEm Appliance Repair in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, CA, for prompt and reliable repairs. Our experienced technicians are ready to diagnose the issue and restore your peace of mind.
1. Strange and Unusual Noises
Your appliances make a variety of sounds during normal operation. For example, your refrigerator’s compressor produces a soft hum, while your dishwasher and washing machine slosh with water. The only time you need to be concerned about noises coming from your appliances is when the sounds are new, loud, or persistent. In these instances, your home appliance is often crying out for help.
Keep an ear out for these concerning noises from your home’s appliances:
- Refrigerator: A loud buzzing, humming, or vibrating that is more intense than usual can signal a problem with the compressor or condenser fan motor. A clicking sound might indicate an issue with the icemaker, while a squealing noise could be a failing evaporator fan motor.
- Washing Machine & Dryer: Grinding, squealing, or scraping sounds in a washer frequently point to a worn-out tub bearing. In a dryer, it often means a drum seal, belt, or roller is failing. Additionally, a loud thumping or banging noise during the spin cycle suggests the load is unbalanced, but if it happens with every load, it could be a sign of a more serious issue with the drum or suspension components.
- Dishwasher: If you hear a loud grinding or humming during a cycle, it could mean a foreign object, like a piece of glass, is stuck in the wash pump. It could also indicate that the pump motor itself is failing.
Ignoring these noises won’t make them go away. Instead, continued use can cause the failing part to break completely, potentially damaging other components and leading to a much more expensive repair. Make sure you reach out to a team like FixEm Appliance Repair for refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine repairs as soon as your ears pick up on an unusual sound.
2. Unpleasant or Burning Odors
A strange smell coming from an appliance demands immediate attention, as it can often be linked to a safety risk, such as overheating wires, failing motors, or lint buildup. Gas odors coming from stoves or ovens are especially concerning and should be handled appropriately (turn off the appliance and call our oven repair experts right away). Similarly, burning smells from a dryer should be treated like an emergency — shut down the unit and do not use it again until a dryer repair technician can troubleshoot the problem.
Even musty or moldy smells coming from washing machines or dishwashers are problematic, as they can indicate poor drainage or mold growth in areas you can’t see. When in doubt about the smell your nose is detecting, it’s always best to turn the appliance off and call for service as soon as possible.
3. Leaks and Excessive Moisture
Water belongs inside your appliances, not on your floor. So, if you notice puddles forming around your refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, or if you see excess condensation inside your refrigerator, know that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.
For example, dishwashers may leak when their door gaskets wear out, drains clog, or pumps fail. Washing machines often develop leaks when hoses are damaged or when drums overfill. And refrigerators that appear to “sweat” excessively may have a blocked defrost drain or a failing seal.
When moisture issues are allowed to persist, they can lead to mold growth, water damage, and even electrical hazards. A certified repair technician can resolve the issue before it spreads and creates further damage.
4. A Sudden Spike in Your Utility Bills
Have you noticed your electricity or water bill creeping up without a clear explanation? A faulty appliance could be the culprit. When a component within an appliance begins to fail, the entire machine has to work harder to do its job, consuming more energy in the process. This inefficiency drains your bank account and puts immense strain on the appliance. Before you know it, you’ll have to pay higher monthly utility bills and face the risk of needing a premature replacement.
5. Electrical Issues or Power Failures
Your appliances rely on electricity to function, so when they begin flickering on and off, failing to start, or tripping your circuit breaker, something clearly isn’t right. For refrigerators, it may be faulty wiring or failing control boards. For dryers, the problem may be linked to blown fuses or damaged electrical components. Regardless of the exact source of the problem, these electrical issues should never be ignored. Licensed professionals, like the team at FixEm Appliance Repair, can fix these problems safely and effectively.
When Problems Arise, Call FixEm Appliance Repair!
Have you noticed any of these five appliance problems? Don’t wait for the issue to escalate any further! Take action today, and save yourself time, money, and stress.
Our experts at FixEm Appliance Repair are here to help homeowners in Alameda County and Contra Costa County with everything from dishwasher repairs to dryer repairs. Our technicians are licensed, certified, and fully experienced in troubleshooting and resolving simple and complex problems so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Contact us today for fast, professional, and trustworthy service! We understand that appliance problems are urgent and offer same-day or next-day service whenever possible at no extra charge.
