Appliance Repair for Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, and Ovens

Before you call anyone, check whether the appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty. Find the model and serial number (often on a sticker inside the door or on the back) and your receipt. If it is covered, start with the manufacturer, since an outside repair may affect that coverage. Ask them first.

If it is out of warranty, weigh these factors:

• Age: an appliance near the end of its normal life is more likely to have the next part fail soon. Thumbtack notes that refrigerators have an average life expectancy of 13 years.
• Repeat failures: if the same problem keeps coming back, replacement often makes more sense.
• Which part failed: a door seal, igniter, pump, or belt is a routine fix. A failed compressor, sealed system, or main control board is a bigger job, so ask the technician to explain your options.
• Parts availability: parts for older or discontinued models can be hard to find. Ask whether the part is in stock or has to be ordered.
• Safety: scorched wiring, a gas leak, or a unit that keeps tripping the breaker needs attention before anything else.
• Fit and features: repair is often the easier path for built-in and high-end models that fit your space exactly.
• Efficiency: newer models often use less energy and water than older ones. Look for the ENERGY STAR label if you decide to replace.

Ask the technician to put the diagnosis and the recommended repair in writing so you can decide with the facts in front of you.

A few details help the company understand the problem, bring the right parts, and avoid a second trip.

• Brand, model, and serial number: usually on a sticker inside the door, on the frame, or on the back.
• What is going wrong: for example, not cooling, not draining, no heat, leaking, or a loud noise.
• Error codes: write down any code on the display.
• When it started: and whether it happens every time or only now and then.
• What you already checked: the plug, the outlet, the breaker, and for gas units, whether the gas supply is on.
• Access: whether the appliance is built in, stacked, or hard to pull out.
• Warranty papers: any manufacturer, extended, or home warranty that may apply.

What to expect after you call: the company sets a visit, the technician diagnoses the problem, and you get a written estimate before work starts. If the part is on the truck, many repairs are done in one visit. If it has to be ordered, plan for a second visit.

Most appliance problems show up as a change in how the machine works, sounds, or smells. Common signs by appliance:

• Refrigerator: food not staying cold, frost building up, water pooling under or inside, or the compressor running nonstop or clicking on and off.
• Washer: water not draining, the drum not spinning, loud banging, or leaks around the base.
• Dryer: clothes still damp after a full cycle, no heat, a burning smell, or the outside of the dryer getting very hot.
• Oven or range: the oven not heating or heating unevenly, burners that will not light, or error codes on the display.
• Dishwasher: water left in the bottom, dishes coming out dirty, or leaks onto the floor.

If a leak is coming from a supply line or drain rather than the appliance itself, a plumber may be the right call. See our plumbing guide.

Independent technicians work on many brands, including Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Viking, and Sub-Zero. Brand names are mentioned only to describe the appliances. Swupi and the companies it connects you with are not affiliated with or authorized by these manufacturers.

Some appliance problems are safety issues first and repair jobs second.

• Gas smell near a range, oven, or gas dryer: leave the home right away. Do not turn lights or appliances on or off, and do not use a phone inside. Once you are outside, call your gas utility's emergency line or 911.
• Sparks, smoke, or a burning smell: stop using the appliance. If you can do it safely, unplug it or switch off its breaker, and keep it off until a technician checks it.
• Water leaking near outlets or cords: keep away from the water and shut off power to that area at the breaker if you can reach it safely.
• A dryer that gets very hot or smells scorched: stop using it and check the lint filter and vent before the next load.

For anything involving gas lines or wiring inside the wall, ask whether the job needs a licensed gas fitter or electrician under your local rules.

A few questions on the phone can help you avoid surprises and a second visit:

• Do you work on my brand and model? Have the model number ready.
• How does the diagnosis visit work, and when can a technician come out?
• Will you give me a written estimate before starting work?
• Do you carry common parts on the truck, or will parts need to be ordered?
• What warranty do you offer on parts and labor?
• Do you take evening or weekend appointments?

Licensing rules for appliance repair vary by state and city, and some areas require a license for gas appliance work. Ask the company about the rules in your area and check the license with your state's lookup when one applies. Ask for proof of insurance, read recent reviews, and do not pay the full amount before the work is done.

When you call through Swupi, you speak with an independent local company, and you agree on the scope and timing with them directly. See how Swupi works.

Simple upkeep catches small problems early. For dryers, the U.S. Fire Administration's clothes dryer fire safety flyer says you are at higher risk of a dryer fire if you do not clean the lint filter and dryer vents. It recommends that you:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Never run the dryer without a lint filter, and clean the filter before and after each cycle.
• Clean the back of the dryer, where lint can build up.
• Check that the vent behind the dryer is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.
• Make sure the outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer runs.

The NFPA's electrical safety tips say major appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or plug strip. If you need more outlets, see our electrical guide.

Other habits that help: check your owner's manual for how often to clean refrigerator coils and the dishwasher filter, keep refrigerator door seals clean, avoid overloading the washer, and look at washer hoses now and then for bulges or cracks. Planning a kitchen update instead? Our kitchen remodeling guide covers new appliances and layout.