Appliance Repair Resources

Safe checks, quick help guides, and simple maintenance tips.

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Slow Down, Fix Smarter

Appliance issues never show up when life is calm. They show up mid load, mid meal, or right before guests arrive. This page is here to help you slow things down and choose the next step with confidence.

You’ll find safe checks you can do without tools, simple maintenance habits that prevent repeat breakdowns, and quick ways to describe symptoms so your service visit goes smoother.

When to stop and call a professional

If you notice any of these, stop testing the appliance:

  • Strong gas smell
  • Sparking, arcing, or buzzing from controls
  • Burning odor that gets worse
  • Water leaking near power or outlets
  • A breaker that trips more than once
  • Smoke, melting plastic smell, or scorching

If something feels unsafe, it is always better to stop and call. Schedule service

Before you call

A little prep can save time, money, and repeat visits:

1) Take a photo of the model tag

Common tag locations:

  • Washers/dryers: inside the door frame or opening.
  • Freezers: inside the cabinet or behind a drawer.
  • Ovens/ranges: inside the door frame or behind the storage drawer.

2) Save the “symptom story”

Try this format:

  • What it is, what it fails to do, when it fails.
  • Any sound, smell, leak, or code.

Example: “Gas dryer, tumbles, no heat, outside vent barely blows.”

3) Write down any error code

A photo of the display is best. Codes can guide the diagnosis, but testing still matters to confirm the fault, not just the symptom.

Washer quick help

View Washer Repair Abilene

Washer will not drain

Safe checks:

  • Confirm the drain hose is not kinked.
  • Make sure the hose is not shoved too far into the standpipe.
  • Try a smaller load in case of balance issues.
  • Look for a small item stuck around the door seal area.

Stop and call if:

  • You hear grinding during drain.
  • Water keeps spreading under the unit.
  • The breaker trips during drain or spin.

Will not spin or shakes hard

Safe checks:

  • Redistribute the load.
  • Avoid washing one heavy item alone.
  • Confirm the washer does not rock.
  • Check that the floor is not flexing.

Stop and call if:

  • The tub bangs violently.
  • The unit “walks” forward.
  • You hear metal scraping.

Washer leaks

Quick leak clues:

  • Leak at the front often points to door seal or oversudsing.
  • Leak at the rear often points to supply hoses or drain routing.
  • Leak underneath can be pump or internal hose related.

Safe checks:

  • Confirm supply hoses are snug.
  • Look for slow drips at the wall connections.
  • Reduce detergent if you see excess suds.

Dryer quick help

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Dryer runs but does not dry (airflow)

Safe checks:

  • Clean the lint screen every cycle.
  • Check the outside vent flap while running.
  • Make sure the vent hose is not crushed.
  • Avoid overloading, because it blocks airflow.

Stop and call if:

  • You smell burning lint or hot plastic.
  • The cabinet gets unusually hot.
  • The dryer shuts off early and then restarts later.

No heat or loud sounds

No Heat Safe checks:

  • Confirm it is not on “air fluff” or no heat mode.
  • If electric, check if it still tumbles but never heats.

Loud Sounds (Call Early!):

  • Squeal often points to rollers or pulley wear.
  • Thump can be a flat spot on a roller.
  • Grinding can indicate motor or support issues.

If gas, do not keep restarting if you smell gas.

Stacked washer and dryer units

View Stacked Washer and Dryer Repair Abilene

Closet installs are tricky

Safe checks:

  • Make sure the closet door is not blocking airflow.
  • Look for lint buildup around the base.
  • Check for moisture on the closet floor.
  • If the unit shakes, do not keep running heavy loads.

Helpful prep

  • Clear the closet path if you can.
  • Take a photo of the vent routing if visible.
  • Tell us if it is a one piece laundry center or a stackable pair.

Freezer quick help

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Freezer not freezing well

Safe checks:

  • Make sure the door closes fully.
  • Avoid overpacking, since it blocks vents.
  • Check if the freezer is set too warm by accident.

Stop and call if:

  • Frost builds up fast after you defrost.
  • The unit runs nonstop with poor cooling.
  • Food is thawing or soft.

Heavy frost buildup

Safe checks:

  • Look for gaps in the door seal.
  • Make sure nothing blocks the door from closing.
  • Check for torn or dirty gasket areas.
  • Do not chip ice with sharp tools.

Oven quick help

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Oven will not heat

Safe checks:

  • Confirm it is set to bake, not broil.
  • Check the breaker if it is fully dead.
  • Remove foil that blocks airflow at the bottom.
  • Let it preheat fully, then test with a simple bake.

Stop and call if:

  • You smell gas or see sparks.
  • The oven overheats beyond normal cooking behavior.

Uneven baking

Safe checks:

  • Use the center rack for most baking.
  • Avoid blocking vents with oversized pans.
  • If you have convection, confirm the fan is actually running.

Stove and cooktop quick help

View Stove and Cooktop Repair Abilene

Gas burners that click but will not light

Safe checks:

  • Make sure the burner cap sits flat and centered.
  • Dry the burner area if it is wet.
  • Clean greasy buildup around the igniter area.

Stop and call if:

  • You smell gas.
  • Flames look unusually large or uneven.

Electric or glass top issues

Stop and call immediately if:

  • Stop using it if the glass is cracked.
  • Avoid repeated testing if a burner stays stuck on high.

Helpful prep:

  • Note whether one burner fails or all burners fail.

How to describe the problem clearly

If you want a faster diagnosis, use this structure when you call:

  • Appliance type
  • What it does not do
  • When it fails
  • Any sound, smell, leak
  • Any code shown

Examples:

  • “Dryer tumbles, no heat, vent barely blows outside.”
  • “Washer fills then stops before draining, code shows.”
  • “Freezer runs constantly, soft food, frost on back wall.”
  • “Oven preheats but cooks slow, uneven browning.”

Simple maintenance that prevents breakdowns

You do not need a huge checklist. You need habits you can keep. If any step feels unsafe, skip it and call.

Every load

  • Clean the lint screen.
  • Avoid overloading washers and dryers.
  • Listen for new sounds that repeat.

Monthly

  • Wipe front load washer gasket areas.
  • Run a washer clean cycle if supported.
  • Vacuum lint around dryer base if safe.
  • Check freezer door seal area.

Every few months

  • Inspect vent routing for crushing or sagging.
  • Check under washers for slow drips.
  • Clean accessible condenser areas if your model allows it.

Want more guides? View the Blog

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