Appliance troubleshooting
Common Appliance Problems
Start with the symptom. Each guide gives a short answer, the usual causes, a few checks that are safe for a homeowner and a clear point at which a technician should take over.
For homeowners with a broken washer, dryer, oven, stove, cooktop or freezer. Not for refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, commercial appliances, parts orders or phone-only quotes.
Laundry
- Washer Not DrainingWater left in the drum after the cycle ends.
- Washer Not SpinningClothes stay soaking wet and the drum will not turn.
- Washer LeakingWater under or in front of the washing machine.
- Dryer Not HeatingDrum turns but the air stays cool.
- Dryer Not Turning OnNothing happens when you press start.
- Dryer Taking Too Long to DryLoads need two or three cycles to dry.
Cooking
- Oven Not HeatingOven stays cold or will not reach temperature.
- Oven Won't Turn OnDisplay blank or nothing happens at start.
- Stove Burner Not WorkingGas burner will not light or electric burner stays cold.
Freezer
A note on safety
The checks in these guides stop at the plug, the breaker, the water valves, filters, lint screens and what you can see without opening the appliance. Do not remove panels from a plugged-in appliance or work on gas valves and burners.
Unplug an appliance or switch off its breaker before cleaning a filter or checking behind it, and turn off the water valves before looking at washer hoses. If water has reached an outlet or cord, keep away and switch off the breaker first.
If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility or propane supplier from outside, and only then call about the appliance.
Next step
Checks done and still stuck?
Call to describe what the appliance is doing and get connected with an independent provider.