WASHER & DRYER, FRIDGE & STOVE FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about washers and dryers, fridges and stoves.
WASHING MACHINES
Why won’t the door on my washer lock or unlock?
If the door won’t latch, the door lock assembly might be defective. These are normally made of plastic and can’t be repaired. If the door won’t latch or lock is visibly broken, call us and we can replace it.
Does my washer need to be level?
Yes. Your washer and all other appliances will perform best if they’re properly set up. If a washer isn’t level, parts and components may wear out before their time.
Why isn’t the water in my washer's warm cycle very warm?
The warm water for your washer is a mix of the hot and cold water from your home’s water supply. The temperature is dependent on how hot the hot is and how cold the cold is when they mix. If your hot water supply is turned down, or is located a long distance from your washer, the temperature may be cooler than expected.
During the Canadian winter, your cold water supply may become very cold and this will affect the end temperature.
It’s also possible that the water inlet valve is restricted. This could be because there’s sediment on the filter screen. Call me to help!
How big a load can I put in my washing machine?
For a top loader washer, lay clothes loosely inside the washer until they reach the top of the agitator.
For a front loader washer, fill it until it’s full, with minimal compression of the clothes.
What are the leading washing machine brands?
What are the common washer problems that you can fix?
A customer testimonial...
Mike to the rescue! (again) 2nd time using his services- first a washer (still have) now my older stove. Mike has a great knowledge of all brands of appliances, you can tell he cares. Diagnosed (in my case) over the phone. Punctual & completed the repair in a timely fashion. Fair rates - another satisfied customer! Would recommend Mike to all.
— Elène M
If the door won’t latch, the door lock assembly might be defective. These are normally made of plastic and can’t be repaired. If the door won’t latch or lock is visibly broken, call us and we can replace it.
Does my washer need to be level?
Yes. Your washer and all other appliances will perform best if they’re properly set up. If a washer isn’t level, parts and components may wear out before their time.
Why isn’t the water in my washer's warm cycle very warm?
The warm water for your washer is a mix of the hot and cold water from your home’s water supply. The temperature is dependent on how hot the hot is and how cold the cold is when they mix. If your hot water supply is turned down, or is located a long distance from your washer, the temperature may be cooler than expected.
During the Canadian winter, your cold water supply may become very cold and this will affect the end temperature.
It’s also possible that the water inlet valve is restricted. This could be because there’s sediment on the filter screen. Call me to help!
How big a load can I put in my washing machine?
For a top loader washer, lay clothes loosely inside the washer until they reach the top of the agitator.
For a front loader washer, fill it until it’s full, with minimal compression of the clothes.
What are the leading washing machine brands?
- Samsung washers
- Whirlpool washers
- Kenmore washers *LG Washers
- Maytag Washers
What are the common washer problems that you can fix?
- Drain pump failure: A low to moderate cost depending on the manufacture and model.
- Door bellows (door seals) that are torn or leak: Most often caused by fabrics or foreign objects. An affordable repair that generally takes an hour.
- Washer does not spin: Many causes but most often caused by water not draining out of the tub. Generally easy to fix.
- Leaking: There are many causes but most are easy to correct.
- Slow to fill: This happens frequently; usually it requires a new water inlet valve. It is an easy and inexpensive repair.
- Corrosion and cracks on spin basket: A very expensive repair.
A customer testimonial...
Mike to the rescue! (again) 2nd time using his services- first a washer (still have) now my older stove. Mike has a great knowledge of all brands of appliances, you can tell he cares. Diagnosed (in my case) over the phone. Punctual & completed the repair in a timely fashion. Fair rates - another satisfied customer! Would recommend Mike to all.
— Elène M
CLOTHES DRYERS
How long should my laundry take to dry?
Usually, a dryer can dry a full load of laundry in less than 45 minutes. If the load is still damp at the end of the cycle, the venting system may be clogged. Clean the venting system and if you’re still having problems, give me a call!
Do I need to clean out my dryer’s lint filter after every load?
Yes. Dryer lint can restrict air flow, which can be very dangerous. Clean out the filter after each load.
How can I reduce my dryer’s energy consumption?
Dryers can be big energy hogs, but you can reduce their consumption by following some simple rules.
What are the common dryer problems that you can fix?
A customer testimonial...
Mike is the best. He's helped us out so many times over the years...quick to respond, reliable, expert advice and service...all at very reasonable prices. Highly recommend!
— Jo-Ann C in Constance Bay
Usually, a dryer can dry a full load of laundry in less than 45 minutes. If the load is still damp at the end of the cycle, the venting system may be clogged. Clean the venting system and if you’re still having problems, give me a call!
Do I need to clean out my dryer’s lint filter after every load?
Yes. Dryer lint can restrict air flow, which can be very dangerous. Clean out the filter after each load.
How can I reduce my dryer’s energy consumption?
Dryers can be big energy hogs, but you can reduce their consumption by following some simple rules.
- Don’t overload your dryer. Follow the owner’s manual for instructions on load sizes for your particular model.
- Clean out the lint filter after every load.
- Once per year, clean out the entire venting system.
- Pay attention to drying times so that you’ll know as soon as there’s a problem.
What are the common dryer problems that you can fix?
- Dryer makes strange noises or vibrates: A fast and inexpensive repair.
- Loss of heat due to issues with the thermostats or heating coil: A one-trip repair that will vary in price depending on the brand or part required.
- Dryer doesn’t run: Inexpensive and easy to fix.
- The dryer motor starts but the drum doesn’t turn: This happens when the belt breaks or detaches from the motor. This is also a quick and easy repair.
A customer testimonial...
Mike is the best. He's helped us out so many times over the years...quick to respond, reliable, expert advice and service...all at very reasonable prices. Highly recommend!
— Jo-Ann C in Constance Bay
REFRIDGERATORS
My refrigerator seems to run constantly. Is that normal?
No, it is the first indication that something is wrong. There are several possible causes that will require professional help to diagnose but usually has a positive outcome.
How cold should my refrigerator/freezer be?
Your refrigerator thermostat should be set from 36°F to 38°F (approximately 2°C). Your freezer thermostat should be set from 0°F to 5°F (approximately -18°C).
Is it easy to add an icemaker to my refrigerator/freezer?
Yes, if your freezer has the necessary internal wiring. This can be a “Do it yourself” project.
What are the refrigerator problems that you can fix?
A customer testimonial...
I would not hesitate to recommend Mike. In the last 10 years, he has serviced a number of my appliances. I have always been impressed with both his knowledge and his customer service. I feel that he has my best interests at heart. It is a pleasure to do business with Mike.
— Sue G in Carp
No, it is the first indication that something is wrong. There are several possible causes that will require professional help to diagnose but usually has a positive outcome.
How cold should my refrigerator/freezer be?
Your refrigerator thermostat should be set from 36°F to 38°F (approximately 2°C). Your freezer thermostat should be set from 0°F to 5°F (approximately -18°C).
Is it easy to add an icemaker to my refrigerator/freezer?
Yes, if your freezer has the necessary internal wiring. This can be a “Do it yourself” project.
What are the refrigerator problems that you can fix?
- Problems with water pooling and condensation in the main compartment: A quick and inexpensive repair.
- Refrigerator compartment is warm but the freezer is cold: This is an air flow problem usually caused by ice build-up or a faulty fan. Usually takes 30-60 minutes to correct and generally inexpensive.
- Refrigerator compartment is too cold and freezes the food: Depending on the model, this could be a temperature control switch but could also be a sensor or control board on newer models. Low to moderate repair costs, considerably less expensive than a new fridge.
- Ice maker is not producing ice: A very common occurrence usually requires a new ice maker. Fortunately, they are not expensive and are quick to replace.
A customer testimonial...
I would not hesitate to recommend Mike. In the last 10 years, he has serviced a number of my appliances. I have always been impressed with both his knowledge and his customer service. I feel that he has my best interests at heart. It is a pleasure to do business with Mike.
— Sue G in Carp
STOVES / OVENS
Can the glass cooking surface on my stove be replaced?
Yes, I can replace it. The price of the glass top varies depending on the make and model. It will cost you far less to replace the glass top than to buy a new stove.
What are the common stove and oven problems that you can fix?
A customer testimonial...
I called Mike to repair an aging wall mounted oven. We were about to move house and a condition of the sale was that I had to include a working oven. I had already been told by the "official'' repair guy that it couldn't be fixed (but of course still wanted his call out fee!). I asked Mike to have a 2nd look at it and if he couldn't repair it to at least pull it out and give me the exact measurements to ensure that I bought the right size (new) replacement, which of course would have been very expensive. Not only did Mike manage to repair it (he found a spare part) but he charged me a normal, very reasonable rate. He knew I was in a bind but he did not take advantage. In short, he was knowledgeable (fixed it), fair in what he charged and totally trustworthy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mike to others
— Chris J in Kanata
Yes, I can replace it. The price of the glass top varies depending on the make and model. It will cost you far less to replace the glass top than to buy a new stove.
What are the common stove and oven problems that you can fix?
- Oven does not heat: This could be one of the elements but if neither bake nor broil will work it is likely a control board problem. Some control boards can be expensive but I can arrange to have your control board rebuilt for a fraction of the cost of the new one.
- A surface burner will not come on: The burner you use the most is likely the one to fail first. It could also be the switch that controls the burner. The cost to repair will vary depending on the faulty part. Call me and I will come over to diagnose which part is faulty then replace that item.
- Oven seems to be overheating: This is usually an inexpensive oven temperature sensor. It only takes a few minutes to replace.
A customer testimonial...
I called Mike to repair an aging wall mounted oven. We were about to move house and a condition of the sale was that I had to include a working oven. I had already been told by the "official'' repair guy that it couldn't be fixed (but of course still wanted his call out fee!). I asked Mike to have a 2nd look at it and if he couldn't repair it to at least pull it out and give me the exact measurements to ensure that I bought the right size (new) replacement, which of course would have been very expensive. Not only did Mike manage to repair it (he found a spare part) but he charged me a normal, very reasonable rate. He knew I was in a bind but he did not take advantage. In short, he was knowledgeable (fixed it), fair in what he charged and totally trustworthy. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mike to others
— Chris J in Kanata
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278 Celtic Ridge Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, K2W 0B8, 613 277 0107, mikesappliance@hotmail.com
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278 Celtic Ridge Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, K2W 0B8, 613 277 0107, mikesappliance@hotmail.com
HOME PAGE | APPLIANCE REPAIRS | CONTACT FORM | PRIVACY POLICY