Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Appliance Repair in Revere, Massachusetts
At Appliance Repair Pros, we believe that an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. When a major household appliance breaks down, it creates immediate stress and raises a lot of questions. You need to know if the machine is worth saving, what might be wrong with it, and who you can trust to fix it. We have compiled this extensive guide to answer your most pressing questions about appliance repair in Revere, Massachusetts and the surrounding communities of Beachmont, Point of Pines, and Oak Island.
We cover everything from general service inquiries to specific technical questions about brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and Miele. Whether you are dealing with a refrigerator that won’t cool in North Revere or a washing machine that won’t spin in a Chelsea condo, you will find helpful information here. Our goal is to provide transparency about our process, our expertise, and the complex machinery inside your home. If you do not see your specific question listed below, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Contact us today to schedule your service or to ask any additional questions.
General Service and Scheduling Questions
How quickly can you come to repair my appliance?
We understand that a broken appliance is an urgent matter, especially when it involves food safety or a pile of wet laundry. We strive to offer prompt service appointments to our neighbors in Revere and the surrounding towns. In many cases, we can schedule you for the same day or the very next day depending on our current call volume. Our technicians live and work locally, which minimizes travel time and allows us to serve you faster than national dispatch services.
Do you service my specific neighborhood in Revere?
Yes, we serve the entire city of Revere. We frequently have trucks in Beachmont, Point of Pines, Oak Island, and the neighborhoods along Broadway and North Shore Road. We also extend our service area to the immediate surrounding communities including Winthrop, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, and Saugus. We know the local streets and traffic patterns well, ensuring we arrive within our scheduled window.
Is there an appliance repair service near me?
Yes, Appliance Repair Pros is a local business based right here in the community. Being “near you” allows us to build long term relationships with homeowners in Revere. We are not a faceless directory service; we are your local experts dedicated to keeping the appliances in our shared community running smoothly.
What should I do before the technician arrives?
To help us diagnose and repair your machine efficiently, please ensure there is a clear path to the appliance. If the appliance is a washer or dryer, please remove any laundry from inside. For refrigerators, you generally do not need to empty them unless we are working on internal components like the air damper, but moving fragile items off the top of the unit is helpful. Please secure any house pets in a separate room for their safety and ours.
Do you work on gas and electric appliances?
Yes, our technicians are trained to service both gas and electric appliances. We handle gas ranges, cooktops, and dryers, as well as their electric counterparts. Working with gas requires specific safety protocols to check for leaks and ensure proper combustion, while electric appliances require knowledge of 240-volt high current circuits. We are equipped to handle both safely.
Refrigerator and Freezer Repair FAQs
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
This is a common issue that can stem from several causes. If the fans are running but the air is warm, it could be a dirty condenser coil restricting airflow, a failure in the evaporator fan motor, or a problem with the compressor start relay. In more complex cases, it could indicate a refrigerant leak or a sealed system restriction. We use specialized gauges to test the sealed system pressure and determine the exact failure point.
My freezer is cold but the fridge section is warm. What is wrong?
This usually indicates an airflow problem rather than a total cooling failure. Cold air is produced in the freezer and pushed into the fridge compartment by a fan through a damper door. If the fan fails, the evaporator coils freeze over with ice, or the electronic damper door gets stuck closed, the cold air cannot migrate to the fresh food section. We diagnose which component is blocking the airflow to restore balance.
Why is my refrigerator leaking water onto the floor?
Water pooling under the fridge is often caused by a clogged defrost drain. When the fridge goes into a defrost cycle, the melted ice drips into a trough and down a tube to a pan underneath the unit where it evaporates. If that tube is blocked by food crumbs or ice, the water overflows inside the fridge and leaks out the bottom doors. It could also be a cracked water inlet valve or a leaking water filter housing.
Can you fix my ice maker?
Yes, ice maker repair is one of our most requested services. Ice makers can fail due to a frozen fill tube, a bad water inlet valve, a broken motor module, or simply because the freezer temperature is too high (above 10 degrees Fahrenheit). We service door-mounted ice makers, internal freezer ice makers, and dual ice maker systems found in modern French door refrigerators.
Why is my refrigerator making a loud noise?
Refrigerators should produce a low hum. If you hear a loud buzzing, clicking, or grinding, something is wrong. A buzzing sound often comes from the evaporator fan hitting ice buildup. A clicking sound usually indicates the compressor start relay is failing to engage the compressor. A grinding noise might be the condenser fan blade hitting debris behind the unit. We pinpoint the source of the noise to prevent total system failure.
Washing Machine Repair FAQs
Why is my washing machine not draining?
A washer that is full of water at the end of a cycle typically has a drain system obstruction or failure. This could be a small item like a sock or coin stuck in the drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a failed drain pump motor. In modern units, the main control board might not be sending the signal to the pump. We check the entire drainage path to clear the water and fix the underlying issue.
My washer spins but makes a loud banging noise. Is it broken?
Loud banging during the spin cycle is often caused by an unbalanced load, but if it happens consistently, it indicates a mechanical failure. On top load washers, this is often due to worn suspension rods that can no longer dampen the movement of the tub. On front load washers, it can be a sign of failed shock absorbers or, in severe cases, a broken drum spider arm or worn rear bearings. We assess the structural integrity of the machine to see if it is safe to operate.
Why does my front load washer smell like mildew?
Mold and mildew build up in front load washers when moisture is trapped in the door boot seal and detergent drawer. Residual soap scum provides a food source for mold. We recommend leaving the door ajar between uses and running a monthly “Tub Clean” cycle with a specialized tablet. If the mold is deeply ingrained in the rubber seal, we can replace the door boot gasket for you.
Why is my washer filling with water slowly?
Slow filling is usually caused by sediment build-up on the screens inside the water inlet valve connection points. Revere has older plumbing infrastructure in some areas which can release sediment into the lines. We clean these screens and check the operation of the inlet valve solenoids. If the valve is failing to open fully, we replace the assembly to restore proper water pressure.
Dryer Repair FAQs
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
A dryer that tumbles without heat is frustrating. On electric dryers, this is often caused by a burnt-out heating element or a blown thermal fuse. On gas dryers, it is frequently caused by weak gas valve solenoids that open initially but fail to stay open as they heat up. It can also be a bad igniter. We test the continuity of the heating circuit to find the break.
My dryer takes two or three cycles to dry clothes. What is wrong?
This is the classic symptom of restricted airflow. If the hot, moist air cannot escape the drum through the vent, the clothes cannot dry. This is rarely a machine failure and most often a clogged home venting system. However, it can also be caused by a stripped blower wheel inside the dryer that isn’t pushing air effectively. We diagnose whether the issue is internal to the machine or external in the ductwork.
Why is my dryer making a squeaking noise?
Rhythmic squeaking or thumping is usually caused by wear on the drum support rollers, the idler pulley, or the rear drum bearing. Over time, the lubricant in these wheels dries out and they begin to grind. We typically recommend replacing the full set of rollers and the belt during this repair to ensure the noise doesn’t return from a different part a month later.
Is it dangerous if my dryer feels very hot on top?
Yes, if the top of the dryer is hot to the touch, it indicates that heat is trapped inside the cabinet. This is a fire hazard. It usually means the vent is completely blocked, and the heat is building up faster than the safety thermostat can cycle it off. Stop using the dryer immediately and check your venting.
Dishwasher Repair FAQs
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?
Poor cleaning is often due to a lack of water pressure or clogged spray arms. If the circulation pump is weak or the filter is clogged with food debris, water cannot spray with enough force to remove soil. We also check the “chopper” blade assembly (on models that have them) to ensure it isn’t stripped. Hard water buildup in the spray arm holes is another common cause we address.
Why does my dishwasher leave a white film on glasses?
White film is usually hard water mineral deposits or excess phosphate-free detergent that hasn’t rinsed off. It can also happen if the water isn’t getting hot enough. We check the heating element to ensure the water reaches the target temperature (usually 140 degrees) for proper detergent activation and rinsing. We may also recommend using a rinse aid product.
Why is there water standing in the bottom of my dishwasher?
A small amount of water near the filter is normal to keep seals moist, but if water covers the bottom of the tub, you have a drain issue. This could be a clogged drain hose, a blocked garbage disposal knockout plug (on new installs), or a failed drain pump. We clear the path and test the pump to ensure it can eject water against gravity.
My dishwasher control panel buttons aren’t working. Can this be fixed?
Unresponsive buttons are often caused by a short in the user interface board or the ribbon cable connecting it to the main control board. Steam can sometimes penetrate the door layers and damage these electronics. We can test the keypad matrix to determine if the issue is the buttons themselves or the main computer.
Oven and Stove Repair FAQs
Why is my gas oven not heating?
The most common cause of a gas oven failing to heat is a weak glow bar igniter. The igniter must get hot enough to draw a specific amperage; this electrical draw is what opens the gas safety valve. If the igniter is weak, it might glow orange but never open the valve to let gas out. We measure the amperage and replace the igniter if it is out of spec.
Why is my electric oven temperature inaccurate?
If your oven burns cookies or leaves the center of a cake raw, the temperature sensor or thermostat may be drifting. Over time, the resistance of the sensor probe can change. We test this against the manufacturer’s chart. We can also calibrate the oven control board in many models to offset the temperature reading without replacing parts.
Can you replace the glass cooktop on my electric range?
Yes, we can replace cracked ceramic glass cooktops. This is a significant repair, but it restores the safety and appearance of your range. A cracked top is dangerous because liquids can seep through the crack and reach the high-voltage electrical components underneath.
Why does my oven door lock not open after self-cleaning?
The self-clean cycle uses extremely high temperatures that can sometimes warp the latch mechanism or damage the lock motor control. If the oven cools down but the door won’t unlock, we may need to manually release the latch and then replace the locking assembly to prevent it from happening again.
Brand-Specific Repair FAQs
Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid
Is it worth repairing an older Whirlpool direct drive washer?
Absolutely. The older direct drive models are legendary for their durability. Repairs are usually simple mechanical fixes like a coupler or lid switch. These machines often outlast modern units by years.
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher flashing the “Clean” light?
A flashing “Clean” light indicates a heating fault. The dishwasher failed to reach the required temperature during the cycle. We test the heating element and the high-limit thermostat to resolve this error.
What does the “MCT” mean on my Maytag washer?
MCT stands for Maytag Commercial Technology. It indicates the unit uses upgraded drive components. While durable, these can still suffer from actuator failures or suspension issues, which we are fully equipped to repair.
Samsung and LG
Can you fix the ice maker on my Samsung French door fridge?
Yes, the freezing over of the Samsung ice room is a known issue. We install the updated service kit which includes a new ice maker, auger housing, and sealant to prevent warm air infiltration. This provides a long-term solution to the jamming issue.
Why is my LG refrigerator not cooling but the fans are running?
This is often a symptom of a Linear Compressor failure. We have the specific training to diagnose these variable-speed compressors. We check for error codes on the main board and test the compressor’s ability to build pressure.
What does the “OE” code mean on my LG washer?
The OE code stands for “Output Error,” meaning the washer cannot drain. This is usually a clogged drain pump filter. We can clear this filter and check the pump operation to clear the code.
Bosch and Miele
Why is my Bosch dishwasher showing an E15 error?
E15 indicates the AquaStop leak detection system has triggered. Water has leaked into the base pan of the dishwasher. We pull the unit out to find the source of the leak, which could be a sump seal or a water valve, and dry the sensor to reset the machine.
Does my Miele heat pump dryer need a vent?
No, Miele T1 dryers use heat pump technology and are ventless. If your clothes aren’t drying, it is likely due to clogged plinth filters or lint filters, not a venting issue. We perform thorough maintenance cleaning on these advanced systems.
GE and Frigidaire
Why is my GE oven showing an F7 code?
F7 usually indicates a stuck key on the control panel. This can happen if moisture gets into the keypad layers. We can test the ribbon cable and often need to replace the user interface to fix this.
What does the SY CE code mean on my Frigidaire fridge?
SY CE stands for System Communication Error. It means the user interface on the door has lost contact with the main control board. This is frequently caused by a damaged wiring harness running through the door hinge, which we can repair.
Kenmore
Who makes my Kenmore appliance?
Kenmore appliances are made by other manufacturers like Whirlpool, LG, and Frigidaire. We use the three-digit prefix on your model number to identify the original builder (e.g., 110 is Whirlpool, 795 is LG) so we can source the exact OEM parts needed for your repair.
Maintenance and Care FAQs
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
We recommend cleaning your dryer vent ducting at least once a year. If you have a large family and do laundry daily, you might need to do it every six months. A clean vent prevents fires and significantly extends the life of your dryer’s heating element.
Do I really need to clean my dishwasher filter?
Yes, especially if you have a European model like Bosch or Miele, or a newer American model. These units do not have hard food grinders. Food particles get trapped in the cylinder filter. Cleaning it weekly prevents odors and ensures water can circulate freely to clean your dishes.
How do I stop my front load washer from smelling?
Leave the door ajar after every cycle to let the drum dry out. Wipe down the rubber door boot seal to remove standing water. Run a hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet once a month to kill bacteria/mold buildup.
Should I vacuum under my refrigerator?
Yes, dust collects on the condenser coils, acting like a blanket that traps heat. This forces the compressor to work harder and run longer to cool your food. Vacuuming these coils annually can extend the life of your refrigerator by years.
Conclusion
We hope this FAQ page has helped answer your initial questions about appliance repair. At Appliance Repair Pros, we are passionate about understanding the “how” and “why” behind every machine failure. We bring this technical curiosity and commitment to quality to every job in Revere, Beachmont, and beyond. Whether you have a leak, a noise, or a total breakdown, we are ready to help.
Reach out to us for assistance with your appliance repair needs.