5 Common Appliance Issues and How to Fix Them Easily

Solve Common Appliance Issues: 5 Easy Fixes | Viking Professional Service

May 15, 2025

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Home appliances make our lives easier. They help turn long chores into quick tasks. But even good appliances can have problems. You might face common appliance problems like not working dishwashers or refrigerators that do not cool well. Don’t worry; fixing these issues can be easy. With some simple DIY methods, you can solve many problems on your own. This guide will help you overcome the most common appliance issues and improving them. You will find easy solutions and tips to keep your appliances working well.

Common Appliance Issues and Their Easy Fixes

Every homeowner faces common appliance problems. This can include a fridge that doesn’t chill, a burner that won’t light, or a dishwasher that won’t begin. Having easy solutions can help you save time and avoid paying for expensive service calls. Fixing a fridge or doing a cooktop repair does not always need special skills. Many problems can be fixed with some basic knowledge. Below, we share useful tips to effectively deal with the five most frequent appliance issues, so you can do it without stress.

1. Refrigerator Not Cooling

A fridge that doesn’t cool can cause food to spoil. This can turn into a race against time to save your groceries. The problem might be something simple, like dirty condenser coils or a broken thermostat.

First, unplug the fridge and look at the condenser coils. Dust can build up and stop it from cooling well. Use a brush or a vacuum to clean them. If they look good, check the thermostat with a multimeter. If it doesn’t show continuity, you need to replace it. Another possible issue could be the evaporator fan motor. If you hear strange noises or notice bad airflow, check the fan and change it if needed.

Regular cleaning and watching for small issues can help fix minor refrigerator repair problems. If cooling still doesn’t work after these steps, you might need to call a professional.

2. Oven Not Heating

An oven that doesn’t heat up can mess up your meal plans. This often happens due to a broken bake element or a faulty temperature sensor.

First, check the bake element in your oven for any visible damage. If it looks burnt or broken, it’s time to replace it with a new one. If the temperature is off, you can test the temperature sensor with a multimeter. Replacing it will fix the calibration issues. For gas ovens, the ignition system may cause problems. A common issue is a clogged igniter port. To fix it, carefully remove it and clean it with a pin or brush.

Taking care of oven repair early can prevent bigger issues. After fixing these problems, your oven will be back to perfectly baking goods and cooking family meals smoothly.

3. Dishwasher Not Starting

A dishwasher that won’t start can be both annoying and concerning, but figuring out the problem is easier than it looks. Here are some steps you can try:

  • First, check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if the outlet is not working. You can reconnect it if needed.
  • Next, look at the door lock switch using a multimeter to see if it is working. You may need to replace it.
  • Then, check the motor of the dishwasher. If it’s stuck, you can try to turn the fan motor by hand to free it.

Sometimes, parts inside may be stuck, or the control panel might be broken. Changing out any faulty parts can help keep the dishwasher running smoothly. Most often, these common problems are just small issues that you can fix with a careful inspection and simple steps.

4. Cooktop Burner Not Igniting

A burner that won’t light can stop your cooking. This can happen because of blocked igniter ports or a damaged spark module.

Start by making sure the cooktop is clean. Food bits can block the gas openings and stop it from igniting. Use a small brush to clean the ports carefully. If that doesn’t help, check the spark module. You can use a multimeter to test it. If it’s broken, you need to replace it. You might also need to look at faulty wires or the ignition switch.

Taking care of cooktop repair step by step will keep your burners working well. This way, you can enjoy meal times without any hassle.

5. Ice Maker Not Dispensing Ice

An ice maker in the freezer can stop working, and this is a common appliance problem. It usually happens because of broken parts or clogs.

First, look at the dispenser area. Ice might be blocking it due to clumping. Remove the ice carefully so you don’t harm any parts inside. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check the motor. Use a multimeter to see if it works. If it doesn’t have continuity, you will need to replace it. Also, check for any leaks from the valve. Make sure the water line is tight and has no tears or holes.

By fixing these problems, your ice maker will work again, giving you cold drinks whenever you want.

DIY Tips for Appliance Maintenance

Are you looking for ways to keep your appliances working well? DIY care makes it easy. Cleaning your appliances often helps stop parts from getting blocked. Checking filters can fix airflow or water problems. Keeping up with maintenance helps your appliances work better for a longer time.

If you set regular schedules and follow the tips in this guide, you can avoid common appliance problems and keep them at their best. Next, we will discuss cleaning and filter replacement tips to keep your devices running smoothly.

Regular Cleaning Schedules

Preventive care can greatly increase how long your appliance lasts. Make sure to clean the inside parts often. This stop dirt from building up and helps everything work better. Cleanliness is especially important for refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and others.

For refrigerators, you should clean the condenser coils every six months. Also, throw away spoiled food right away. In dishwashers, clean the filters and spray arms every month. This helps ensure they wash dishes well. Ovens need regular wipe-downs to remove grease and food. A clean surface helps the sensors work properly.

Put in some effort for daily or weekly cleaning. This keeps your appliance running well and stops surprising breakdowns.

Checking and Replacing Filters

Filters are important for how well appliances work. They deal with air, water, or dust. If you ignore them, you may have problems with your dishwasher, refrigerator, or HVAC system.

You should rinse dishwasher filters in water every month to remove food bits. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, change its filter every six months. HVAC systems often need their filters changed with each season to keep good airflow. You can check product manuals for the exact care schedules.

Keeping filters clean and working well helps you avoid issues with your appliances over time. This can reduce the chance of them breaking down.

When to Call a Professional

Some appliance problems can be risky and need more than just basic skills. For example, range repair that includes exposed wires or overloaded circuits requires a professional touch. Trying to fix these issues without the right skills could lead to electric shocks or fires.

Technicians who have voltage meters and know how systems work are important for finding these tough problems. They don’t just fix what’s hidden but also stop them from happening again. Always unplug your appliances and talk to experts if you think there is an electrical problem.

When your own troubleshooting does not help, it is best to rely on trained people for safe and reliable fixes every time.

Trust Us at Viking Professional Service for Guaranteed Repairs

When DIY fixes don’t work and your appliances still won’t respond, Viking Professional Service is here to help. We offer reliable solutions that fit your appliance’s specific problem. You can trust us to fix problems correctly, which helps your appliances last longer for your convenience at home. Whether oven repair, refrigerator repair, or maintenance services, our team of skilled technicians understands the intricacies of various appliances. We come equipped not just with tools but with extensive knowledge and experience to tackle any issue you might encounter. Contact us today to learn more!

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with common appliance issues with appliances is not hard. With the easy solutions in this article, you can fix things quickly. For example, you can fix a refrigerator that isn’t cooling or an oven that won’t heat. Doing regular maintenance and using simple DIY tips can help your appliances last longer and work better. But remember, some problems might need a professional’s help. If you want more tips and guides on how to care for your Viking range, check out our blog post about What to Do When Your Freestanding Range Smokes for more advice!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common failure in refrigerators?

A common problem in refrigerators is that the defrost drains can get clogged. This clogging can cause water to leak. Another issue is broken evaporator fan motors, which stop the fridge from cooling properly. It’s important to take quick action for refrigerator repair. This includes unclogging the drains and replacing any faulty motors.

How often should I inspect my appliances?

Looking at your appliances is important for regular care. Each month, check the filters and clean the inside parts. Every six months, clean the coils on your refrigerator or the vents of your dryer. Doing these tasks can stop dirt from piling up and will help you notice any damage. This way, your appliances stay working well.

How can I tell if my dishwasher needs to be repaired or replaced?

If your dishwasher has persistent issues like bad smells, drainage problems, or a broken motor after multiple repairs, consider replacing it. Older models may incur higher repair costs than purchasing a new one. Prioritize appliance maintenance to avoid wasting money on fixes.

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