Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Appliance Repair in Boston, Appliance Repair Pros
Welcome to the Appliance Repair Pros FAQ page. We have compiled this comprehensive resource to help homeowners in Boston Massachusetts and the surrounding neighborhoods understand their appliances better. Whether you live in a historic brownstone in the South End or a modern condo in the Seaport District, your home relies on functional machinery. When a refrigerator stops cooling or a washing machine refuses to spin, you have questions. We have answers.
We believe in transparency and education. This page covers everything from our general service policies to specific troubleshooting tips for major brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Bosch, and Samsung. We address common mechanical failures, electronic error codes, and maintenance best practices. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make confident decisions about your home repairs. If you do not see your specific question listed here, please reach out to us directly. We are your local experts for appliance repair in Boston.
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General Service Questions
Which neighborhoods in Boston do you serve?
We serve the entire Boston metropolitan area. Our technicians are stationed locally to provide efficient response times to Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, North End, Charlestown, South Boston, East Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Fenway Kenmore, Allston, and Brighton. We also serve many of the immediate surrounding communities. We understand the unique logistics of working in the city, from parking on narrow streets to navigating walk up apartments.
Do you repair older appliances?
Yes, we repair older appliances. Many older units, particularly those from brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag, are built with heavy duty components that are well worth preserving. We will assess the condition of your older machine honestly. If a repair can extend its life significantly, we will recommend it. If the unit has reached the end of its useful life or if parts are no longer available (NLA), we will let you know so you can consider replacement.
How quickly can you get a technician to my home?
We strive to offer prompt scheduling to minimize the disruption to your routine. In many cases, we can arrange for next day service. Our availability depends on the current volume of calls and your specific location within Boston. We provide clear arrival windows so you do not have to wait around all day. We recommend calling as soon as you notice an issue to secure the earliest possible slot.
What should I do before the technician arrives?
Please ensure there is a clear path to the appliance. If you have pets, it is helpful to secure them in another room for their safety and ours. For refrigerator repairs, you generally do not need to empty the unit unless specifically asked, but moving items off the top of the fridge is helpful. For laundry repairs, please remove any clothes from the machine if possible. If the appliance is hardwired or difficult to access, please let us know when booking.
Do you service gas and electric appliances?
Yes, we are fully trained to service both gas and electric appliances. We handle gas ranges, ovens, cooktops, and dryers, as well as their electric counterparts. We prioritize safety when working with gas lines and high voltage electrical circuits. Whether you have a dual fuel range in a chef’s kitchen or an electric dryer in a basement, we have the expertise to fix it.
Do you work on built in or integrated appliances?
Yes, we specialize in high end built in appliances often found in Boston’s luxury renovations. This includes column refrigerators, panel ready dishwashers, and wall ovens. We understand how to carefully remove and reinstall these units without damaging your custom cabinetry or flooring. We treat your home with the utmost respect during these complex service calls.
Refrigerator and Freezer Repair FAQs
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
This is a common issue that can stem from several causes. It often indicates that the condenser coils are clogged with dust, preventing the system from dissipating heat. It could also be a failure of the evaporator fan motor, which circulates cold air, or the start relay on the compressor. In more serious cases, it could be a refrigerant leak or a compressor failure. We recommend cleaning the coils first to see if performance improves.
Why is water leaking onto my kitchen floor?
Water leaks from a refrigerator are usually 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. If that tube is blocked by food debris or ice, the water overflows inside the fridge and leaks out onto the floor. It could also be a leak in the water supply line to the ice maker or water dispenser.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Ice maker failures are frequent. The issue could be a frozen fill tube, a failed water inlet valve, or a broken ice maker module. If the freezer temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice maker will not cycle. We also see issues with the bail arm getting stuck in the off position. Check your water filter as well, as a clogged filter can reduce water pressure enough to stop ice production.
What is the loud buzzing noise coming from my fridge?
A loud buzzing or humming noise usually points to a fan motor failing or the compressor struggling. If the noise stops when you open the door, it is likely the evaporator fan blade hitting ice buildup. If the noise comes from the back bottom, it could be the condenser fan or the compressor itself. A vibrating drain pan can also cause a rattling sound.
Why is there frost buildup in my freezer?
Frost usually means warm humid air is entering the freezer. Check the door gasket for tears or gaps. If the door seal is good, you likely have a defrost system failure. The heater, thermostat, or control board responsible for melting the frost on the coils has failed, causing ice to accumulate until it blocks airflow.
Washing Machine Repair FAQs
Why is my washing machine not spinning?
A washer that won’t spin leaves you with soaking wet clothes. On top loaders, this is often caused by a broken lid switch (the machine won’t spin if it thinks the lid is open) or a failed actuator. On front loaders, it can be a load imbalance, a worn drive belt, or a motor control issue. We can diagnose the specific mechanical or electronic failure preventing the spin cycle.
Why is my front load washer smelling like mildew?
Mold and mildew build up in the door boot seal and the outer tub of front loaders due to moisture retention. To prevent this, leave the door ajar between washes and run a monthly clean cycle with a specialized tablet. If the smell is severe, we may need to replace the door gasket and manually clean the housing.
Why is my washer not draining water?
If the cycle ends with water in the drum, you have a drainage issue. The most common cause is a clogged drain pump filter (coin trap). Small items like socks, coins, or masks can block the pump impeller. It could also be a failed drain pump motor or a kinked drain hose. We can clear the obstruction or replace the pump.
Why is my washer vibrating violently?
Excessive vibration is often caused by an unbalanced load or the machine not being level. However, if the machine is level and still bangs loudly, the suspension rods (on top loaders) or the shock absorbers (on front loaders) may have worn out. In severe cases, the rear tub bearing or spider arm may have failed, which is a major repair.
Why is the cycle taking so long to finish?
If your washer takes hours to complete a cycle, it may be struggling to fill with water due to clogged inlet screens or low water pressure. It could also be struggling to balance the load before spinning, or the heater (in models with sanitize cycles) is taking too long to heat the water. We can check the error codes to pinpoint the delay.
Dryer Repair FAQs
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
A dryer that tumbles without heat is useless. On electric dryers, this is often a burnt heating element or a tripped circuit breaker (one leg of power is lost). On gas dryers, it is often a weak igniter or failed gas valve coils. A blown thermal fuse is another common cause, which usually happens because of a restricted vent.
Why does my dryer take multiple cycles to dry clothes?
This is almost always an airflow issue. The moist air cannot escape the drum. Check your lint trap and, more importantly, the vent duct leading outside. In Boston homes with long vent runs, lint builds up and restricts flow. If the vent is clear, the internal blower wheel may be stripped or clogged.
Why is my dryer making a squeaking noise?
Squeaking or thumping sounds indicate mechanical wear. The drum support rollers, idler pulley, or rear bearing are likely worn out. Ignoring this noise can lead to the drum grinding against the cabinet or the belt snapping. We can replace the maintenance kit to restore quiet operation.
Why won’t my dryer start?
If you press the start button and nothing happens, check the door switch. If the switch doesn’t click or signal “closed,” the dryer won’t start for safety reasons. It could also be a broken start switch, a blown thermal fuse (which cuts power entirely on some models), or a timer failure.
Dishwasher Repair FAQs
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes?
Poor cleaning performance is frustrating. It is often caused by clogged spray arm holes, a dirty filter, or a failing wash motor. If the water cannot circulate with enough pressure, the food won’t be scrubbed off. Also, check that the soap dispenser is opening and that you are using fresh detergent. Hard water in some areas can also affect cleaning.
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
Standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher is a common complaint. It usually indicates a clog in the filter, the drain hose, or the air gap on the sink. The drain pump itself may have failed or become jammed with debris like glass or bone. We can clear the blockage or replace the pump.
Why is my dishwasher leaking?
Leaks can damage your cabinetry and floor. A leak from the front door often means the door seal is worn or the machine is not level. A leak from underneath could be a loose hose clamp, a failed water inlet valve, or a crack in the pump housing. We trace the water trail to find the source.
Why are my dishes still wet?
Modern dishwashers rely on condensation drying and rinse aid. If you are not using rinse aid, your dishes will be wet. If you are using it and they are still wet, the heating element may have failed, or the vent fan (if equipped) is not working. On Bosch models, it could be a failure in the heat pump or Zeolite system.
Oven and Range Repair FAQs
Why is my gas burner clicking but not lighting?
This is often due to moisture or food debris clogging the burner ports or coating the igniter electrode. Clean the burner cap and base thoroughly. If it is clean and dry but still won’t light, the spark module or the ignition switch harness may be failing.
Why is my oven temperature not accurate?
If your oven burns food or takes forever to cook, the thermostat or temperature sensor may have drifted out of calibration. We can test the resistance of the sensor. In some cases, the control board relay is failing to cycle the heat correctly. On gas ovens, a weak igniter can cause slow heating and temperature fluctuations.
Why is my glass cooktop burner not working?
On electric glass tops, a burner failure is usually caused by a bad infinite switch (the knob) or a burnt out radiant element under the glass. If the burner only works on “High,” the switch contacts are likely welded together.
Why is the door locked and won’t open?
This often happens after a self cleaning cycle. The high temperature lock mechanism may have jammed or the sensor may not have reset after the oven cooled down. We can manually release the latch and diagnose the lock motor or sensor issue.
Brand Specific FAQs
Samsung Appliance Repair FAQs
Why does my Samsung ice maker keep freezing up?
Samsung French door refrigerators have a known design issue where warm air enters the ice room, causing the ice maker to freeze into a solid block. We perform a specialized repair that involves sealing the ice room with food grade silicone, replacing the auger and ice maker, and updating the software to prevent recurrence.
What does the DC code mean on my Samsung washer?
The DC or UE code indicates an Unbalanced Load or Door Error. If the load is balanced but the code persists, it often means the suspension rods in your top loader are worn out and can no longer support the tub. We can replace these rods to stabilize the machine.
Why is my Samsung dryer heating element burning out?
Samsung dryer heating elements are prone to failure if there is any restriction in the airflow. We replace the heating coil assembly and the thermostats. We also strongly advise checking your home’s vent ducting, as this is the primary cause of repeated element failure.
LG Appliance Repair FAQs
What does the LE code mean on my LG washer?
LE stands for Locked Engine. It usually indicates an issue with the Direct Drive motor system. It is often the Hall Sensor (Rotor Position Sensor) that has failed or a damaged wiring harness. Occasionally, it means the machine is overloaded. We can test the sensor and replace it if needed.
Why is my LG refrigerator running but not cooling?
If your LG fridge has lights but no cooling, it may be a failure of the Linear Compressor. These compressors have a specific failure rate. We can diagnose if it is the compressor itself, the start relay, or a software issue requiring a board update. We are experienced with these high tech cooling systems.
What does the D80 code mean on my LG dryer?
D80 indicates an 80% blockage in your dryer venting. This is a safety feature called FlowSense. It is rarely a problem with the dryer itself but rather a warning that your home’s ductwork needs cleaning. Using the dryer with this code can lead to long dry times and fire hazards.
Whirlpool and Maytag Repair FAQs
Why is the lid lock light flashing on my Whirlpool washer?
A flashing lid lock light on a Whirlpool or Maytag Vertical Modular Washer indicates the machine has detected a fault and stopped. It could be a failed lid lock assembly, a bad shift actuator, or a speed sensor error. We can enter the diagnostic mode to read the saved error codes and identify the failed part.
Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning well?
Whirlpool dishwashers often use a chopper blade to grind food. If this blade breaks or the screen gets clogged with debris like labels or seeds, water circulation drops. We can inspect the sump assembly and replace the chopper or clean the filter to restore pressure.
Why is my Maytag washer making a loud roaring noise?
A loud roar during the spin cycle that sounds like a jet engine usually indicates a tub bearing failure. This is a significant repair involving the replacement of the bearings and the tub seal. It is common in Bravos top loaders as they age.
GE Appliance Repair FAQs
Why is my GE refrigerator not cooling?
GE refrigerators often suffer from fan motor failures. If the evaporator fan in the freezer fails, it cannot circulate cold air to the fresh food section. We also see issues with the main control board on the back of the unit. We can test the voltage to determine if it is the motor or the board.
Why is my GE oven getting too hot?
If your oven is burning food or showing an F code for runaway temperature, the temperature sensor may be faulty, or the control board relay may be stuck in the “on” position. We can test the sensor resistance and replace the board if necessary to ensure safe operation.
Why is my GE dishwasher not starting?
If the control panel is unresponsive or beeping, it could be a door latch issue or a tripped thermal fuse on the control board. We also see issues with the user interface board on top control models failing due to steam moisture.
Bosch Appliance Repair FAQs
What does the E15 code mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E15 indicates the leak safety system has activated. Water has leaked into the base pan of the dishwasher, causing a styrofoam float to trip a switch. The drain pump will run continuously. We must find the source of the leak, which could be the sump seal or water inlet valve, and remove the water to reset the unit.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher not drying plastics?
Bosch dishwashers use condensation drying and do not have a heating element at the bottom. This is great for energy efficiency but requires Rinse Aid to work effective. Ensure you are using liquid rinse aid. If your model has CrystalDry and isn’t working, the fan system may need service.
Why is my Bosch washer stuck with water in it?
This is likely an E18 error code, indicating a drain timeout. The pump is likely clogged with debris. Bosch washers have a coin trap filter on the front bottom. We can open this (carefully catching the water) to clear the blockage and get the machine draining again.
Sub-Zero and Wolf Repair FAQs
Why is my Sub-Zero refrigerator running constantly?
Sub-Zero units have dual compressors. If one is running non stop, it is likely due to dirty condenser coils. These should be vacuumed every 6 months. If they are clean and it still runs, it could be a vacuum leak in the door seal or a sealed system issue we need to diagnose.
Why is my Wolf oven not heating evenly?
Wolf ranges use precise heating elements. If the bake is uneven, one of the elements may have burnt out, or the convection fans may not be circulating air correctly. We can test the elements and fans to ensure your professional range performs as expected.
Do you maintain Sub-Zero appliances?
Yes, regular maintenance is key for these luxury units. We perform condenser cleaning, drain tube clearing, and door seal inspections to keep your Sub-Zero operating efficiently for decades.
Miele Appliance Repair FAQs
What does F70 mean on my Miele dishwasher?
F70 is the Waterproof System error. Similar to Bosch’s E15, it means water is in the base pan. Miele’s system is very sensitive. We will locate the leak, repair it, and dry the sensor to restore function.
Why is my Miele TwinDos washer not dispensing?
If the TwinDos system isn’t used for a while, the detergent lines can clog with dried soap. We can perform a deep clean of the dispensing lines or replace the care unit to get the automatic dosing working again.
Why is my Miele dryer telling me to clean the airways?
Miele heat pump dryers rely on clear filters. You must clean the plinth filter (bottom left) and the door filters. If the error persists, the heat exchanger fins may be clogged with fine dust, requiring a service visit to clean them professionally.
Kenmore Appliance Repair FAQs
Who makes my Kenmore appliance?
Kenmore appliances are made by other manufacturers. A model number starting with 110 is Whirlpool, 795 is LG, and 253 is Frigidaire. We use this code to bring the correct parts. We are experienced with all the underlying manufacturers of Kenmore products.
Why is my Kenmore Elite fridge not cooling?
If it is an LG built model (795 prefix), it likely has a linear compressor issue similar to LG branded units. If it is a Whirlpool built model (106 prefix), it may be a start relay or defrost control failure. We diagnose based on the specific build of your unit.
Conclusion
At Appliance Repair Pros, we hope this FAQ has provided valuable insight into your home appliances. We are dedicated to serving the Boston community with honest, technically accurate, and respectful service. Whether you need a simple belt replacement on a dryer or a complex compressor repair on a built in refrigerator, our team is ready to help. We understand the value of your home and your time.
Reach out to us for assistance.