Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive Appliance Repair FAQ for Woburn Homeowners | Appliance Repair Pros
At Appliance Repair Pros we believe that an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. When a major appliance breaks down it creates immediate stress and confusion. You likely have questions about what went wrong, whether it can be fixed, and how the repair process works. We have compiled this extensive Frequently Asked Questions resource to provide you with clear and detailed answers. This page covers our general service policies, specific troubleshooting advice for major appliance types, and technical insights into the major brands we service. We are your dedicated resource for appliance repair in Woburn and we want you to feel confident in choosing us to restore the comfort and convenience of your home.
Our team has decades of combined experience working on the complex machinery that powers modern kitchens and laundry rooms. From the thermodynamics of refrigeration to the electronic control logic of smart washers we understand the science behind your appliances. Use this guide to learn more about the symptoms you are experiencing. If you do not see your specific question listed here please reach out to us directly. We are always ready to assist our neighbors in Woburn with professional and reliable service.
General Service Questions
Do you provide appliance repair service in my neighborhood?
We are a locally focused business dedicated to serving Woburn, Massachusetts. We are not a national call center. We live and work right here in the community. Our technicians are familiar with the local roads and neighborhoods which allows us to provide efficient scheduling. We service the entire Woburn area including zip codes 01801, 01807, 01813, 01815, and 01888. If you are located in Woburn you are definitely within our service territory.
Is it better to repair my appliance or replace it?
This is the most common question we receive. The answer depends on several factors including the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the quality of the machine. Generally if an appliance is less than ten years old and the repair is less than half the cost of a new unit repair is the wise financial choice. Older units from high quality brands like Miele, Bosch, or Whirlpool are often worth keeping running because their build quality exceeds that of many entry level modern units. We provide an honest assessment of the overall health of your appliance so you can make an informed decision.
Do you offer emergency appliance repair service?
We understand that some appliance failures cannot wait. A refrigerator that has stopped cooling or a washing machine that is leaking water constitutes a significant disruption to your life and potential property damage. While we schedule appointments on a first come first served basis we prioritize urgent situations whenever our schedule permits. We strive to get a technician to your home as quickly as possible to mitigate damage and restore essential functions.
Can I repair the appliance myself?
While there are many online tutorials available we strongly advise against do it yourself repairs for major appliances. Modern machines involve high voltage electricity, combustible gases, and water pressure. Attempting a repair without proper training and tools can lead to personal injury, water damage, or fire hazards. Furthermore, digital appliances often require diagnostic computers to identify the true root cause. Trusting a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly protecting your home and your family.
Refrigerator Repair FAQ
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
A refrigerator that never shuts off is usually struggling to maintain its set temperature. The most frequent cause is dirty condenser coils. These coils release the heat removed from inside the fridge. If they are covered in dust or pet hair the system cannot dissipate heat efficiently causing the compressor to run nonstop. Other causes include a failing door gasket that lets warm air in or a problem with the sealed system such as a low refrigerant charge. We can clean the coils and test the sealed system pressures to resolve this.
Why is there water pooling at the bottom of my fridge?
Water inside the refrigerator usually indicates a clogged defrost drain. Every frost free refrigerator has a cycle where it melts ice off the cooling coils. This water is supposed to drain into a pan under the unit and evaporate. If the drain tube gets blocked with food particles or ice the water overflows into the fresh food compartment. We can clear this blockage and flush the line with hot water to ensure proper drainage.
Why is my freezer cold but my fridge is warm?
This issue is typically caused by an airflow problem. In most refrigerators the cold air is generated in the freezer section and blown into the fridge section by an evaporator fan. If this fan fails the fridge gets no cold air. It can also be caused by the air damper getting stuck in the closed position. Another possibility is a defrost failure where ice builds up on the coils and blocks the air channels. We can test the fan, damper, and defrost components to restore airflow.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
If your ice maker has stopped working check that the bail arm is in the down position. If it is on but silent the water inlet valve may be failed or the fill tube may be frozen solid. Low water pressure from a clogged house filter can also prevent the valve from closing properly or opening fully. We troubleshoot the entire ice production cycle from the water supply to the ejection motor.
Washing Machine Repair FAQ
Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
Odors are a common complaint with front loading washers. Because these units seal tightly water can stay trapped in the door boot seal and the outer tub promoting mold growth. Using too much detergent or fabric softener creates a residue that feeds this mold. We recommend running a monthly clean cycle with a specialized washer cleaner. If the smell persists we may need to replace the door boot seal if it is deeply stained with mold.
Why is my washer vibrating or walking across the room?
Excessive vibration is usually due to an unbalanced load or a suspension failure. If the washer is not level on the floor it will shake. However if it is level and still bangs the shock absorbers or suspension rods are likely worn out. These components hold the tub in place. When they fail the tub can hit the cabinet. We can replace these suspension parts to restore smooth operation.
Why is my washing machine not draining?
If your washer stops with water in the drum it is almost always a draining issue. The drain pump filter (coin trap) may be clogged with lint, coins, or small socks. If the filter is clear the drain pump motor itself may have failed. We also check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. We can clear these obstructions or replace the pump to get the water flowing out again.
Why will my front load washer door not open?
The door lock on a front loader is a safety device. It will not open if the machine detects water in the drum or if the cycle is still active. If the cycle is done and it still won’t open the lock mechanism may be broken. Do not force the door as you can break the latch or the handle. We can manually release the lock from the inside and replace the faulty assembly.
Washing Machine Repair FAQ
Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
Odors are a common complaint with front loading washers. Because these units seal tightly water can stay trapped in the door boot seal and the outer tub promoting mold growth. Using too much detergent or fabric softener creates a residue that feeds this mold. We recommend running a monthly clean cycle with a specialized washer cleaner. If the smell persists we may need to replace the door boot seal if it is deeply stained with mold.
Why is my washer vibrating or walking across the room?
Excessive vibration is usually due to an unbalanced load or a suspension failure. If the washer is not level on the floor it will shake. However if it is level and still bangs the shock absorbers or suspension rods are likely worn out. These components hold the tub in place. When they fail the tub can hit the cabinet. We can replace these suspension parts to restore smooth operation.
Why is my washing machine not draining?
If your washer stops with water in the drum it is almost always a draining issue. The drain pump filter (coin trap) may be clogged with lint, coins, or small socks. If the filter is clear the drain pump motor itself may have failed. We also check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. We can clear these obstructions or replace the pump to get the water flowing out again.
Why will my front load washer door not open?
The door lock on a front loader is a safety device. It will not open if the machine detects water in the drum or if the cycle is still active. If the cycle is done and it still won’t open the lock mechanism may be broken. Do not force the door as you can break the latch or the handle. We can manually release the lock from the inside and replace the faulty assembly.
Dryer Repair FAQ
Why is my dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes?
Long drying times are the number one sign of a restricted vent. The dryer needs to push the hot moist air outside. If the vent ducting in your walls is clogged with lint the air has nowhere to go and the moisture stays in the clothes. This is a fire hazard. We can inspect the internal airways of the dryer but you may also need a professional vent cleaning service for your home’s ductwork.
Why is my dryer making a loud squealing noise?
Squealing, thumping, or grinding noises usually indicate mechanical wear. The most common culprits are the drum support rollers, the idler pulley, or the drive belt. Over time the lubrication in the rollers dries out or the bearings fail. We perform a maintenance service where we replace these common wear items to silence the machine and extend its life.
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
On an electric dryer this is often a burnt out heating element. The metal coil can break due to age and expansion. It can also be a blown thermal fuse which cuts power to the heater if the unit gets too hot. On a gas dryer the issue is often the igniter or the gas valve coils. We test these components for continuity to determine which one has failed.
Dishwasher Repair FAQ
Why are my dishes still wet after the cycle?
Drying performance depends on the type of dishwasher. European models like Bosch use condensation drying which relies on the dishes getting hot. If you do not use rinse aid the water will not evaporate properly. American models use a heating element. If the element is burnt out or the vent fan is broken the dishes will stay wet. We can test the heating circuit and advise on proper usage settings.
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning well?
Poor cleaning is often caused by a lack of water pressure. This can be due to a clogged filter in the bottom of the tub or clogged holes in the spray arms. Hard water deposits can block these tiny holes. It can also be a failure of the circulation pump or the water inlet valve not letting enough water in. We inspect the entire wash system to ensure full coverage.
Why is my dishwasher leaking onto the floor?
Leaks can come from several places. The door gasket may be torn or brittle. The water inlet valve may be stuck open. The pump seal may be worn out. Even using the wrong type of soap (like regular dish soap) can cause oversudsing that pushes water out of the door. We trace the leak to its source and repair the specific failure point.
Stove and Oven Repair FAQ
Why is my gas burner clicking but not lighting?
Continuous clicking is usually a sign that the spark module is working but the gas is not igniting. This is often caused by dirty burner ports preventing gas from reaching the spark. It can also be moisture in the switches after a spill. We clean the burner assembly and troubleshoot the ignition switches to restore a safe flame.
Why is my electric oven not heating up?
The most common cause is a failed bake element. The heating coil at the bottom of the oven can blister and break breaking the electrical circuit. It can also be a bad temperature sensor or a control board failure. We test the resistance of the element and the sensor to confirm the diagnosis.
Why is my oven temperature inaccurate?
If your oven is burning cookies or leaving roasts raw the temperature calibration may be off. This can happen as the temperature sensor ages and its resistance changes. It can also be a sign of a weak igniter in a gas oven. We can calibrate the control board settings or replace the sensor to ensure the temperature matches what you set.
Brand-Specific Repair Questions
GE Appliance Repair FAQ
What is the TwinChill system in my GE refrigerator?
TwinChill is GE’s dual evaporator technology found in Profile and Café models. It uses separate cooling systems for the fridge and freezer. This prevents dry freezer air from dehydrating your fresh food. If you have cooling issues it requires diagnosing two separate systems.
Why is my GE dishwasher beeping randomly?
Random beeping often indicates a control board issue or a door latch problem. If the machine thinks the door has opened slightly it will beep. It can also be caused by moisture entering the control panel. We can diagnose the specific error code causing the alert.
Whirlpool Appliance Repair FAQ
My Whirlpool washer won’t spin and the lid light is flashing.
This is a very common issue on Whirlpool VMW top loaders. The flashing lid lock light indicates an error often related to the lid lock assembly itself or the shift actuator. If the machine cannot lock the lid safely it will not spin. We can read the fault codes to identify the failed part.
Why is my Whirlpool fridge making a clicking sound?
A clicking sound from the back of the fridge usually indicates a failed start relay on the compressor. The relay tries to start the compressor fails and clicks off on the overload protector. This is a common repair that we can perform quickly to get your fridge running again.
LG Appliance Repair FAQ
What does the LE code mean on my LG washer?
LE stands for Locked Rotor Error. It means the motor cannot turn. This is frequently caused by a failure of the Hall Sensor (Rotor Position Sensor) on the back of the motor. It can also be a wiring harness issue. We can test the sensor and wiring to resolve this.
Why is my LG refrigerator not cooling but the fans are running?
LG refrigerators use a Linear Compressor. If the fans are running but the unit is warm the compressor may have failed mechanically or the sealed system may have a leak. We perform specialized tests to determine if the linear compressor is building pressure.
Samsung Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is there ice in the back of my Samsung fridge?
This is a known issue where the defrost drain freezes over and ice builds up on the evaporator cover. It causes the fan to make a loud noise and eventually stops cooling. We install an updated service kit with a larger drain clip and seal the panel to prevent this from recurring.
What does the Ub or Ur code mean on my Samsung washer?
This code indicates an Unbalanced Load. If the washer cannot balance the clothes it will not spin. If this happens constantly even with small loads the suspension rods are likely worn out. We replace the four suspension rods to stabilize the tub.
Frigidaire Appliance Repair FAQ
What does the SY EF code mean on my Frigidaire fridge?
SY EF stands for System Evaporator Fan. It means the fan in the freezer is not spinning or the control board cannot see it. This results in the fresh food section getting warm. We can replace the fan motor to restore air circulation.
Why is my Frigidaire dryer making a loud scraping noise?
Frigidaire dryers often use a rear bearing that is a ball and socket joint. When the grease dries out the metal wears down and scrapes. We install a rear bearing kit to silence the dryer and prevent damage to the drum shaft.
Maytag Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my Maytag Bravos washer sounding like a jet engine?
A loud roaring noise during spin indicates tub bearing failure. This happens when the water seal leaks and ruins the bearings. This is a major repair involving a complete teardown of the washer. We have the specialized tools to press in new bearings and seals.
Why is my Maytag oven taking forever to preheat?
On a Maytag gas oven this is usually a weak igniter. The igniter must get hot enough to pull a specific amperage to open the gas valve. As it ages its resistance changes and it takes longer to open the valve. Replacing the igniter restores fast preheat times.
Kenmore Appliance Repair FAQ
Who makes my Kenmore appliance?
Kenmore appliances are built by other manufacturers like Whirlpool, LG, and Frigidaire. We can tell who made yours by the three digit prefix on the model number. For example 110 is Whirlpool and 795 is LG. This allows us to bring the correct parts for your specific unit.
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator not cooling?
Many Kenmore Elite fridges are built by LG and use the linear compressor. If it stops cooling we check for compressor failure. If it is a Whirlpool built unit (Coldspot) we check for start relay or defrost failures. We have the expertise to service both types.
KitchenAid Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher control panel not working?
If the buttons are unresponsive or the lights are erratic it may be a user interface failure or a thermal fuse issue. Steam can sometimes damage the ribbon cable on the control panel. We can diagnose the electronic fault and replace the interface.
What is the Preserva Food Care System?
This is KitchenAid’s dual cooling system. It uses a sequential valve to direct refrigerant to either the fridge or freezer evaporator. If one section is warm and the other is cold this valve or one of the fans may be at fault. We understand the logic of this system to fix it correctly.
Bosch Appliance Repair FAQ
What does the E15 error mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means the flood sensor in the base of the dishwasher has detected a leak. The pump runs continuously to prevent flooding. We must pull the dishwasher out to find the source of the leak which is often the sump seal or the water inlet valve.
Why are my dishes wet in my Bosch dishwasher?
Bosch uses condensation drying which relies on the residual heat of the dishes. Using Rinse Aid is mandatory for proper drying in these machines. If you are using it and dishes are still wet the heating element (integrated into the wash pump) may be bad. We can test the heater circuit.
Miele Appliance Repair FAQ
What is the Waterproof System fault on my Miele?
Miele appliances have a sealed base pan with a float switch. If water leaks into this pan the machine locks down and displays a fault code usually F70. This protects your home from water damage. We find the leak and repair it to reset the system.
Is it worth repairing an old Miele appliance?
Yes Miele appliances are designed for a 20 year lifespan. Even a 12 year old Miele is often superior to a brand new standard unit. Repairing it is usually the most economical choice as the internal components are built to last. We specialize in keeping these premium machines running.
Conclusion
We hope this FAQ page has provided you with the answers you need. At Appliance Repair Pros we are passionate about helping the residents of Woburn keep their homes running smoothly. Whether you have a simple question about a noise or need a complex repair on a high end refrigerator we are here to help. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction. If you are experiencing an appliance issue do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. Let us show you why we are the trusted choice for appliance repair in Woburn.
