Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Appliance Repair in Waltham, Massachusetts
At Appliance Repair Pros, we believe that an informed homeowner is our best customer. We understand that when an appliance breaks down, you have dozens of questions. Is it worth repairing? What is making that noise? Do you work on my specific brand? We have compiled this comprehensive guide to answer the most common inquiries we receive from our neighbors in Waltham, North Waltham, Warrendale, and the surrounding communities. Whether you are dealing with a warm refrigerator in Cedarwood or a spinning washer in the West End, you will find answers here.
We are dedicated to providing clear, transparent communication. Our goal is to demystify the repair process so you can make the best decision for your home. Below, we cover general service questions, specific troubleshooting for kitchen and laundry appliances, and detailed information about the major brands we service, including Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, and Miele.
General Service and Scheduling Questions
How quickly can you get a technician to my home in Waltham?
We understand that a broken appliance is a disruption to your daily life. We strive to offer prompt scheduling, often with next-day availability for urgent issues like warm refrigerators. Our technicians are local to the Waltham area, which allows us to navigate traffic efficiently from Trapelo Road to Moody Street. We provide specific arrival windows so you are not stuck waiting all day.
Do you service my specific neighborhood?
Yes, we cover all of Waltham and the immediate surrounding areas. We regularly have trucks in North Waltham, Cedarwood, Lakeview, Warrendale, Piety Corner, the Highlands, the South Side, Banks Square, and The Island. If you live in or near zip codes 02451, 02452, 02453, or 02454, you are in our primary service zone.
What should I do before the technician arrives?
To help us work efficiently, please ensure there is a clear path to the appliance. If the unit is in a tight closet or laundry room, moving small items out of the way helps. Please secure any pets in a separate room for their safety. You do not need to pull the appliance out yourself; our technicians have the proper equipment to move heavy units safely without damaging your floors.
Do you use original manufacturer parts?
Yes, we prioritize the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These components are designed specifically for your make and model, ensuring proper fit and function. While aftermarket parts can sometimes be cheaper, they often lack the durability and precise engineering required for modern high-tech appliances. We carry a large inventory of common OEM parts in our vehicles to aim for a first-visit fix.
Is it worth repairing an appliance that is over 10 years old?
This is the most common question we hear. The answer depends on the appliance type, the brand, and the specific failure. Generally, high-end brands like Miele, Sub-Zero, and Wolf are worth repairing even at 15 or 20 years old due to their build quality. For standard domestic brands, if the repair cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost, a repair is usually the wise choice. We provide an honest assessment of the overall condition of your machine before proceeding with any work.
Do you offer protection on your labor and parts?
Absolutely. We stand behind our workmanship. We provide 90-day protection on all labor and installed parts. If the same component fails within that window, we will return to make it right at no additional charge to you. We want you to have peace of mind that the repair will last.
Will the technician call before arriving?
Yes, our technicians will give you a courtesy call or text when they are on their way to your home. This gives you a “heads up” so you can be ready. We respect your time and communicate clearly if unforeseen delays occur on a previous job.
Refrigerator and Freezer FAQ
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
If the fans are running but the air is warm, it is often a problem with the sealed system (compressor or refrigerant) or the defrost system. If the evaporator coils are clogged with frost, air cannot circulate. This is a common issue we fix. It could also be dirty condenser coils preventing the unit from releasing heat.
Why is my freezer cold but the fresh food section is warm?
This is a classic airflow problem. Most refrigerators cool the freezer first and then blow that cold air into the fridge section. If the fan motor fails or the damper door between the compartments is stuck closed, the cold air is trapped in the freezer. It can also be caused by a defrost failure clogging the air ducts with ice.
Why is water leaking onto the floor from my fridge?
Water pooling under the crisper drawers or on the floor is usually caused by a clogged defrost drain. When the fridge goes into a defrost cycle, the melting ice drips into a trough. If the drain tube is blocked by ice or debris, the water overflows inside. We can clear this drain and install a heater probe to prevent recurrence.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Ice makers stop working for several reasons: a frozen fill tube blocking water entry, a defective water inlet valve, a failed motor module, or a freezer temperature that is too high (above 10 degrees). If you have a Samsung ice maker, it may be frozen over due to air infiltration, a known issue we can resolve.
What is that loud buzzing noise coming from my fridge?
A loud buzz or hum often indicates a fan blade hitting an obstruction, usually ice buildup. If the noise stops when you open the door, it is the evaporator fan. If it comes from the back bottom, it could be the condenser fan or the compressor start relay failing.
How often should I clean my condenser coils?
We recommend cleaning them every six months, or more often if you have shedding pets. Dust buildup acts as insulation, forcing the compressor to run hotter and longer. This shortens the life of your refrigerator and increases energy bills.
Washing Machine FAQ
Why does my washer smell like mildew?
This is common in front-load washers. Moisture gets trapped in the door gasket and drum, promoting mold growth. We recommend running a “Clean Washer” cycle with bleach or a specialized tablet monthly. Also, leave the door slightly ajar between loads to allow the interior to dry out.
Why is my washing machine not spinning water out?
If clothes are soaking wet, the washer failed to reach high spin speed. This can be caused by an unbalanced load, a failed lid lock switch (safety feature), a worn drive belt, or a drain pump blockage. If the water cannot drain, the machine will not spin.
Why is my washer making a loud banging noise?
A banging noise usually indicates a suspension issue. On top loaders, the suspension rods may be worn out, causing the tub to hit the cabinet. On front loaders, it could be a broken shock absorber or a failed spider arm on the back of the drum.
What does the “LE” code mean on my washer?
On LG and Samsung washers, LE often stands for “Locked Motor” or “Load Error.” It means the motor is struggling to turn the drum. This can be a sensor issue (Hall sensor), a wire harness problem, or simply an overloaded machine.
Why is my washer filling slowly?
Slow filling is almost always caused by clogged inlet screens. There are small mesh filters where your water hoses connect to the machine. Sediment from your pipes can block them. Turn off the water, unscrew the hoses, and gently clean the screens.
Clothes Dryer FAQ
Why is my dryer taking two or three cycles to dry clothes?
This is the number one symptom of a clogged dryer vent. Even if the dryer gets hot, if the moist air cannot escape, the clothes will not dry. This is a serious fire hazard. Please check your external vent hood for blockages immediately.
Why is my dryer squeaking loudly?
Squeaking is usually caused by mechanical wear. It could be the rear drum rollers, the idler pulley that puts tension on the belt, or the drum bearing. Ignoring this noise can lead to a snapped belt or motor failure.
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
If the drum turns but the air is cold, you likely have a burnt-out heating element or a blown thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that trips if the dryer overheats (often due to a clogged vent). On gas dryers, it could be a failed igniter or gas valve coil.
Do you repair heat pump dryers?
Yes, we service modern heat pump dryers from brands like Miele and Bosch. These units do not use standard heating elements and require specific knowledge of heat exchangers and secondary lint filters.
Dishwasher FAQ
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?
Poor cleaning is often due to a lack of water circulation. This can be caused by a clogged filter, a broken food chopper blade, or a failing wash pump. Also, verify that the spray arms are not blocked by tall plates.
Why is there water left in the bottom of my dishwasher?
A small amount of water near the filter is normal to keep seals moist. However, if water covers the bottom, you have a drainage issue. Check your sink drain and garbage disposal for clogs. If those are clear, the dishwasher drain pump or check valve may be failed.
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the door?
Door leaks can be caused by a worn door gasket, a loose door latch, or using the wrong type of detergent. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that will push water out of the door seal. Only use automatic dishwasher detergent.
Why are my dishes wet after the cycle?
Modern dishwashers use condensation drying, which relies on the heat of the final rinse. Rinse Aid is essential for this process as it helps water sheet off surfaces. If you are not using Rinse Aid, your dishes will likely remain wet.
Oven, Range, and Cooktop FAQ
Why is my oven temperature not accurate?
Oven temperature sensors can drift over time. If your oven is consistently 25 degrees too hot or too cold, we can often calibrate the control board. If the variance is erratic, the sensor or the control board may need replacement.
Why is my gas burner clicking but not lighting?
Continuous clicking usually indicates moisture in the ignition switch or a dirty burner cap. If you recently cleaned the stove, let it dry out. If it persists, the spark module or the electrode may be faulty.
Why is my electric oven not heating?
If the oven won’t heat at all, it could be a burnt-out bake element (often hidden under the floor) or a blown thermal fuse. If the broil works but bake does not, the issue is isolated to the bake circuit.
Why is the door locked after self-cleaning?
The self-clean cycle uses extremely high heat. Sometimes this heat can damage the door lock motor or the control board, causing the latch to stick in the locked position. We can manually release the door and repair the lock assembly.
Brand Specific FAQ
GE Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my GE refrigerator fan making a roaring noise?
This is a common issue with GE refrigerators where the evaporator fan motor fails or the fan blade hits ice buildup. We carry the specific replacement motors for GE Profile and Cafe models to fix this quickly.
What does the “HRS” code mean on my GE fridge?
HRS stands for Horizontal Start Relay. It indicates a failure on the main control board that stops the compressor. The fridge will stop cooling. This requires a board replacement, which we can perform.
Whirlpool Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning or agitating?
On modern Whirlpool V-M washers, this is often caused by a failed “shift actuator.” This small component switches the transmission mode. We can diagnose this with the onboard error codes and replace the actuator.
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator defrosting poorly?
Many Whirlpool top-freezer models use a specific “Jazz” control board that manages the defrost cycle. When this board fails, the coils ice up. We can install an updated board to resolve this permanent issue.
Samsung Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my Samsung ice maker freezing up solid?
This is a known issue with the “Ice Master” design in French door models. Warm air leaks into the ice compartment, melting the ice which then refreezes into a block. We install a service kit that seals the compartment and updates the software to mitigate this.
What does the “dc” code mean on my Samsung washer?
The dc code indicates an Unbalanced Load. On top loaders, this often means the suspension rods have worn out and can no longer support the tub stability. We replace these rods to stop the banging and errors.
LG Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my LG refrigerator not cooling but running?
LG uses a linear compressor that is very efficient but has a specific failure rate. If the fans are running but the air is room temperature, the compressor may have failed. We are trained to diagnose linear compressor issues accurately.
What does the “LE” error mean on my LG washer?
LE stands for Locked Motor. This is often caused by a failure in the Hall Sensor (Rotor Position Sensor) on the direct drive motor. It is a relatively straightforward repair that restores your washer to full function.
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 control board cannot detect the fan spinning. This is usually a fan motor failure, but can sometimes be a control board communication issue. We test both to be sure.
Why is my Frigidaire oven beeping with an F1 code?
F1 indicates a control board failure or a stuck keypad button. If unplugging the oven doesn’t reset it, the electronic oven control (EOC) usually needs to be replaced.
Maytag Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my Maytag washer making a loud banging noise?
Maytag “Commercial Technology” washers are durable, but the suspension rods eventually wear out under heavy loads. When they do, the tub slams against the cabinet. Replacing the rod kit restores the smooth spin cycle.
Why is my Maytag dishwasher not cleaning the top rack?
Maytag units use a food chopper blade. If this blade breaks, debris clogs the water flow to the upper spray arm. We can replace the chopper assembly to restore full water pressure.
Kenmore Appliance Repair FAQ
Who makes my Kenmore appliance?
Kenmore appliances are built by other manufacturers. You can tell by the prefix of the model number. “110” is Whirlpool, “795” is LG, and “253” is Frigidaire. We use this code to ensure we bring the correct parts for your specific build.
Why is my Kenmore Elite dryer not heating?
Since many Elite dryers are built by LG, they often suffer from the same thermal fuse issues if the vent is clogged. We treat them with the same diagnostic steps as LG units to ensure safety.
KitchenAid Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher control panel blinking?
If the lights are flashing in a pattern, it is an error code. For example, 8 flashes followed by 1 flash indicates a drain problem. We can decipher these codes to find the failed component.
Why is my KitchenAid oven not heating evenly?
KitchenAid ovens rely on a specific calibration of the “Even-Heat” convection system. If the convection fan fails or the temperature sensor drifts, baking will be uneven. We can test and recalibrate the system.
Bosch Appliance Repair FAQ
What does the “E15” error mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means the leak safety system has triggered. Water has gathered in the base pan of the dishwasher. The machine will run the drain pump continuously. We must find the source of the leak (often the sump seal) to fix it.
Why are my dishes wet in my Bosch dishwasher?
Bosch uses condensation drying, which requires hot water and Rinse Aid. If you do not use Rinse Aid, the water will not sheet off the dishes, and they will remain wet. This is not a malfunction but a usage adjustment.
Miele Appliance Repair FAQ
Why is my Miele dishwasher showing the F11 drain error?
F11 indicates a drainage issue. Miele dishwashers are very sensitive to obstructions in the non-return valve (ball valve) in the sump. A small piece of glass or bone can trigger this. We can clear the blockage and test the pump.
Why is my Miele TwinDos washer not dispensing detergent?
If the TwinDos system is not used for a long time, the detergent can dry and clog the lines. We can run maintenance cycles and flush the lines to restore the automatic dispensing function.
Contact Us Today for Expert Service
We hope this FAQ page has helped answer some of your questions. If you are facing an appliance issue that requires professional attention, do not hesitate to reach out. We are ready to help homeowners in Waltham and the surrounding areas get their homes back in working order. Reach out to us for assistance with your repair needs.
