Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Appliance Repair in Marshfield, Massachusetts
At Appliance Repair Pros we believe that an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. When a major household appliance breaks down it raises immediate questions about cost timing and whether the machine is worth saving. We have compiled this extensive guide to answer your most pressing questions regarding refrigerator repair, washing machine troubleshooting, dishwasher diagnostics and more.
We serve the entire Marshfield community from the year round residents in the Hills to the seasonal homes in Humarock and Brant Rock. We understand that living on the South Shore presents unique challenges for appliances including salt air corrosion and humidity. This FAQ covers general service questions as well as deep dives into specific brands like GE, Whirlpool, LG and Samsung. If you do not see your specific question listed here please reach out to us for assistance.
General Service and Scheduling Questions
How quickly can you get a technician to my home in Marshfield?
We know that a broken refrigerator or a washing machine full of wet clothes is an emergency. We strive to offer same day or next day service appointments whenever our schedule allows. We prioritize calls where there is a risk of property damage such as water leaks or food spoilage. When you contact us we will provide a specific time window for the technician’s arrival so you are not stuck waiting at home all day.
What areas do you service outside of Marshfield?
While our primary focus is Marshfield we regularly service the surrounding South Shore communities to ensure our neighbors have access to quality repair. Our service area includes Duxbury North Marshfield Ocean Bluff Brant Rock Humarock Green Harbor Rexhame and parts of Pembroke. If you are unsure if you are in our range please reach out to us.
Is it worth repairing an appliance that is over 10 years old?
This is the most common question we receive. We generally follow the 50 percent rule. If the cost of the repair is more than 50 percent of the cost of a new comparable machine it might be time to replace it. However age is just one factor. High end brands like Sub Zero Wolf or Miele are designed to last 20 years or more and are almost always worth repairing. Standard machines like Whirlpool or GE often have simple failures like belts or sensors that are very cost effective to fix even at 10 or 12 years old. We provide an honest assessment of the overall condition of your unit before proceeding with repairs.
Do you carry parts on your trucks?
Yes our trucks are stocked with a “rolling warehouse” of the most common failure parts. We carry drain pumps heating elements igniters belts lid switches and sensors for major brands like Samsung LG GE and Maytag. Our goal is to complete the repair on the first visit. If your unit requires a specialty electronic board or a cosmetic part we may need to order it from our distributors which typically takes a few business days.
My appliance is built into the cabinetry. Can you still help?
Yes we specialize in built in appliance repair. This includes Sub Zero columns double wall ovens and integrated dishwashers with custom wood panels. We have the equipment and training to carefully remove these units for service without damaging your custom millwork or flooring. Built in units require specific knowledge of ventilation and electrical connections which our team possesses.
Refrigerator and Freezer Repair FAQs
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
A refrigerator that never shuts off is struggling to reach the set temperature. The most common cause is dirty condenser coils. In Marshfield homes especially those with pets dust and fur collect on the coils and act as insulation trapping heat. The compressor must run non stop to overcome this. Other causes include a failing door gasket letting warm humid air in or a defrost system failure where ice blocks the airflow.
Why is there water pooling under my crisper drawers?
This is almost always a clogged defrost drain. Every refrigerator goes through a defrost cycle where ice on the coils melts and drips into a pan to evaporate. If the drain tube is blocked by food debris or ice the water overflows inside the fresh food compartment. We can clear the drain and install a heat probe to prevent it from freezing again.
My freezer is cold but the fresh food section is warm. What is wrong?
This indicates an airflow problem. Cold air is made in the freezer and pushed into the fridge by an evaporator fan through a damper door. If the fan fails the damper is stuck closed or the return air vents are blocked by food the fridge will warm up while the freezer stays cold. This can also happen if the evaporator coils are impacted with frost due to a defrost system failure.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Ice makers are sensitive mechanical devices. Common reasons for failure include a frozen fill tube preventing water from entering the mold a broken motor module or a failed infrared sensor (optics) that falsely detects a full bin. Low water pressure from an old filter can also cause the water valve to stick or produce small hollow cubes.
What is that loud buzzing noise coming from my fridge?
Loud noises usually come from one of the fans or the compressor. If the noise stops when you open the door it is likely the evaporator fan motor hitting ice buildup. If the noise comes from the back bottom it could be the condenser fan blade hitting debris or the compressor itself starting to fail internally.
Washing Machine Repair FAQs
Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
This is a frequent issue with front load washers. Water and detergent residue collect in the folds of the rubber door boot and the outer tub creating a breeding ground for mold. To fix this run a monthly “Clean Washer” cycle with bleach or a dedicated tablet. Leave the door ajar between uses to let the drum dry. If the mold is severe we may need to replace the door boot seal.
My washer fills but will not agitate or spin. What is broken?
On top load washers this is often a lid switch failure. If the machine cannot confirm the lid is locked it will not start the motion for safety reasons. It could also be a stripped drive belt or a broken motor coupler. On modern Whirlpool VMW units the “shift actuator” is a common failure point that prevents the machine from changing modes.
Why is my front load washer vibrating and walking across the floor?
Violent vibration is usually caused by an unlevel machine or an unbalanced load. If the leveling legs are not locked tight against the floor the machine will shake. Internal shock absorbers and suspension springs also wear out over time allowing the tub to bang against the cabinet. We can inspect the suspension system to see if replacements are needed.
Why are my clothes still soaking wet after the cycle ends?
This means the washer did not reach high spin speed. This can be caused by an unbalanced load code (uB or UE) a drain pump blockage that left water in the tub or a worn drive belt that slipped under the heavy load. We check the error history to see if the machine attempted to spin and failed.
Dryer Repair FAQs
Why is my dryer taking two or three cycles to dry clothes?
This is the number one complaint we receive for dryers and it is almost always an airflow issue. If the dryer gets hot but the moisture cannot escape the clothes will steam rather than dry. This usually points to a clogged vent duct in your home. In older Marshfield homes vent runs can be long and winding which traps lint. We recommend a professional vent cleaning. If the vent is clear the internal blower wheel may be stripped.
My dryer runs but there is absolutely no heat. Is the element broken?
A lack of heat often means 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 the failure could be the igniter or the gas valve coils. We test these components for continuity to determine the culprit.
What is causing that loud squealing or thumping noise?
Dryers use a system of support rollers and pulleys to rotate the heavy drum. Over time the rubber rollers wear out or the bearings seize leading to a rhythmic thumping sound. A high pitched squeal usually indicates a failing idler pulley or tensioner. It is important to fix this quickly before the belt snaps.
Dishwasher Repair FAQs
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?
Poor cleaning is often due to a lack of water or a lack of heat. If the inlet valve is clogged with sediment the unit won’t fill enough to circulate water effectively. If the wash motor is weak the spray arms won’t spin. We also check the chopper blade and filters to ensure food particles aren’t being recirculated onto the clean dishes.
Why does my dishwasher not drain?
Standing water at the end of the cycle indicates a clog or pump failure. The most common cause is food debris blocking the filter screen or the drain pump impeller. Broken glass is a frequent issue we find in pumps. It can also be a blocked air gap on your sink or a new garbage disposal installation where the knockout plug was not removed.
My dishwasher leaks from the front door. Do I need a new seal?
While a worn door gasket is a possible cause leaks often happen because of the lower spray arm. If the spray arm is cracked or split it can spray water directly at the door seal causing it to splash over the dam. Using the wrong type of soap (like hand dish soap) can also create suds that push water out of the unit.
Why are my dishes still wet?
Modern dishwashers rely on condensation drying which requires very hot water and rinse aid. If your heating element is broken the final rinse won’t be hot enough to evaporate. If the rinse aid dispenser is empty the water won’t sheet off the plastic and glass surfaces. We check the heater and thermostat.
Oven and Stove Repair FAQs
Why is my gas oven taking so long to light?
A gas oven uses a glow bar igniter to light the burner. The igniter must get white hot to open the gas safety valve. As igniters age they get weak and only glow red taking up to two minutes to open the valve or failing to open it at all. We replace weak igniters to restore fast heating.
My electric oven is not heating at all. Is it the element?
It could be the bake element especially if you see blistering or a break in the metal coil. However it could also be a blown thermal fuse or a control board relay failure. We test the element for continuity to confirm if it is the break in the circuit.
Why is my oven temperature incorrect?
If your cookies burn or your roasts are undercooked the oven calibration may be off. This can be caused by a drifting temperature sensor probe or a failing control board. We can measure the actual temperature and often recalibrate the offset in the control settings to correct it.
Can you fix a cracked glass cooktop?
Yes we can replace the glass ceramic top on electric and induction ranges. This is a specialized repair that requires disassembling the burner box. If the cooktop is cracked do not use it as spills can enter the high voltage area below creating a shock hazard.
Brand Specific FAQs
GE Appliance Repair Questions
Why is my GE refrigerator fan making a howling noise?
GE refrigerators particularly the Profile series often experience failure with the evaporator fan motor located in the freezer. The bearings wear out creating a loud howling or groaning sound that changes pitch when you open the door.
What does the “Locked” light mean on my GE dishwasher?
The control lock is engaged preventing accidental button presses. Depending on the model you usually need to hold the “Heated Dry” or “Lock” button for 3 seconds to unlock it. If the keypad is unresponsive it may be a user interface board failure.
Whirlpool Appliance Repair Questions
Why is my Whirlpool washer making a loud banging during spin?
Whirlpool vertical modular washers (VMW) often suffer from worn suspension rods. If the tub bangs against the sides of the cabinet it usually means the rods have lost their spring tension and need replacement. It can also be a loose drive pulley underneath.
My Whirlpool fridge has ice on the freezer floor. Why?
This is a classic clogged drain issue. Whirlpool bottom mount freezers have a drain tube with a “duckbill” check valve that gets gummed up with debris. We replace this valve with an updated design to allow water to drain freely.
Samsung Appliance Repair Questions
Can you fix the ice maker in my Samsung French Door fridge?
Yes we specialize in the “Ice Master” repair. Samsung ice makers in the refrigerator section are prone to moisture intrusion which causes the unit to freeze up into a solid block. We install the updated service kit which includes new seals a new auger drain and a software update to resolve the issue.
What does the “nd” or “5E” error code mean on my Samsung washer?
This indicates a “No Drain” condition. The washer detects water in the tub after the pump has run. It is usually a clogged debris filter (coin trap) located behind the small door on the bottom front of the machine. If the filter is clear the drain pump motor has likely failed.
LG Appliance Repair Questions
Why is my LG refrigerator not cooling but running?
LG refrigerators use a Linear Compressor which is efficient but has had a higher failure rate in certain models. If the compressor is running (humming) but the air is room temperature it usually indicates a compressor valve failure. We can diagnose this and discuss your warranty options.
What is the “OE” error on my LG dishwasher?
OE stands for Output Error or drainage failure. Like the washing machines this points to a kinked hose a clogged filter or a bad drain pump. LG dishwashers also monitor the motor speed so a piece of glass stuck in the impeller will trigger this code.
Bosch Appliance Repair Questions
What does the E15 error mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E15 indicates the AquaStop system has detected a leak. Water has collected in the solid base pan underneath the unit pushing up a styrofoam float that activates a switch. The drain pump will run continuously. We must locate the source of the leak usually a sump seal or inlet valve to fix this.
Why are dishes wet in my Bosch dishwasher?
Bosch uses condensation drying which relies on the heat of the final rinse and the stainless steel tub to dry dishes. It does not use a heating element at the bottom. You must use rinse aid for this system to work. Without rinse aid water droplets will not evaporate and dishes will remain wet.
Frigidaire Appliance Repair Questions
Why is my Frigidaire oven beeping and showing F10?
F10 is a runaway temperature alarm. The electronic control board detects that the oven has exceeded safe temperatures. This can be caused by a bad temperature sensor or a stuck relay on the control board. Shut off the breaker immediately and call for service.
My Frigidaire dishwasher shows an i20 code. What is that?
The i20 code means a drain problem. It is similar to the “OE” or “5E” codes on other brands. It can be caused by a clogged pressure sensor area inside the sump. Cleaning the sensor often resolves intermittent i20 errors.
KitchenAid Appliance Repair Questions
Why is the “Clean” light blinking on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
A blinking clean light indicates a heating fault. The dishwasher failed to reach the target water temperature within a set time. This could be a burnt out heating element or a bad thermistor. The unit enters a lockout mode and must be reset after the repair.
Why is my KitchenAid mixer making a grinding noise?
While we focus on major appliances we know that KitchenAid mixers use a sacrificial worm gear made of nylon. If the mixer is overloaded this gear strips to protect the motor causing a grinding sound and lack of rotation.
Maytag Appliance Repair Questions
Why is my Maytag washer not agitating?
Maytag top loaders use plastic “dogs” or cams inside the agitator. If these wear out the bottom of the agitator will move but the top part will not causing poor cleaning. Replacing the agitator cams is a quick and effective repair.
My Maytag dryer makes a loud thumping noise. Is it safe to use?
The thumping is likely a flat spot on a drum roller or a worn drum glide. While it might run for a while the friction will eventually cause the motor to overheat or the belt to snap. It is best to repair it sooner rather than later.
Miele Appliance Repair Questions
What is the “Waterproof” error on my Miele dishwasher?
Miele units have a sophisticated leak detection system. If the “Waterproof” or “Intake/Drain” lights flash it means water is in the bottom tray or the intake valve has failed. Miele repairs require specialized knowledge of their proprietary logic boards.
Kenmore Appliance Repair Questions
Who makes my Kenmore appliance?
Kenmore appliances are made by major manufacturers like Whirlpool LG and Frigidaire. The first three digits of your model number (e.g. 110.xxxxx or 795.xxxxx) tell us who made it. We use this code to bring the correct parts for your specific machine.
Maintenance and Care Questions
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
We recommend cleaning the dryer vent ductwork leading outside once a year. In Marshfield where humidity can make lint stickier regular cleaning prevents fire hazards and extends the life of your dryer’s heating element.
Do I really need to change my refrigerator water filter?
Yes. An old filter can become clogged with sediment reducing water pressure. This low pressure can cause the water valve to stick open leading to leaks or hollow ice cubes. We recommend changing it every six months.
How can I prevent mold in my front load washer?
Use only High Efficiency (HE) detergent and use very little of it (2 tablespoons is often enough). Wipe down the door gasket after the last load of the day and leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation.
Can I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher?
Yes placing a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and running a hot cycle can help remove hard water deposits and odors. However check your manual as some manufacturers recommend specific dishwasher cleaners that are safer for the rubber seals.
Contact Us
If you have a question that was not answered here or if you are ready to schedule a repair Appliance Repair Pros is ready to help. We serve Marshfield Duxbury and the surrounding South Shore towns with professional honest and accurate appliance repair services. Do not let a broken machine disrupt your life any longer. Reach out to us for assistance.
