Appliance repair can look simple from the outside, but after years of fixing washers, dryers, fridges, dishwashers and ovens across Toronto, our technicians have learned that many breakdowns are completely preventable. Here are some of the “secrets” of the appliance repair trade: the things we wish every homeowner knew before something goes wrong.
Secret 1: Level and Balance Your Appliances From Day One
Every appliance with a motor, except most stoves and ovens, vibrates while it runs. A modern washer spins at roughly 800 to 1,400 revolutions per minute (rpm), so even a slight tilt multiplies that force. Over time an unlevel washer wears out its suspension, shock absorbers, drum bearings and tub seal.
- Use a level on top of the washer and dryer, front to back and side to side, and adjust the feet until it sits evenly.
- Lock the adjustable feet in place so they don’t creep.
- Remove the shipping bolts from a new front-load washer before first use. Running it with the bolts in can cause serious damage.
- Level the fridge so the doors close and seal on their own.
Secret 2: Your Oven May Not Be the Temperature It Says
Ovens can drift from their set temperature, especially as they age. If baking results are uneven or always over- or under-done, test the oven with an independent oven thermometer and check whether it needs calibration. Our article Is Your Oven Ready for the Holidays? explains how to run a simple test.
Secret 3: Appliances Warn You Before They Fail
Most appliances don’t fail without warning. Before a breakdown we usually hear about:
- A new noise: grinding, squealing, banging or clicking
- More vibration than usual
- Blinking lights or error codes on the control panel
- Longer cycle times, or clothes and dishes that come out wet or dirty
- A fridge that runs constantly or feels warmer than normal
Two rules apply:
- Don’t ignore it. A small fix like a worn belt, a clogged filter or a loose part is far cheaper than the damage it can cause if left alone.
- Don’t force it. Repeatedly restarting a faulting appliance, forcing a stuck door or overriding a safety switch often turns a minor repair into a major one.
Secret 4: Brand Matters, But Care Matters More
Customers often ask which brand is best. Newer players such as Samsung and LG have built a reputation for smart features and electronics, while long-established names like Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid and Bosch have years of after-sales support behind them, and parts for them are generally easy to find.
In practice, how an appliance is installed, loaded and maintained often matters as much as the badge on the front. And if you inherited your appliances with your house, you don’t get to choose anyway. That’s fine: we service all makes and models.
Secret 5: Simple Maintenance Habits That Make Appliances Last Longer
Refrigerator
Vacuum the condenser coils (behind or under the fridge) a couple of times a year. Dusty coils make the compressor work harder, raise your hydro bill and shorten the fridge’s life. Wipe the door gaskets so they keep a tight seal. If your fridge does act up, our refrigerator repair technicians can help.
Dryer
Clean the lint screen after every load and have the vent checked periodically. Lint buildup is one of the most common causes of dryer damage and a known fire risk. Learn more about dryer repair.
Washing machine
Leave the door and detergent drawer of a front-loader open after use so moisture can escape, wipe the rubber door seal, and run a cleaning cycle monthly to prevent mould and odour.
Dishwasher
Scrape off food scraps before loading and clean the filter regularly. Food debris and grease cause many of the dishwasher problems we see, from poor cleaning to drain blockages. See our dishwasher repair page for more.
Secret 6: Know When to Call a Professional
Cleaning and simple checks are great DIY jobs. Anything involving gas lines, sealed refrigerant systems, internal wiring or control boards should be left to a qualified technician, both for your safety and to avoid more expensive damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my washer is level?
Place a level on top in both directions. If the washer rocks when you push on opposite corners, or “walks” during the spin cycle, adjust and lock the feet.
Is a strange noise always a sign of a problem?
Not always, but any new or louder noise is worth paying attention to. Turn the appliance off and have it checked before the problem spreads to other parts.
Which appliance brands do you repair?
We repair all major brands, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Bosch, GE, Frigidaire and more, including older and discontinued models.
Get Your Appliance Fixed by I-Fix Appliance Repair
We hope your appliances serve you long and well, but if they don’t, give us a call. I-Fix Appliance Repair serves homeowners across Toronto. Call 647-642-1212, 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.