Here are some of the most common appliance problems we fix in Toronto homes, the telltale signs to watch for, and what you can safely check yourself before calling a technician.
Some problems are obvious, like a washing machine leaking water or a stove light that won’t turn on. Others are harder to pin down. This guide covers common appliances problems, how urgent they are, and how they’re usually fixed.
Safety first: always unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before inspecting it, and turn off the water or gas supply where needed. If you smell gas, leave your home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Common Stove and Oven Problems
Urgency: 4/5
Problem: Electric stove burner won’t heat
If only one coil burner is affected, turn the stove off and let it cool, then check that the coil is seated firmly. Try swapping it with another coil of the same size: if the problem moves with the coil, replace the coil. If it doesn’t, the receptacle or infinite switch is likely at fault. If all burners and the clock are dead, check your breaker panel first. The stove may not be getting power.
Problem: Gas burner won’t light
This is very common. With the knob set to light, you should hear repeated clicking. If it clicks but won’t light, clean the igniter and burner ports and make sure the burner cap is seated properly. If there’s no clicking at all, the igniter, spark module or switch may be faulty.
Problem: Electric burner stuck on high or won’t adjust
This usually points to the infinite switch behind the control knob, which regulates power to the element. It needs to be replaced.
Learn more about our stove and oven repair service.
Common Refrigerator Problems
Urgency: 4/5
Problem: Fridge not cooling
Start with the condenser coils. If they’re coated in dust, they can’t release heat, and the fridge struggles to stay cold. Vacuum them clean. Also check that the vents inside aren’t blocked by food and that the temperature setting hasn’t been changed. If the freezer is cold but the fridge isn’t, the evaporator fan or defrost system may be failing. See our Fridge repair page.
Problem: Fridge leaking water
The most common cause is a clogged or frozen defrost drain. Water overflows the drain trough and ends up on the floor. Other causes include a leaking water inlet valve, water line or water tank assembly. Small leaks can be hard to trace, so if you can’t find the source, have a technician take a look before the floor is damaged. Read more: why is my refrigerator leaking?
Common Dishwasher Problems
Urgency: 2/5
Problem: Dishwasher is noisy
Grinding or rattling can mean something is stuck in the pump, a spray arm is hitting a dish or rack, or the pump or wash arm seals are worn. Check for debris in the filter and make sure the spray arms turn freely.
Problem: Dishwasher won’t fill, or won’t stop filling
If it won’t fill, the water inlet valve may be faulty or the supply valve may be closed. If it keeps filling, check the float and float switch, which tell the machine when it has enough water.
Problem: Dishwasher won’t start
Check that the door is fully latched, then the breaker and power supply. If those are fine, the door latch, control board or timer may need attention. Our dishwasher technicians can diagnose it quickly.
Common Washing Machine Problems
Urgency: 2/5
Problem: Washer won’t drain
Small items like socks, coins and hair ties often get caught in the drain pump or pump filter. Many front-loaders have an access panel at the bottom front for cleaning the filter. If the pump is clear but still won’t drain, or makes a loud noise, the pump may need replacing.
Problem: Washer leaking water
Check the fill hoses and connections first. A cracked drain pump or a worn door seal on a front-loader can also leak. If the tub seal is torn, water can reach the bearings and cause them to fail. That’s a complex repair best handled by a technician. Read more: why is my washing machine leaking?
Problem: Washer won’t spin
Make sure the load is balanced and not too small or too large. On top-loaders, a faulty lid switch will stop the spin cycle. Other causes include a worn drive belt, motor coupling or drain problem, since many washers won’t spin until the water has drained. See our Washer repair page and our guide to a washing machine not spinning.
Common Dryer Problems
Urgency: 3/5
Problem: Drum turns but there’s no heat
A blown thermal fuse is a common cause, and it’s often a sign that the vent is restricted. Other culprits include the heating element, thermostats or, on gas dryers, the igniter or gas valve coils. Always clean the vent when replacing a thermal fuse, or it will blow again.
Problem: Dryer won’t start at all
- No power: check the breaker. Electric dryers use a double breaker, and one side can trip.
- Door switch: if the dryer doesn’t detect a closed door, it won’t run.
- Terminal block or power cord: a burnt or loose connection where the cord attaches needs to be repaired by a professional.
Read more about our Dryer repair service.
When to Call a Professional
Basic checks like breakers, filters, lint screens and levelling are fine to do yourself. Call a technician for anything involving gas, refrigerant, internal wiring, control boards, motors or bearings, or if the problem keeps coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which appliance problems are most urgent?
Anything involving gas smells, burning smells, sparks or water leaks should be dealt with right away. A fridge that stops cooling is also urgent because food can spoil quickly.
Can I keep using an appliance that’s making a strange noise?
It’s best not to. Noises often signal a worn part, and continued use can damage other components.
Is it worth repairing an older appliance?
Often, yes. Read our guide on whether to repair or replace your appliances.
Book a Repair With I-Fix Appliance Repair
When it comes to common appliance problems, I-Fix Appliance Repair has you covered across Toronto. To book a repair, contact us or call 647-642-1212, 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.