It’s a sultry afternoon and you can’t wait to cool down. You pour your favorite drink and run to the refrigerator ice maker for a few ice cubes. You get a few blocks in your drink and you have a refreshing ice icy beverage. You can’t imagine your life without an ice maker.

How long do refrigerator ice makers last? You wonder.

According to refrigerator ice maker repair professionals, the ice makers often last for as long as refrigerators (usually 10-15 years). You only need to take good care of them.

How do you maintain refrigerator ice makers?

There are plenty of ways to do it. The most common ones being:

Descale the ice makers

Although standalone ice makers produce more ice than ice makers inside a refrigerator, you still have to descale them as they also experience calcium deposits (also known as scale).

If you don’t remove the calcium deposits, you risk damaging the machine parts hence shortening the ice maker’s lifespan.

The cool thing is each refrigerator brand has a protocol on how you should go about descaling. Check your manual and you will find a guide on how to go about it.

Cleaning the ice maker

Ice makers turn water into frozen cubes so it may sound absurd that you have to clean them. After all they are in constant contact with water, right?

Remember, ice makers are like other food handling appliances. If you don’t clean them and you keep them running in unsanitary conditions, you will be promoting germ growth which is a health risk.

Keep your refrigerator ice maker in top shape by sanitizing it regularly (at least once a month). Unplug the fridge and empty both the freezer and the fresh food sections.

Proceed to wipe down or handwash the interior surfaces using mild soap and warm water. Don’t use abrasive tools or harsh chemicals when doing it.

Before you return the items, ensure every item is dry. You don’t want your ice maker to be a harbor for germs, do you?

When doing the cleaning, don’t focus on the inside only. Also pay attention to the outside to prevent dirt and stain buildup.

Now and then, you will need to remove dried spills with a damp cloth.

Change the filter

Even ice makers inside refrigerators have a water filtration system. Water passes through an activated charcoal filter that removes common tap water impurities such as chlorine.

With time the filters get dirty and you can’t make quality ice from dirty water. To continue producing good quality ice, clean or replace the filter.

A tell-tale sign it’s time to replace the filter is to monitor the smell and taste of the resulting ice. If you notice a change in either of the two qualities, it’s time for a new filter.

You can also tell when to replace the filter by checking the manual. It could be as frequently as 3 months, 6 months, or even a year depending on the brand.

Fix clogs as soon as they come about

Refrigerator ice makers are more prone to clogs than standalone ice makers. Due to regular use, it’s common for the ice dispenser chutes to jam often because of frozen ice melt and smashed ice particles.

The cool thing is it’s easy to fix this problem especially with newer models. All you need to do is to remove the ice bin along with stuck cubes. Then using a warm, damp cloth, clean the bottom of the bin and ice chute.

You should then dry everything thoroughly then replace the bin.

If you have an older refrigerator model, check the ice chute for blockages. If there is no problem, cubes in the bin might have fused together and to prevent this from happening, empty the ice bin.

Fix problems as soon as you notice them

A funny sound, an indicator light, or a weird smell might seem harmless but it can be a sign of a serious problem.

So to be safe, make it a habit to address any problem you see with seriousness. Don’t ignore any issue regardless of how minor it appears. When you notice a problem, get in touch with a refrigerator repair Alexandria professional to look into the problem and fix it.

The post How Long Do Refrigerator Ice Makers Last? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Washing machines move a lot of water –
it is their job. Water goes into them, is moved around with great
force, and then rushes out the drain. When you think about it, it is
rather impressive that washing
machines don’t leak all the time. Of course, that doesn’t
make it any easier to handle a leak when you do have one.

If you are dealing with this problem,
the easiest and fastest way to get the right help is to contact an
appliance repair
company such as American Appliance Repair. You can call us at 800-640-9934 or keep
reading to learn about some of the troubleshooting fixes that might
help.

Take a Look at Your Laundry Detergent

If your washer is front-loading, and it
is leaking from either the back or underneath, then you might have
sudsy detergent. This is most common with soft water coupled with too
much soap, concentrated soap, or soap that is too strong for the
washer. You will know this is the issue by looking at the water that
is leaking. If you can see soap in it, then it is likely an issue
with the detergent.

Turn Off the Washing Machine’s Water Valves

If there is no soap in the water, then
the issue is likely something else. The next step is to turn off the
water valves. Go behind the washer and twist them clockwise (i.e., to
the right). If the handles and/or connections are both wet, or if one
of them is, then this could be the cause of the leak. If they are
dry, then twist them until they are firmly shut. This will stop water
from flowing, which can make it easier to troubleshoot and can reduce
damage.

If the valves are wet, consider how
wet. If there is a slow dribble from a loose connection, then this is
likely fairly easy to deal with. If the valve is so wet that it is
likely the source of the puddle-creating leak, then you might need to
replace the o-ring. You can also call American Appliance Repair for professional
help.

Check the Water Line Connections

If the issue is still not resolved,
then it is time to check the water lines. These run from the valves
to the back of your washer. Run your hand along each of the
connections to see if they are wet. If it is leaking, it will
generally drip from the lowest or outermost point of a bend. If the
yare both dry, check the point at which they connect to the washing
machine. If any of these are damp, identify where the dampness is
coming from.

If these troubleshooting options do not
fix the problem, then it is time to contact the professionals. You
can contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 now.

The post Try These Troubleshooting Fixes if Your Washing Machine is Leaking from the Back appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

Wondering how to ruin a washing machine? There are plenty of ways to do it. Here are some of these ways:

Overloading the machine

You might have the impression that loading the machine’s drum to full capacity will save you time and money, but this isn’t the case. According to washer repair professionals, overloading the machine leads to some clothes coming out unwashed. Sometimes, you even put the machine at the risk of getting damaged.

Washing machines are designed to carry a specific weight of clothes. In fact, most of the modern appliances won’t start if you load more clothes than they are designed to carry.

If you have an older appliance, the appliance might still run while full. Unfortunately, the clothes don’t clean well as there is less room for water and detergent to spread throughout the load.

So there is the risk of overloading the washing machine leading to damage to the drum hence shortening the appliance’s life.

To avoid ruining your appliance and clean your clothes properly, load the washing machine properly. Before you start a cycle, ensure there is a space between the top of the drum and the top of the load in the drum. There should be a space equal to the width of your palm.

If you are strapped for time and want to clean as many clothes as possible within a short time, instead of cramming everything in one load, use the quick-wash setting and have two decent-sized loads.

Although, the clothes won’t be as clean as they should, you will have saved time, and you won’t have overloaded the machine.

Failing to service the machine

Like any other appliance, you need to maintain the washing machine to keep it in top working condition. At least once a year, hire an appliance technician to inspect the appliance and clean it to get rid of mold and awful smells.

If you go for a couple of months or years without giving the machine some attention, you will ruin it.

To avoid this, make it a habit to run a service wash every month that will keep the machine clean and get rid of odors.

The cool thing is servicing the machine isn’t complicated. All you need to do is to set the machine at 90°C then run the appliance using detergent or without. If not sure how to do it, check the machine’s manual.

Failing to level the machine

Washing machines run at super fast speeds. For them to do this safely, they need to be level on the floor. Unfortunately, if an inexperienced technician installed the machine, it won’t be level.

The machine might also not be level if you have gone for a long time without servicing it.

If your washing machine is making weird noises when running, chances are it’s not level. To level it, loosen the locking nut, then use a spanner to lower or raise it until its level. Check whether the machine is level with a spirit level and tighten the nuts.

Using too much detergent

Using a lot of detergents gives you immaculate clothes, right? Wrong! Besides the large amounts of detergents being harmful to your clothes and your hands, they can clog the washing machine, shortening its lifespan.

The cool thing it’s easy to avoid ruining the washing machine with too much detergent. Before running a cycle, check the owner’s manual and confirm the amount you need. Don’t guess the amount. Always measure the amount to avoid problems.

While you might save money by making your own soap, avoid using homemade soap as it rarely cleans as effectively. Washing machines are designed to use detergents, not soap, so you will ruin your machine by using soap.

Washing coins, belts, and other harmful items

Belts and coins can break the washing machine drum, leaving you with an expensive repair. To keep appliance repair Alexandria at bay, always double-check the clothes and ensure there are no belts. Also, check the pockets and ensure there are no coins.

Do you have clothes with large metal buttons? Don’t clean them bare—instead, place them in a laundry bag.

If you suspect the buttons on your clothes might break the glass, run the machine at a slower speed.

The post How to Ruin a Washing Machine first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair.

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Your washing
machine is supposed to keep your clothes looking clean and
smelling great, yet if a washing machine is not functioning well, it
can do the opposite. Sometimes it starts by seeming as though there
is a marker stuck in the wash that is marking up the clothing. If it
continues then, it could be that there is an issue with the machine
itself. You can check below to learn about some of the potential
causes, or you can call American Appliance Repair for appliance
assessment at 800-640-9934.

You Might Be Loading Your Machine Too Full

Many people assume that the issue with
overloading is that the water and soap cannot get to the clothing.
This is not the issue. The issue is that the detergent cannot
circulate well after it is on the clothing. This could lead to stains
caused by the detergent. This is a more common issue with powder
detergent than with liquid, though either can cause issues.

You Are Using Too Much Fabric Softener

If you have ever gotten liquid fabric
softener on your hands, you know that it has a sort of waxy
consistency. Why? Because it coats the fibers of your clothing with a
nice-smelling wax. However, it only works if it is dissolving into
the water correctly. If the machine is too full, or if there is much
too much fabric softener, then it can leave behind visible residue.

Your Washing Machine’s Door Seal is Moldy

If the issue is black streaks after
your clothing comes out of the washer, then you should take a look at
the gasket on your washer. This is more often a problem on front-load
washers. If you see mold in there, then that is what is leaving
stains on your shirt. This mold is allowed to grow because the water
is not drying quickly enough because the seal is not tight enough.

The first step to fix this issue is to
clean away the mold with white vinegar or your favorite cleaner. You
can then think about replacing the entire seal. You can talk to us to
find out if this is the best option.

Your Washer Has a Damaged Drive Belt

The drive belt is the piece of the
dryer that physically moves the drum. When it is moving, the fabric
softener and detergent are able to evenly distribute over the
clothing. If it is not working well, then the detergent and fabric
softener can drop on one spot of your laundry and cause stains.

Whether you are having one of the above
issues with your washing machine or something else entirely, you can
contact American Appliance Repair now at 800-640-9934 for help.

The post Is Your Washing Machine Leaving Marks on Your Clothing? Learn the Possible Reasons Why appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

When you get a new house, you want the appliances to last for as long as possible to minimize the amount of money you have to spend on appliance repair and replacement.

The dishwasher being an integral part of the kitchen, you must wonder, how many years should a dishwasher last? On average, dishwashers last between 9-10 years. Of course, several factors will influence the appliance’s lifespan such as:

Frequency of use: In an ordinary house, the dishwasher will cycle five times a week. If you have fewer people living in the house or you are rarely in the house, you will use the dishwasher less often, meaning the appliance will last for a much longer time.

Quality: Like other products in the market, dishwashers are of distinct qualities that vary depending on different brands. As you might guess, high-quality appliances from reputable manufacturers will last for a much longer time than poor-quality units from an unknown company.

Maintenance: How well do you take good care of your appliance? You should expect a well-maintained unit to have a much longer lifespan than a poorly maintained one.

Price: Although expensive doesn’t mean better, in most cases expensive appliances have longer lifespans. This is because they are often of better quality. Besides this, expensive appliances save you a lot of money as they operate more efficiently.

Can you expand the dishwasher lifespan?

Yes, you can definitely do that. Here are tips on how to do it:

Keep the appliance clean

Going for a long time without cleaning the dishwasher causes different parts to become grimy, which reduces the appliance’s cleaning power and efficiency.

Built-up residue can also cause the dishwasher to clog up and even breakdown.

To avoid this, make it a habit to routinely wipe down the door seals and food spills using warm water, mild soap, and a soft piece of cloth.

Every few months, open up the appliance and clean the food trap and filter.

Don’t overload the machine

You might have the impression you are saving money and time when you cram many dishes in the dishwasher, but this isn’t the case. Overloading the machine will restrict the water spray patterns, preventing proper cleaning.

Since the dishes won’t get clean enough, you have to rewash them. Running the machine unnecessarily reduces the appliance’s lifespan.

The mechanical parts also wear out more frequently, forcing you to keep on hiring a repair technician to repair and replace them.

To avoid all this from happening, load your dishwasher with just enough dishes. Remember, you are better off having two full cycles than many partial cycles.

Only use the dishwasher to clean the dishes

When you scour the internet, you will come across videos of people cleaning different things with their dishwashers. Don’t do this.

Don’t clean your car parts with the dishwasher as the parts are greasy and the dishwasher and detergent aren’t designed to handle that amount of grease.

When you frequently clean the car parts in your dishwasher, it’s a matter of time before you clog the filter and ruin the pump.

You also shouldn’t wash candlestick holders with the dishwasher as the hot wax embeds into the different crevices and you end up destroying the machine components.

A good rule of thumb is to never clean anything that isn’t dishes.

Rustproof the racks

The racks are covered in a plastic coating that prevents rust from coming about. When rust develops on the racks, it gets to the pump and since the pump is the heart of the dishwasher, the rust flakes can get to the pump and clog it.

To prevent this from happening, regularly inspect the racks, and if the plastic coating has worn off, repair it immediately.

Follow the owner’s manual

Every dishwasher comes with a playbook (also known as the owner’s manual) which contains valuable information on how to use and maintain the machine. To avoid issues, follow the manual’s wisdom.

Fix problems as soon as they come up

Even with the best care, it’s common for the dishwasher to develop problems. When this happens, hire dishwasher repair Springfield professionals to fix it as soon as possible.

The post How Many Years Should A Dishwasher Last? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair.

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

It’s probably not necessary to remind you not to put your fingers down a garbage disposal unit, but here’s a friendly reminder anyway. It’s not going to remove your fingers or make hamburger of your hands, but it can bruise you up pretty well if you switch it on when you’re reaching in there, or if you dislodge something that’s impeding the impeller. The impeller forces materials against the sides of the cylinder, which are designed to present cutting surfaces to reduce what’s put inside into drain-friendly bits that pass through the perforations and down the drain.

1) No Power

If you activate the disposal and don’t hear any hum from the motor, chances are there’s an issue with power getting to the unit. Some of us don’t use the disposal very often, so, taking care to run some water, make sure that you’re hitting the right switch.

If you are certain that you’re hitting the right switch, but still getting no power, make sure that the unit is plugged in. It sounds pretty basic, but appliance servicemen report that this is the most common problem that they encounter.

If it’s properly plugged in, and there’s no power, the next thing will be to see whether the reset has tripped. Generally, this will mean that a small red button on the bottom of the disposal has popped out a small distance. Press it back in to re-engage the mechanism.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, check to see whether the circuit breaker serving the disposal has itself tripped, and reset it if necessary.

If you’ve eliminated those causes, it’s possible that there’s a problem in the switch itself. Make sure that you have switched off the proper circuit breaker before you pull the switch, generally on the wall or under the sink.

Pull the switch out and inspect the wires. It may be that one of them has detached, in which case the fix is simply to reattach it. Or it may be that the contacts have become oxidized, in which case some contact cleaner and a scrub with steel wool should set things right.

Make sure to switch on at the main service panel before testing. If your disposal still doesn’t work, a new switch may fix the problem inexpensively. It’s worth a shot trying.

If your disposal still doesn’t work, it may just be time to get a new one. Naturally, if you are uncomfortable with any of the above steps, it’s best to call in the guys from Dave’s appliance to check things out for you.

2) You Hear the Motor Hum, But the Disposal Doesn’t Grind

Probably the flywheel is jammed, though usually this trips the reset button pretty quickly. You don’t want to have the motor trying to move a stationary flywheel for long, because this can quickly damage the motor.

Almost always, there’s some object stuck in the unit that’s preventing its operation.

For starters, shut off both the wall switch and the circuit breaker. You don’t want to accidentally bump the switch and have it start up when you’re trying to remove something from the grinding chamber.

You should have received a special offset wrench with your unit. If you’ve misplaced it, a large hex wrench may suffice. Insert the wrench and turn it clockwise to release the flywheel/impeller assembly. You should feel it begin to turn freely. If you don’t have a wrench that will work, a local seller of your brand of disposal may be able to get one for you.

You can also try your luck with the wooden handle to one of your kitchen implements. Again, you should feel the flywheel unstick and begin to move freely if you can move the impellers clockwise.

Get a flashlight and get a good look into the chamber, if you can. Remove any foreign objects or debris with a needle nose pliers or similar implement.

Switch power back on at the mains, hit the reset button, run some water and hit the wall or under-sink switch. Anything left should be easily disposed of by the unit.

If it’s still not working, it’s time to call Dave’s appliance.

Leaks

Leakage at the Flange

The most common leak issue develops at the flange, because the vibration of the disposal motor loosens the seal.

Turn off the power at the mains before anything else.

You should see a mounting ring. Turn the disposal counter-clockwise from the bottom to loosen it and detach it from the ring.

This should expose 3 bolts that secure the flange to the sink. Tighten them.

If the bolts don’t seem loose, it could be that the plumbers putty that helps make the seal has deteriorated or come loose. Loosen the bolts and push the flange a little ways above the sink to provide room to bead on some new putty (it’s best to remove what you can of the old). Retighten the bolts and wipe away any excess with a rag.

Reinstall the disposal unit on the mounting ring, switch on at the service panel.

Run some water and check for any leaks.

Leakage at the Dishwasher Connection

Often dishwasher wastewater is discharged into the garbage disposal. Check to see whether the clamp has loosened up and tighten it down. If it’s not the clamp, it’s probably time to replace the hose.

Leakage at the Discharge Drainpipe

A rigid plastic pipe discharges water from the disposal to the sink drain trap. The issue may be with the gasket, and the treatment is the same as with the flange. Attempt to tighten the bolts, and if that doesn’t suffice to replace the plumber’s putty in the same way.

If the Disposal Drains Slowly

There’s probably some clogging. Disassemble the drain pipe and the trap, and remove any materials that may be impeding the flow of water and disposal debris. If you can’t find any, the problem is likely further along and needs snaking out with an auger.

A handy guide to what not to put down your disposal:

Bones are not generally a good idea.
Potato peels, pasta, or other starchy foods.
Grease.
Fruit pits.
Celery or other very fibrous materials.
Coffee grounds.
Egg shells.

As always, if you have any questions or need help, the friendly and knowledgeable folks at Dave’s Appliance are happy to help!

The post Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

There are lots of helpful videos out on the internet that can help with specific issues for specific models of appliances. Generally speaking, you should be able to get 10 years of use or so out of a good dishwasher before it’s time to replace it. That said, here are some of the most common easy-to-fix issues.

My Dishwasher Stinks!

It’s probably the filter. The filter sits at the base of the inside of the dishwasher, and traps large food particles that might otherwise get into the mechanisms and gum up the works. It’s designed to be easily clipped in and out, and who among us (ahem) actually read the manual and kept to the suggestion of washing the filter out on a weekly basis?

If this little item of maintenance has somehow slipped your mind, scrubbing it up and replacing it will probably remove the odor. If it’s been damaged, it’s probably replaceable.

Not Cleaning So Well

Might be time to unclog the spray arms! These are the longish, flattish plastic arms that spray and rinse the dishes and other items you put in the dishwasher as they spin about. They are designed to be unclipped, cleaned, and reinstalled. Don’t forget to clean the mounting while you’re at it.

Occasionally cleaning the spray arms can significantly improve the performance of your dishwasher.

Wobbly Rolling Basket at the Bottom

Replace the wheels. They are designed to snap on and off, and it’s certainly worth avoiding the hair-pulling frustration of trying to coax the thing in and out if it’s bothering you.

Detergent Dispenser Broken

Another item that’s generally easily replaced, if your unit isn’t too old, is the detergent dispenser. This is going to be a more involved fix, because the front panel of your dishwasher is going to have to be unmounted, electrical connections undone, and everything replaced. This is one of those situations where you may want to view an online video, especially if it treats your specific model, and to have all the tools you need immediately on hand. Naturally, if you have qualms, it may be best to call the experts at Dave’s.

Replace the Hoses

The fill hose brings water into your dishwasher, and the drain hose removes the wastewater. In time, these can corrode, degrade, or get clogged, reducing the performance of your dishwasher. It’s usually possible to get replacements and not hard to install them yourself.

Dang Thing Leaks

Likely this is due either to faulty door hinges or door seals. Or it may have to do with the hoses, which we mentioned above.

If the door seems to drop heavily or seems misaligned, it could well be a hinge. You’ll need to remove the side panels to get a good look, and it’s a good idea to watch a video on replacing the mechanism. Also, it’s probably a good idea to replace both at the same time.

If you’re not that handy, it may be time to call in the skilled repairs folks at Dave’s Appliance.

Check the upper door seal, which goes from one side, around the top, and down the other side of the door. Usually a new seal costs $30 or so, and it’s not a hard job to replace it. The lower seals is another matter, since it involves disassembling the entire door, and is best left to the professionals.

Again, that would be one you’d want to call Dave’s Appliance about.

The Dishwasher Isn’t Draining Well

It’s probably the drain pump, located at the bottom of the appliance, that pushes wastewater out of the dishwasher and into the adjacent sink drain. Bits of food, chips of dishes, slivers of glass, and other material can get caught in the pump and prevent it from working efficiently. It’s not a hard job to disassemble and clean the pump, but it does involve tilting the dishwasher on its back and removing the baseplate.

The biggest challenge here may be in reversing the process of disassembly while reassembling the dishwasher. Documenting the process with cell phone pictures might help. Or, if it seems not in your wheelhouse, the experts at Dave’s will be happy to help.

More Advanced Problems

Water’s Not Heating Up

Could be the heating element has burned out. You’re going to need a multimeter for this one.

Lay the unit on its back. Remove the baseplate and anything else that might be blocking the element. Remove the wires to isolate it. Check it with your multimeter by touching to the terminals.

If a fault is indicated, replacing the heating element ought to do the trick.

Dang Thing’s Not Filling Up

Pretty much the same as above for the heating element, but this time you’re checking the water valve, located behind the back plate, near to the fill hose. Remove the wires, check with a multimeter, and replace if faulty.

Bleeping Thing Won’t Start

Disqualify the obvious first. Check to make sure it’s properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.

If you know your way around a multimeter, you may be able to track down the problem on your own and fix it. There are some useful videos available online that bring you through the troubleshooting process in a reasonable sequence. Otherwise, it’s time to call Dave’s Appliance.

And remember, a dishwasher that’s served you for 10 years has lasted pretty well. It may just be time to get a new one. The experts at Dave’s will advise you well.

The post How To Deal With the Most Common Dishwasher Problems appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.