Frequently Asked Questions

Common causes when your washer won't start:

• Power issues: Check if it's plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped
• Door not properly closed: Make sure the door is completely shut and latched
• Child lock activated: Look for a child lock symbol on the display
• Water supply problems: Ensure hot and cold water valves are turned on
• Overloaded machine: Remove some clothes if you've packed it too full

Water leaks can come from several sources:

• Door seal problems: Check for tears or debris in the rubber door seal
• Loose hose connections: Inspect inlet and drain hoses for loose connections
• Oversudsing: Using too much detergent can cause excessive suds and leaks
• Worn door gasket: Front-loading washers may need door seal replacement
• Damaged water pump: Internal pump failure requires professional repair

Unusual washing machine noises and their causes:

• Banging or thumping: Unbalanced load - redistribute clothes evenly
• Grinding sounds: Worn bearings or foreign objects in the drum
• Squealing noise: Belt slipping or motor problems
• Clicking sounds: Loose components or electrical issues
• Machine not level: Adjust feet to ensure washer is level and stable

Drainage and spinning problems:

• Clogged drain hose: Check for blockages in the drain hose or pump filter
• Unbalanced load: Heavy items on one side prevent proper spinning
• Faulty lid switch: Top-loaders won't spin with a broken lid switch
• Worn drive belt: Belt may be loose, broken, or slipping
• Motor or transmission issues: Require professional diagnosis and repair

No heat in your dryer? Check these common causes:

• Clogged lint filter: Clean the lint screen before every load
• Blocked dryer vent: External vent may be clogged with lint or debris
• Gas supply issues: Gas dryers need proper gas flow and pilot light
• Blown thermal fuse: Safety device that prevents overheating
• Heating element failure: Electric dryers may have a burned-out heating element
• Incorrect settings: Make sure you're not using air-dry or no-heat setting

Long drying times are usually caused by:

• Lint buildup: Clean lint filter and check exhaust vent outside
• Overloading: Don't pack too many clothes in one load
• Wet clothes: Ensure washing machine is spinning properly
• Poor ventilation: Vent hose should be short and straight when possible
• Old or worn dryer: Older models become less efficient over time
• Wrong heat setting: Heavy fabrics need higher heat settings

When the drum won't turn:

• Broken drive belt: Belt may be snapped or slipped off the drum
• Door not closed properly: Safety feature prevents operation with open door
• Overloaded dryer: Too many clothes can jam the drum
• Worn drum rollers: Support rollers may need replacement
• Motor problems: Drive motor may have failed

Poor cleaning results can be fixed by:

• Pre-rinse dishes: Remove large food particles before loading
• Proper loading: Don't overcrowd and face soiled surfaces toward spray arms
• Clean spray arms: Remove and rinse spray arms to clear blockages
• Use rinse aid: Helps water sheet off dishes for better drying
• Check water temperature: Hot water heater should be set to 120°F
• Replace old detergent: Powder detergent can lose effectiveness over time

Standing water in the dishwasher bottom:

• Garbage disposal: Run disposal if dishwasher drains through it
• Clogged filter: Remove and clean the dishwasher filter
• Food debris: Clear any visible food particles from the bottom
• Kinked drain hose: Check under sink for bent or crimped hose
• Blocked drain line: May need professional drain cleaning

Dishwasher leaks can occur from:

• Door seal problems: Worn or damaged door gasket needs replacement
• Overfilling: Using too much detergent creates excess suds
• Spray arm issues: Cracked or loose spray arms can leak
• Water supply connections: Check for loose fittings under the unit
• Tub cracks: Plastic tubs can develop cracks over time

Gas burner ignition problems:

• Dirty burner caps: Clean food debris from burner caps and rings
• Clogged gas ports: Clear small holes in burner with a toothpick
• Wet igniter: Dry the igniter after cleaning or spills
• Faulty igniter: Weak spark indicates need for replacement
• Gas supply issues: Check that gas valve is turned on
• Power outage: Try lighting manually with a match if safe to do so

Electric burner heating issues:

• Burned-out element: Replace the heating element if it's not glowing red
• Loose connections: Ensure element is properly seated in its socket
• Faulty switch: Temperature control switch may need replacement
• Incorrect cookware: Use flat-bottomed pans for better heat transfer
• Power issues: Check circuit breaker and electrical connections

Oven temperature problems:

• Calibration issues: Oven may need temperature calibration adjustment
• Faulty temperature sensor: Sensor probe may be giving incorrect readings
• Worn door seal: Heat escapes through damaged oven door gasket
• Heating element failure: Bake or broil elements may be partially burned out
• Control board problems: Electronic controls may malfunction

Heat pump heating problems in Victoria's climate:

• Dirty air filter: Replace filter monthly during heavy use
• Frozen outdoor unit: Ice buildup prevents heat transfer - defrost cycle should clear it
• Thermostat settings: Ensure it's set to heat mode and desired temperature
• Low refrigerant: System may need refrigerant recharge by certified technician
• Backup heat failure: Electric strips or gas backup may not be working
• Extreme cold weather: Heat pumps lose efficiency below 25°F

Cooling problems in summer:

• Dirty outdoor coils: Clean debris from outdoor unit regularly
• Blocked indoor vents: Ensure furniture isn't blocking air returns
• Refrigerant leak: Low coolant levels reduce cooling capacity
• Undersized unit: May not have enough capacity for your home
• Ductwork issues: Leaky ducts reduce efficiency
• Thermostat problems: May not be reading temperature correctly

Heat pump sounds and what they mean:

• Squealing noise: Belt slipping or motor bearing problems
• Grinding sounds: Motor or fan bearing issues need immediate attention
• Clicking: Normal startup sounds, but constant clicking indicates electrical problems
• Hissing: May indicate refrigerant leak - call professional immediately
• Banging: Loose components or ductwork movement
• Whooshing during defrost: Normal sound when ice melts off outdoor coils

Short cycling problems:

• Oversized system: Unit too large for your home cycles frequently
• Clogged air filter: Restricted airflow causes overheating
• Low refrigerant: System shuts down to prevent damage
• Faulty thermostat: May be giving incorrect temperature readings
• Electrical problems: Loose connections or failing components

Furnace startup problems:

• Thermostat issues: Check batteries and settings on your thermostat
• Power problems: Verify furnace switch is on and circuit breaker isn't tripped
• Gas supply: Ensure gas valve is open and you have gas service
• Pilot light out: Older furnaces may need pilot light relit
• Dirty air filter: Clogged filter can prevent startup
• Safety switches: Door panel must be properly installed

Uneven heating throughout your home:

• Blocked vents: Ensure all heating vents are open and unobstructed
• Ductwork problems: Leaks or blockages in ducts reduce airflow
• Dirty air filter: Restricts airflow to entire system
• Undersized furnace: May not have capacity to heat large homes
• Insulation issues: Poor insulation causes heat loss
• Zoning problems: Dampers may be closed in certain areas

Furnace noise troubleshooting:

• Banging or popping: Ductwork expanding and contracting is normal
• Squealing: Blower motor bearings or belt problems
• Rumbling: Burner may need cleaning or adjustment
• Clicking: Normal ignition sounds, but constant clicking needs attention
• Scraping: Blower wheel may be loose or damaged
• Whistling: Air filter or ductwork restrictions

Frequent furnace cycling:

• Overheating: Dirty filter causes system to overheat and shut down
• Faulty flame sensor: Sensor may be dirty or failing
• Thermostat problems: May be incorrectly reading room temperature
• Oversized furnace: Heats house too quickly and cycles off
• Gas pressure issues: Improper gas pressure affects operation
• Electrical problems: Loose wiring or failing components