Refrigerator repair in Tracy CA

Let's go over five of the most common refrigerator repair requests we tend to get from our residential clients.

In no particular order, here are common fridge problems we've regularly seen and tackled over the years...

First, we always hear from locals about their refrigerator compartment failing to reach and hold an appropriate temperature. Simply put, the number they turn the temperature to on the control knob inside the fridge does not coincide with the actual temperature. We find this issue is usually fixed by replacing the defrost thermostat, which is a given if it's coated in frost.

Next, the prolific icemaker dilemma. We get these calls all the time and it's disheartening for many appliance owners because no one wants to pay hundreds of dollars to be able to make ice 'again'. Every luxury has its price: Often times, the motor for the icemaker seizes and needs to be replaced; if you're lucky, the water inlet valve just needs to be unclogged.

Washer repair in Tracy CA

Do you face bad smells any time you go near your washing machine?

The culprit for this isn't necessarily what you washed yesterday. In fact, the likely problem is residual dirt, grime and bacterial growth that's hidden away.

You might wash inside your washer by hand but find the odor won't go away. If your washer has a self-cleaning option, chances are that will have minimal effect as well - the residue is out of reach and often requires a strong cleaner (like bleach) for all the smelly residue to go away.

Keeping up with potential smells can be tough. However, washing machine cleaner solutions are readily available and can mitigate the smells before they intoxify your laundry room. A specialty cleaner is well worth the investment. However, we recommend you look for a solution that can be put in while normal loads of laundry run.

Dryer repair in Tracy CA

What causes a dryer to not stop itself after a load finishes?

If it keeps running, the most likely problem is a restricted air flow in the ventilation system. This problem won't necessarily make it stay on forever, but it can drastically increase your drying times to the point it feels that way. The same issue can arise if your blower wheel becomes clogged with lint, small clothing items, etc. As stuff can escape your lint trap and fall down into the blower wheel, taking proper care of your lint after each load is vital.

A completely different scenario could be playing out if you have a gas dryer. These machines contain gas valve solenoid coils which can stop working properly. As a result, it's possible for the burner it fuels to no longer produce sufficient heat. It's best to replace an entire batch of coils if any of them are discovered to be faulty.

Dishwasher repair in Tracy CA

Need a dishwasher repair? Do you have a multimeter?

If so, the process for testing different parts will vary based on what needs to be checked. This general guide should give you an idea on what you will face when troubleshooting your appliance. However, we advise that you resort to the manufacturer manual to know exactly what wires to test and how to test them.

First off, does your dishwasher not fill enough water, too much or none at all? If so, use your multimeter to check the water inlet valve (coil) to see if there is continuity. With an analog meter, test for the lowest ohms resistance level - make sure the meter is calibrated to zero. If you use a digital meter, set to the lowest setting (or resistance with tone) touch each of the terminals with the two probes. A reading between 500 and 1,500 ohms means there is continuity but any other reading identifies that the valve needs replaced.

Freezer repair in Tracy CA

Many freezer repair calls come in from appliance owners with freezers that run all the time.

This problem is typically attributed to a failing temperature control thermostat. Try turning the thermostat from low to high. If no clicking noise is emitted it will mean the part is probably not working right. You can test for continuity to be certain. If there's no open circuit on any temperature level it means the part is defective and must be replaced.

Now, noisy freezers are a bit harder to diagnose because it's not always the temperature control thermostat that is to blame. We often find other parts are the culprit as well. Some freezer parts that can cause this issue include the evaporator or condenser fan, defrost thermostat, defrost heater assembly or the main control board.

Oven repair in Tracy CA

Is your gas oven not powering up for some reason?

Gas and electric ovens require different electrical output levels in order to properly operate. Gas ovens run on 120v while electric ovens require 240v, a big difference. You can use a multimeter to check the electrical output at the wires leading to the outlet box where your oven is plugged in. If it's an electric issue, your 'oven repair' will require an electrician's help.

Is your gas oven not heating up?

The first part to check is the igniter itself. In cases where a gas oven won't turn on, most of the time it's a defect in this part that causes the issue. What usually happens hear is the igniter becomes worn out and doesn't act as it should. It's the responsibility of the heater to trigger the safety valve to open but if this doesn't happen the oven will fail to produce heat.

Range/Stove repair in Tracy CA

DIY'ers, a word of advice: err on the side of caution when dealing with any stove-related problem.

A simple malfunction could set off an electric shock to anyone who touches the appliance. Before troubleshooting any issue, please always make sure to kill the power completely and use a multimeter to make sure no part is charged before touching.

Look for teardown videos of your specific stove model if you need to take anything apart to complete a basic diagnosis. Watching these videos ahead of time will help you familiarize with your appliance. From there, dissecting the problem and putting your machine back together will not be a challenge.

Most of the time, by googling your model and problem, with a quick search you have an idea of some of the possible causes. Your next step is to do the process of elimination as best as you can.