After years of service calls across Edmonton and the surrounding region, patterns become clear. Certain problems repeat across brands and models. Here's what we see most often — and what usually causes it.
Washing Machines That Won't Drain
This is our single most common call. The drain pump filter in a front-load washer is designed to catch debris — coins, hair, small socks — before it reaches the pump. When the filter isn't cleaned regularly (most manufacturers recommend every one to three months), debris blocks the drain and the washer stops mid-cycle with water still in the drum.
The fix is often as simple as cleaning the filter, which most homeowners can do themselves once they know where it is. It's usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine. If the filter is clean but the washer still won't drain, the pump itself may have failed — which requires a service call.
Dryers That Don't Heat
The number two call we receive. For electric dryers, the most common cause is a blown thermal fuse — a one-use safety device that trips when the dryer overheats. Once blown, the dryer runs but produces no heat. The fuse is inexpensive, but the real question is why it blew — usually a blocked exhaust duct. Replacing the fuse without clearing the duct means the new fuse will blow again.
For gas dryers, a failed igniter is the most common cause of no heat. The igniter glows orange to ignite the gas, but if it weakens, it won't get hot enough to open the gas valve. The dryer runs, the igniter glows faintly, but the burner never lights.
Refrigerators Not Cooling
Beyond the dirty condenser coils and defrost system failures described in our fridge troubleshooting article, we see a lot of refrigerators with failed door gaskets. A door seal that doesn't close properly lets warm air in constantly, forcing the compressor to run non-stop and eventually failing to maintain temperature. Check your door seal by closing a piece of paper in the door — if you can pull it out without resistance, the seal needs replacing.
Dishwashers Not Cleaning Properly
When dishes come out of the dishwasher still dirty, the filter is the first place to look. Many homeowners don't realize their dishwasher has a removable filter at the bottom of the tub that needs regular cleaning. A clogged filter recirculates dirty water and results in deposits on dishes. Beyond the filter, clogged spray arm holes are the next most common cause — debris blocks the small holes that spray water onto dishes, reducing coverage.
Ovens with Temperature Problems
An oven that runs 25-50 degrees off its set temperature is more common than most people realize, and it's often been the case for years before anyone notices. The oven temperature sensor — a thin probe inside the oven cavity — gradually drifts out of calibration. Replacement is straightforward, and the difference in baking results is immediate.