Answers

Appliance Repair Questions — Answered

We've organized the questions Alexandria and Central Louisiana homeowners ask us most often by appliance type and topic. Find the section that matches your problem and follow the link for the full answer.

Appliance repair service Questions

Can you repair a dishwasher that is just a few years old?
Yes. Newer units can still have component failures, particularly with door latches, control boards, and drain pumps.
My oven is heating unevenly. Is that the thermostat or something else?
Uneven heating is usually the temperature sensor rather than the thermostat itself. The sensor is a small probe inside the oven cavity.
Can a jammed disposal damage my pipes if I keep trying to run it?
Running a jammed disposal repeatedly can burn out the motor. It won't damage the drain pipes, but it will shorten the life of the unit.
How do I find my appliance's model number?
It's usually on a sticker inside the door frame on refrigerators and dishwashers, on the back panel of ranges, and inside the lid or door opening on washers and dryers.

Refrigerator repair service Questions

How long can I leave food in a refrigerator that stopped cooling?
The FDA's guideline is four hours once the unit stops maintaining 40°F or below. After that, perishables like meat, dairy, and prepared foods should be discarded.
How do I know if my freezer's compressor has failed?
A failed compressor often clicks on briefly then shuts off repeatedly, or the unit runs continuously without getting cold. You may also hear nothing at all when the freezer should be cycling.
Can an ice maker be repaired, or does the whole refrigerator need replacing?
In most cases, the ice maker itself can be repaired or the failed module replaced without touching the rest of the refrigerator.
How do I know if it's the compressor or something else causing the cooling problem?
Several parts can cause a fridge to stop cooling. The start relay, condenser fan, evaporator fan, and defrost system all affect temperature.
Can I replace a refrigerator door gasket myself?
Some gaskets can be swapped out at home, but getting the right part for your specific model and seating it evenly around the door takes some experience.
How often should a refrigerator water filter be replaced?
Every six months is the standard recommendation. If your water has high sediment content or the fridge sees heavy use, you may need to change it sooner.

Microwave oven repair service Questions

Is it safe to use a microwave that sparks inside?
No. Sparking usually means a failed waveguide cover, a damaged rack support, or a compromised interior cavity.
How do I know if it's the magnetron or something else?
You generally can't tell without testing the high-voltage circuit. A magnetron failure, a bad diode, and a failed capacitor all produce similar symptoms.
Is it safe to use my microwave if the door doesn't close all the way?
No. A door that does not seal correctly allows microwave energy to escape the cavity.
Only one button on my microwave stopped working. Is that worth fixing?
It depends on which button. If it is the start button or a function you use daily, yes.
Can you repair any brand of over-the-range microwave?
We work on most major brands found in homes and light commercial kitchens throughout the Alexandria area. If you are unsure whether we service your brand, give us a call and we can tell you quickly.
Can I run my microwave without the turntable tray?
You can, but you will get uneven heating. For small or simple tasks it may not matter much.

Washer & dryer repair service Questions

Do you work on both top-load and front-load washers?
Yes. We repair both types across all major brands.
Is it safe to run my dryer if it's making a grinding noise?
No. Grinding usually means a roller, bearing, or idler pulley is failing.
Can I manually drain the washer before a technician arrives?
Yes. Most front-load washers have a small access panel near the bottom with a drain hose and filter cap.
Is a clogged dryer vent actually dangerous?
Is it worth replacing a washing machine belt, or should I just buy a new machine?
A belt replacement is one of the least expensive washer repairs. If the machine is otherwise in good shape, repairing it makes financial sense.

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