When your fridge stops cooling or your washer suddenly won’t drain, it doesn’t feel like a minor inconvenience; rather, it just throws you off your entire day. Appliances are meant to make life easier, but the second something goes wrong, they become a source of stress.
Barton has handled appliance repair in Richmond homes for years now, and most problems we see fall into a few common patterns. Some are easy to fix yourself, while others need a trained technician. Either way, this is a simple and clear breakdown of the most common issues and what to do when they happen!
Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
This one tops the list. You open the fridge, and things feel slightly warm, or worse, you find your food spoiled.
Try this first:
- Check the temperature setting. Sometimes it gets nudged accidentally.
- Look at the back vents inside the fridge. They can sometimes end up getting blocked by food containers.
- Clean the condenser coils (usually at the back or bottom of the fridge). Dust buildup makes it harder for the fridge to cool efficiently.
Still warm? It could be a faulty thermostat, evaporator fan, or compressor. All of these issues need a technician to look at them.
Quick Tip: If your fridge is overstuffed, airflow gets blocked. Try rearranging first before calling in a repair.
Washing Machine Won’t Drain
You go to switch loads and find your laundry sitting in murky water. It is both gross and frustrating.
Here’s what to check:
- Remove and clean the drain pump filter (usually behind a small panel near the bottom).
- Check the hose behind the washer for kinks or clogs.
- Make sure the lid or door is shutting properly; some models won’t drain unless the latch is engaged.
Still won’t drain? It might be a faulty pump or control board.
Dryer Isn’t Heating Up
Your clothes are taking forever to dry, or come out cold and damp.
Start with these:
- Empty the lint trap (do it after every load, always).
- Check the outside vent. If airflow is blocked, heat can’t circulate.
- Make sure you didn’t accidentally set it to “air dry” or “fluff”.
If none of that helps, the heating element, thermal fuse or thermostat might be the problem.
Safety Note: If you notice a burning smell, stop using the dryer and call for service right away. It’s a potential fire hazard.
Dishwasher Leaves Dishes Dirty
It ran a full cycle, but your plates still have food gunk or spots? You’re not alone.
Before you panic, try:
- Cleaning the filter (located under the spray arm at the bottom).
- Checking the spray arms for blockages.
- Running a dishwasher cleaner cycle, grease buildup affects performance.
If water isn’t heating up or the pump isn’t circulating properly, it’s time to call for help.
Pro Tip: Rinse aid improves drying and reduces residue, especially in hard water areas like parts of Richmond.
Stove Burner Won’t Light
Gas stove not clicking? Electric burner staying cold? Both can usually be diagnosed in minutes.
For gas stoves:
- Make sure the burner cap is seated properly.
- Check for food debris in the ignition port.
- Listen for the click; if it’s missing, it may be a faulty igniter.
For electric:
- Try swapping burners (if your cooktop allows). If the issue moves with the burner, it’s the element. If not, the socket or switch could be the problem.
Need to Know: Never use a gas stove with a persistent gas smell. Shut it off, ventilate the kitchen, and call a technician.
Oven Not Heating Evenly
It would be frustrating if you’re baking cookies and half are golden while the rest are raw. Uneven heating is a common oven issue.
Try this:
- Use an oven thermometer to compare actual vs. set temperature.
- Run a self-clean cycle (it recalibrates temperature in some models).
- Check if the baking element grows evenly.
If it’s only heating from one element (top or bottom), or does not reach the desired temperature at all, it may be a faulty sensor or control board.
Microwave Won’t Heat
Everything seems normal, light on, turntable spinning, but the food still stays cold.
Before calling in:
- Double-check that the door fully latches.
- Try different power levels, sometimes “defrost” or “low” settings can mislead.
- Plug it into a different outlet to rule out power issues.
If none of that works, it’s likely a failed magnetron or capacitor, which requires professional repair and high-voltage handling.
When to Call a Technician
Some problems can be fixed with a few minutes and a YouTube search. But there are times when bringing in a professional is the safest, smartest option.
You should call for appliance repair in Richmond when:
- There is a burning smell, smoke, or signs of overheating.
- You hear grinding, squealing, or knocking sounds.
- The appliance keeps tripping your breaker.
- It stops mid-cycle or won’t turn on at all.
- You’ve already tried the basics and nothing changed.
Why Go with Barton Appliance Repair
If you live in Richmond and need a fast, reliable fix, Barton Appliance Repair is one of the most trusted names around.
We’re local, no call centers, no franchises, and we’ve handled thousands of repairs across the Lower Mainland. From washers and dryers to fridges and dishwashers, our technicians show up on time, with parts in hand, and get the job done right.
What sets us apart:
- Same-day or next-day service
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Certified techs who know all major brands
- Top-rated with 4.9 stars across Google
We don’t oversell, and we don’t waste your time. Just honest appliance repair in Richmond, done right the first time.
Keep Small Issues From Turning Into Big Repairs
If you want to avoid calling for service few months, here are a few habits that go a long way:
- Clean lint traps and dishwasher filters regularly
- Avoid overloading washers and dryers
- Don’t ignore new sounds; the machine shouldn’t rattle or squeal
- Check water supply hoses and dryer vents every 6-12 months
It’s not about being perfect, just about catching things early.
Final Word
Appliances aren’t built to last forever, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace them every time something breaks. Most issues, especially the ones Richmond homeowners face every day, have clear warning signs and simple fixes. And when you do need help, go with Barton Appliance Repair. We know your area, your machines, and how to get them back up and running quickly.
For trusted appliance repair in Richmond, contact us for fast service, honest advice, local matters, and experience matters even more.
