Troubleshooting Breakdowns
2-10 Maintenance Guide / Troubleshooting Breakdowns / System Breakdowns
Troubleshooting System Breakdowns
Use these recommendations, along with your manufacturer’s instruction manual, to perform maintenance and try to get it running right away!
If these tips don’t help and you have an active 2-10 Home Service Plan, we can help! Just log in to your Homeowner Portal account, check your service contract, and file a claim if you have refrigerator coverage!
Air Conditioning Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The condenser coil is dirty
Clean the condenser unit so air can freely circulate around the coil fins
The insulation has fallen off the feed lines
Replace the insulation
There is direct sun on the evaporator unit
Create shade for the unit
The filter is clogged or dirty
Clean or replace the filter
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drain hose from the condenser pan is clogged
Clear the hose so the water is able to flow freely
Furnace Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the heater
Check and reset breaker
The blower belt is broken
Replace the belt
The pilot light is out (gas only)
Reset the pilot light
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The filter is dirty
Replace the filter
The registers are dirty
Clean the registers
A register is closed
Check and open all registers
Blocked ductwork
Check and clear ductwork
Separated ductwork
Repair with duct tape
Duct damper position problem
Adjust room dampers
Blower belt is loose
Tighten blower belt
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The filter is dirty
Replace the filter
The ducts are dirty
Have the ducts professionally cleaned
Heat exchanger may be cracked or damaged
Call a qualified service provider
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
A pulley may be loose
Check and tighten all pulley screws
Blower motor belt may be worn out
Replace the belt and adjust the tension
Blower motor bearings are dry
Oil the bearings
Plumbing Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Chemical or mineral deposits have caused damage
Remove and replace the aerator
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
A blockage of hair, soap scum, or grease exists
Use a drain maintenance product available at your local hardware or grocery store
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Chemical or mineral deposits have caused a restriction
Clean the showerhead or faucet with vinegar
Electric Water Heater Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the water heater
Be sure the unit is plugged in, and then check and reset the circuit breaker
Defective or failed thermostats
Test and replace thermostats
Defective or failed heating elements
Test and replace heating elements
Sediment buildup in the tank
Drain and flush the tank (annually)
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The tank is too small
Install a larger capacity tank
Defective or failed heating elements
Test and replace heating elements
Thermostats are defective or require adjustment
Test and replace or adjust thermostats
Insufficient insulation around thermostats
Pack insulation around thermostats
Hot water faucets are leaking
Repair leaking faucets
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The thermostat is set too high
Turn down the thermostat
The heating elements are defective
Test and replace heating elements
Thermostats are defective
Test and replace the thermostats
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The seal on the heating element is defective
Check and replace the seal
The safety valve is defective
Check and replace the safety valve
The tank has a cracked liner or has rusted through
Replace the water heater
A plumbing line or connection has failed
Call a qualified plumber
Gas Water Heater Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot light is out
Follow manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot light
The pilot light will not stay on
Make sure the gas valves are on, and the thermocouple is near the pilot flame and connected to the gas control
The burner assembly is clogged
Replace the thermocouple
Defective thermocouple
Call a qualified service provider
No gas is reaching the burner
Call a qualified service provider
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Thermostats are defective or require adjustment
Test and replace or adjust thermostats
The tank is too small
Install a larger capacity tank
The burner is clogged
Call a qualified service provider
Hot water faucets are leaking
Repair leaking faucets
Hot water pipes are not insulated
Insulate hot water pipes
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The thermostat is set too high
Turn down the thermostat
Thermostats are defective
Test and replace thermostats
The exhaust may be blocked
Check the exhaust vent and clear it of any obstruction
Electrical System Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is no power to the unit
Check and reset breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is no power to the outlets
Check the circuit breakers to be sure they are set properly
Too many appliances are plugged in and using electricity at the same time
Reset the GFI outlet if applicable, Unplug all appliances and reset the breaker
Roof Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Curled shingles
Re-secure with roofing cement (in warm weather if possible)
Damaged or missing shingles
Replace damaged or missing shingles
Septic System Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Clog in septic tank
Pump out your septic tank or call a professional to do so
Tree roots in drain lines
Treat your plumbing with root-kill solutions, or call a professional to remove tree roots
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Clog in septic tank
Pump out your septic tank or call a professional to do so
Leak in tank or drain lines
Repair leaks or cracks, or call a professional
Pool or Spa Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No electricity
Make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Clogged or dirty filters
Check filers for clogs or clean them out
Too much algae
Purchase a cleaning agent (shock) and clean the pool / spa
Well Pump Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No electricity
Make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Too many minerals in well water
Contact a water treatment professional
Refer to your Warranty Booklet or Home Service Plan for specific coverage details, as certain items and events are not covered.
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