- Air Conditioning Breakdowns
- Furnace Breakdowns
- Plumbing Breakdowns
- Electric Water Heater Breakdowns
- Gas Water Heater Breakdowns
- Electrical System Breakdowns
- Roof Breakdowns
- Septic System Breakdowns
- Pool or Spa Breakdowns
- Well Pump Breakdowns
- Refrigerator Breakdowns
- Microwave Breakdowns
- Electric Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
- Gas Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
- Dishwasher Breakdowns
- Washer Breakdowns
- Dryer Breakdowns
Home Maintenance Topics
2-10 Maintenance Guide / Home Maintenance Topics / Troubleshooting Breakdowns
Troubleshooting Breakdowns
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
Refrigerator Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Unit isn't plugged in
Plug in unit
Blown fuse
Check fuse box/circuit breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit may not be level
Level the unit
The drain pan is rattling
Make sure the pan is not touching the sides or the compressor
The fan blades are hitting something
Make sure the fan blades are not bent or obstructed
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The condenser coils are dirty
Clean the coils with a vacuum
The condenser fan is malfunctioning
Check the fan and repair or replace as necessary
The thermostat is not set properly
Adjust the thermostat as necessary
The door gasket is defective
Replace the door gasket to eliminate cold air from escaping
The room temperature is very hot
The unit may be operating properly, try to cool the room
Heavy frost accumulation
Defrost the unit more frequently
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drains are clogged
Clear the drains
The door gasket leaks or is damaged
Replace the door gasket
The drain hose is damaged or cracked
Replace the drain hose
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drain line is clogged or the drain pan is full
Clear the drain line and empty the drain pan
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The drain pan is dirty
Clean and sanitize the drain pan
There is spoiled food in the unit
Remove any spoiled food. Keep an open container of baking soda in the unit until the odor is gone
Microwave Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker s properly closed and latched
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The clock is not set
Reset the clock
A programming sequence was entered improperly
Press “Clear” on the touchpad and re-program
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is metal or metallic trim on an item in the unit
Remove metal or metal-trimmed items from inside the unit
The unit was turned on with nothing in the unit
Make sure you always have an item in the unit when you turn it on
Electric Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There is no power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The element is not properly "plugged in"
Remove the burner and replace to a fully secured position, ensuring it is properly “plugged in”
The burner is defective
Remove the burner and plug it in to another burner position, If it still does not work, replace the burner
The burner wiring, terminal block, or switch is defective
Test each part and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The timer fuse is blown
Replace the fuse
There is a loose connection
Turn off the power to the oven and tighten all connections
The timer is bad
Replace the timer
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
An oven vent could be clogged
Clear the clog and replace the filter as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door gasket is damaged and leaks
Replace the door gasket
The calibration of the thermostat is not correct
Contact the manufacturer for recalibration instructions
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The oven door is not locked
Shut and lock the oven door and restart the self-clean cycle
Gas Oven, Range, or Cooktop Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot light has gone out
Open any windows and doors to create good ventilation and relight the pilot
The gas line is leaking
Leave the house an call the gas company immediately
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot light is out
Relight the pilot
Gas is not turned on
Make sure the gas valve is turned on. Consult the gas company if necessary
The burner cap may not be set properly
Make sure the cap matches the burner size and is sealed properly
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The pilot port is clogged
Turn off the gas and clear the port
The pilot is getting blown out
Avoid drafts near the range
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The burner may be clogged
Clean the burner surface and port
The gas mixture is incorrect
Call your local gas company
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Circulation in the oven is not adequate
If you cover a shelf with aluminum foil, make sure you have at least 2 inches of clearance on the sides and back
The exhaust vent may be clogged
Clear the vent and replace the filter as necessary
The oven was not preheated
Preheat the oven before baking
The door seal leaks
Replace the door seal
Dishwasher Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door is not closed properly
Be sure the door is properly closed and latched
No power to the unit
Be sure the unit is plugged in properly and reset the breaker
The door latch is defective
Inspect the door latch, repair or replace as necessary
The control selector is in the wrong position
Adjust the control to the correct “Start” position
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The water filter is clogged
If equipped, clean the intake water filter
The overflow switch is defective
If the switch sticks in the “full” position the unit will not fill with water, Replace the switch
The water valve is not on
Make sure the valve in the feed line is on, Track the feed line until you find the valve
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
A spray arm is hitting the dishes
Make sure the dishes do not obstruct the spray arm(s)
A knocking sound occurs from a defective water intake valve
Replace the water intake valve
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
Soap buildup is interfering with proper operation
Remove soap buildup and clean with vinegar
The lid may be blocked
Make sure the lid is not obstructed
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
There may be a problem with the heating element
Make sure all the electrical connections around the element are secure and clean the element with vinegar
The timer is defective
Replace the timer
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The door seal has failed
Make sure the seal is clean and free of any soap buildup or waste, Clean or replace as necessary
The hose clamps are loose
Check and tighten clamps
The door hinges have failed
Replace the door hinges to regain a tight fit of the door
Excessive soapsuds caused from liquid soap
Switch to a powder detergent
Washer Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the unit
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The water valves are turned off
Make sure the water valves are turned on
Water-line filters are clogged
Make sure the water-line filters are clear
There is a kink in a water hose
Check and straighten both water hoses
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The tub may be overfilled
Remove some laundry and redistribute the remaining laundry in the tub
The timer is defective
Wait 15 minutes to allow the machine to reset; Replace the timer
The lid is not closed properly
Make sure the lid is closed and the safety switch is working
The drive belt may be loose or broken
Tighten or replace the drive belt as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The hose connections are loose
Check and tighten the hose connections
Possible failed parts: gasket, mixing valve, hoses, overflow switch, or sensor
Check and replace the defective parts as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The laundry load is unbalanced
Distribute the clothes evenly
The machine may not be level
Level the machine
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The lid is not closed properly
Because the unit spins and drains at the same time, be sure the lid is closed
The drain hose may be kinked
Check and straighten the drain hose
The position of the drain hose may be too high
If the drain hose is more than 4 feet above floor level and it cannot be lowered easily, call a qualified service provider
Dryer Breakdowns
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit is not getting power
Make sure the unit is plugged in. Check and reset the breaker
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The belt drive is loose or broken
Tighten or replace the belt
The drum is stuck
Check the drum and remove any obstructions
The drum support mechanism is broken
Check and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The lint trap or exhaust vent is clogged
Clear the trap or vent
There are too many clothes in the dryer
Remove some clothes
The door gasket leaks
Check and replace the door gasket
The heating element may not be operating properly
Check the heating element, thermostat, and timer, and replace as necessary
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The unit has a bad timer
Check and replace the timer
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