Q: Should I drain the standing water before the technician arrives?

It’s not necessary, but if you do, use a sponge or a small container rather than running another cycle, which could make an overflow worse.

Question 1

Can a leak also affect the fridge&#8217;s ability to keep food cold?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since leaking is often tied to a defrost problem, the same mechanism causing the excess water can also interfere with cold air circulation. If you also notice the fridge struggling to hold its temperature, check out our article Fridge Stopped Cooling for a broader diagnosis.

Question 2

If I can&#8217;t find my appliance&#8217;s manual, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Most manufacturers publish their manuals online, searchable by the model number found on the appliance&#8217;s data plate. Failing that, a technician can interpret the code directly on-site.

Question 3

Does an error code mean the appliance is broken for good?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. An error code is a symptom, not a verdict: in most cases, it points to a drainage problem that&#8217;s resolved by cleaning the filter or clearing the drain hose.

Question 4

Can a dishwasher with a small leak wait to be repaired?

Accepted Answer

No. Even a minor leak can signal a seal or hose on the verge of complete failure, and water seeping under the appliance or into the floor can cause damage far more costly than the repair itself.

Question 5

Can I repair a door seal myself?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning it, yes. Replacing the seal generally requires removing the door panel and installing the correct original part for your brand and model, a step where professional help avoids unpleasant surprises.

Question 6

Can a dishwasher that won&#8217;t drain be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not directly, but standing water encourages bad odours and bacterial growth, and starting a new cycle on a tub that&#8217;s already full can cause it to overflow.

Question 7

Should I drain the standing water before the technician arrives?

Accepted Answer

It&#8217;s not necessary, but if you do, use a sponge or a small container rather than running another cycle, which could make an overflow worse.

Question 8

How much does it cost to replace a control board?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies by brand and model. A technician can confirm the exact price for the part and labour during the diagnosis, before you commit to anything.

Question 9

Should I repair or replace a dishwasher that&#8217;s more than 10 years old?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the repair cost compared to the price of a new appliance, and on the overall condition of the unit. A technician can give you an honest assessment before you decide.

Question 10

My oven doesn&#8217;t seem to reach the temperature I set, what could that be?

Accepted Answer

Even if the oven produces heat, a faulty temperature sensor or thermostat can prevent it from reaching the set point accurately. Unusually slow cooking or food that never quite turns out as expected is often a sign of this issue, rather than a total loss of heat.

Question 11

How can I tell if the problem is the temperature sensor rather than the heating element?

Accepted Answer

If the element glows normally during preheating but the oven cooks too fast, too slowly, or inconsistently from one use to the next, the sensor or thermostat is more likely at fault than the element itself, which would simply produce no heat at all if it were defective.

Question 12

Can a damaged door seal prevent the oven from reaching the right temperature?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A worn, cracked, or poorly fitted seal lets heat escape, which extends cooking time and can prevent the oven from reaching the set temperature, especially at higher settings. It&#8217;s also generally a less expensive repair than an element or a thermostat, worth checking before assuming a bigger failure.

Question 13

Can I light my burner with a match if the igniter isn&#8217;t working?

Accepted Answer

For a surface burner, that&#8217;s possible as a temporary workaround: turn the gas on briefly and bring a lit match close to the burner, avoiding letting gas build up before ignition. This isn&#8217;t a solution for the oven, whose enclosed cavity makes the manoeuvre dangerous. Either way, have the igniter repaired promptly rather than keeping up this habit.

Question 14

Is it normal to hear continuous clicking after the burner lights?

Accepted Answer

No. The igniter&#8217;s clicking should stop as soon as the flame is detected. If it continues after ignition, it&#8217;s often a sign that the flame sensor isn&#8217;t properly detecting combustion (a misaligned or dirty igniter), which is worth having a technician check.

Question 15

Why does my flame go out a few seconds after lighting, even if I hold the button down longer?

Accepted Answer

This is usually caused by a dirty or worn safety sensor that doesn&#8217;t properly detect the flame and cuts the gas as a precaution. It&#8217;s an inexpensive part to replace, but the work must be done by a technician since it involves the gas supply.

Question 16

No gas comes out of the burner, even though I can hear the igniter clicking: what should I do?

Accepted Answer

The burner ports are probably clogged with food residue or dried spills. Clean them with a small brush or a fine needle, with the stove off and cool. If nothing comes out after cleaning, the supply orifice or the valve itself is likely the cause: a repair best left to a technician.

Question 17

My flame is weak or yellow/orange instead of blue, is that normal?

Accepted Answer

No. A vivid blue flame indicates complete combustion; a weak, yellow, or orange flame generally signals a partially blocked burner or a poor air-gas mixture, meaning incomplete combustion. Beyond reduced cooking efficiency, incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, an odorless and dangerous gas: make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen, and have the burner checked promptly if the flame stays abnormal after cleaning the ports.

Question 18

How long does a gas stove typically last?

Accepted Answer

With basic maintenance (clean burners, ignition checks), a gas stove typically lasts 15 to 20 years, a bit longer than a comparable electric stove, since burner components wear out more slowly than an electric heating element.

Question 19

Is it better to have a propane or natural gas stove?

Accepted Answer

Both offer comparable cooking performance; the choice mostly depends on what&#8217;s available at your home. Natural gas is fed directly through a distribution network, with no resupply to manage, while propane requires a tank that needs monitoring and refilling. A stove designed for one type of gas needs to be converted (different burner orifices) before it can run on the other: they aren&#8217;t interchangeable without technical work.

Question 20

An error code is blinking, but I can&#8217;t find what it means: what should I do?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of error codes varies a lot from one manufacturer to another, and sometimes even between models from the same manufacturer. If you no longer have the paper manual, most manufacturers offer a downloadable version on their website based on the model number. Still, note the exact code along with the brand, model, and serial number before calling: that lets our technician arrive with the right parts on hand.

Question 21

The panel is frozen: can I keep using my stove safely?

Accepted Answer

Start by resetting the appliance (unplug it or shut off its dedicated breaker for about 60 seconds): that often clears a temporary glitch with no risk. If the panel stays frozen after that, some caution is warranted: an electronic issue can also affect safety functions like door locking or automatic shutoff. If the burners or oven otherwise respond normally, short-term use is generally fine, but have the situation assessed promptly rather than waiting for a bigger failure or a safety mechanism to fail.

Question 22

Is it complicated or expensive to replace a stove&#8217;s control board?

Accepted Answer

Physically, no: a control board unplugs and is replaced fairly simply once accessible. The real challenge is identifying the right part, since several boards look alike without being interchangeable across models. The cost is generally comparable to another major part like a thermostat or a heating element.

Question 23

Is an electronic touch panel less reliable than classic mechanical knobs?

Accepted Answer

Both have their trade-offs. An electronic panel offers more precision and features (timers, programmed cycles), but has more components that can fail, as shown by the causes above. Mechanical knobs are simpler and rarely fail completely, but offer less precision and no advanced features. It&#8217;s not a question of overall reliability, but a trade-off between ruggedness and functionality.

Question 24

How long should my dryer last?

Accepted Answer

With regular basic maintenance, a dryer can easily reach 18 years of useful life.

Question 25

How often should the exhaust duct be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

The lint filter should be cleaned before every load; the flexible ventilation duct should be deep-cleaned roughly every two years or more often if the dryer sees heavy use (large family, poorly ventilated basement, etc.).

Question 26

Does my condenser dryer need the same maintenance?

Accepted Answer

The broad strokes are the same (filter, drum, avoiding overloading), but a condenser dryer has no duct venting to the outside instead, it&#8217;s the water collection tank or drain pump that needs regular checking.

Question 27

When should I call a technician instead of doing the maintenance myself?

Accepted Answer

Unusual noises, cycles that never seem to end, a burning smell, or clothes that no longer dry properly these are signs worth taking seriously. Our technicians repair dryers and washers of all brands throughout Quebec — request an estimate.

Question 28

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the cause is the heating element or the thermostat. A partially tripped breaker (on dryers with two 120V circuits) can also leave the drum turning with no heat at all.

Question 29

Is it dangerous to keep using a dryer that isn&#8217;t heating?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily a fire risk on its own, but if the cause turns out to be a blocked exhaust duct rather than a faulty part, that&#8217;s a safety issue worth fixing promptly.

Question 30

How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?

Accepted Answer

This repair usually falls in a moderate cost range (roughly $150 to $250, parts and labour included); the exact price depends on the brand and model.

Question 31

My dryer runs on gas, can I check it myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Any work on the gas valve or ignition system should only be performed by a certified technician, for your safety.

Question 32

The oven stays locked after the cycle, is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: the oven stays locked until its internal temperature drops to a safe level, which can take longer than the displayed cycle time. If the latch stays stuck for an unusually long time or seems faulty, don&#8217;t force it open: contact a technician.

Question 33

Can I clean an oven without a self-clean function using homemade products?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A paste of baking soda and water, left to sit for a few hours before wiping, loosens grease without harsh chemicals. For tougher stains, a commercial oven cleaner applied to a cold oven remains an effective option.

Question 34

What if a gas burner lights poorly after cleaning?

Accepted Answer

First check that it&#8217;s completely dry and repositioned exactly as it was (cap and base properly aligned). If the problem continues, see our article on gas stoves that won&#8217;t light for a more complete diagnosis.

Question 35

Why is my dryer making a banging noise?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause is an item left in a pocket or an unbalanced load. Empty your pockets and avoid overly large loads before assuming a mechanical failure.

Question 36

My dryer is squealing, is that serious?

Accepted Answer

Not urgent enough to stop using it immediately, but a persistent squeal usually signals a worn bearing or pulley that&#8217;s best fixed soon to avoid damaging the drum.

Question 37

Can I keep using my dryer if it&#8217;s noisy?

Accepted Answer

In the short term, yes, as long as there&#8217;s no burning smell or overheating. But delaying repair of a worn pulley or bearing can worsen the wear and increase the repair cost.

Question 38

How much does it cost to replace a dryer pulley?

Accepted Answer

This is generally one of the more affordable repairs (under $150, parts and labour included), which partly explains its high one-visit resolution rate.

Question 39

Why does my induction stove make a faint humming sound while cooking?

Accepted Answer

That&#8217;s normal: the sound comes either from the built-in cooling fan or from a slight vibration in the pot caused by the electromagnetic field, especially at high power. If the humming becomes loud, unusual, or is accompanied by a smell, have the appliance checked by a technician.

Question 40

My pot is compatible, but the stove isn&#8217;t detecting it: why?

Accepted Answer

Most often, the pot isn&#8217;t properly centred on the burner, or its diameter is too small for the selected cooking zone: most induction stoves require a minimum diameter to trigger the sensor. Try recentring it or choosing a smaller burner.

Question 41

Can I use a wok on an induction stove?

Accepted Answer

A traditional round-bottomed wok doesn&#8217;t sit flat on the surface, so it heats poorly if at all. Some manufacturers offer flat-bottomed woks designed specifically for induction, and a few high-end models offer a dedicated bowl-shaped burner.

Question 42

Can I keep using my washer if it&#8217;s leaking a little?

Accepted Answer

No, if the leak is active. The risk of water damage to the floor increases with every cycle.

Question 43

Is induction cooking safe for people with a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices?

Accepted Answer

The electromagnetic field produced by an induction cooktop could theoretically interfere with certain implanted medical devices (pacemakers, defibrillators). As a precaution, manufacturers generally recommend that people with these devices consult their doctor before buying one and keep a reasonable distance from the active surface while cooking.

Question 44

My washer leaks even when it&#8217;s turned off — is that normal?

Accepted Answer

No — that&#8217;s the classic sign of a faulty water inlet valve letting water through continuously. Have it checked promptly.

Question 45

Why is my washer only leaking from the door?

Accepted Answer

It&#8217;s almost always the door gasket — worn, torn, or fouled by excess detergent.

Question 46

My dryer makes no sound at all when I press start, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

First check that the door is fully closed and that the breaker hasn&#8217;t tripped. If nothing happens even so, the cause is likely electrical (control board or door switch) and needs a professional diagnosis.

Question 47

The drum doesn&#8217;t turn but I hear a humming sound, is that the belt?

Accepted Answer

Very likely. A humming sound with no drum movement usually means the motor is running, but the belt is broken and no longer transmitting motion to the drum.

Question 48

How much does it cost to replace a dryer belt?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the more affordable repairs (under $150, parts and labour included), despite requiring a full disassembly of the drum.

Question 49

Can I repair the control board myself?

Accepted Answer

It&#8217;s not recommended. Diagnosing a control board requires specialized tools, and an incorrect diagnosis can lead to replacing a part that wasn&#8217;t actually faulty.

Question 50

My washer is making noise but still washes properly. Should I wait?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical noise that gets progressively worse indicates ongoing wear. Waiting doesn&#8217;t necessarily worsen the failure in the short term, but a badly worn bearing can eventually damage the tub — which increases repair cost. Addressing it early is generally more cost-effective.

Question 51

My washer is noisy and vibrates a lot. Is it the same issue?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Significant vibration accompanied by noise can come from a leveling or loading issue — with no faulty part involved. If the problem persists after leveling and redistributing the laundry, the suspension springs should be checked.

Question 52

Why does my washer only make noise during spin?

Accepted Answer

Noise only during spin almost always points to a mechanical part subjected to the drum&#8217;s fast rotation — bearing, shaft, spider, or transmission. These parts are only stressed at full speed during spin, which explains why the noise only appears at that point.

Question 53

Why does my front-load washer make a rumbling noise that keeps getting worse?

Accepted Answer

A progressively worsening rumble on front-load washers is characteristic of a worn bearing. This noise starts subtle and gets louder over time. It&#8217;s the most common cause for this type of appliance in our data.

Question 54

Why shouldn&#8217;t some fruits and vegetables be stored in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Tomatoes, bananas, potatoes, onions, and garlic lose flavour or texture in the cold, and some even spoil faster. Several of these also release ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening in nearby produce. They&#8217;re better kept on the counter, in a dry spot.

Question 55

Can organizing your fridge too tightly restrict airflow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pressing containers against the back wall or in front of the vents blocks cold air circulation, creating warmer pockets elsewhere in the fridge. Leave a little space between items instead of packing everything in tightly, so air can circulate evenly.

Question 56

Why won&#8217;t my washer drain but it still spins?

Accepted Answer

If the washer spins partially but leaves water behind, the pump is still working — but not at full capacity. It&#8217;s often at the early stage of failure or partially blocked. Preventive service avoids a complete breakdown.

Question 57

Can my washer drain if I leave it paused?

Accepted Answer

No. If the pump is faulty or blocked, leaving the machine paused won&#8217;t change anything. Water will stay in the tub until the cause is fixed.

Question 58

My LG washer won&#8217;t drain — is that common?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LG is the most represented brand for this symptom in our data — nearly 1 in 4 service calls for this issue involve an LG appliance. The drain pump is the dominant cause on these models.

Question 59

How long does a normal drying cycle take?

Accepted Answer

For a standard load, expect roughly 45 to 60 minutes. A small load can dry in 30 to 40 minutes, while bulky items (sheets, comforters, towels) can take 60 to 90 minutes or more. If your cycles are gradually getting longer for the same size of load, that&#8217;s often a sign the lint filter or exhaust duct is blocked; check those before assuming something is broken.

Question 60

Can I manually drain the water before the technician arrives?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On front-load washers, the pump filter accessible at the front lets you drain the water manually — have a towel and a container ready. On top-load washers, you&#8217;ll generally need to use the drain hose, lowering it to floor level.

Question 61

Why have we always been told never to put a hot dish in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

This belief dates back to a time when refrigerators (and iceboxes before them) regulated temperature much less precisely. A hot dish could genuinely put other food at risk back then. Modern appliances, with much more accurate thermostats, have largely solved the problem, but the habit itself has been passed down from generation to generation.

Question 62

My washer won&#8217;t drain and shows an error code. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Write down the code and check the manual. Drain-related codes (often E21, F21, 5E, OE depending on the brand) confirm the problem is in the drain circuit. A reset may clear the code temporarily, but if it returns, service is needed.

Question 63

Does the type of container matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it&#8217;s a risk that&#8217;s often overlooked: putting a very hot dish into a cold glass container (or vice versa) can cause thermal shock and crack or shatter the glass. Use a container that&#8217;s already at room temperature, or let the dish cool slightly before transferring it into a container that just came out of the fridge.

Question 64

Can a smell indicate a bigger problem than just expired food?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A smell that persists despite a thorough cleaning can point to a defrost issue or a blocked drain, where standing water develops a musty odor. In that case, natural remedies bring temporary relief but won&#8217;t solve anything until the underlying cause is fixed.

Refrigerator Repair

Fridge not cooling or leaking? Service 2000 provides at-home service across the greater Montreal area and Quebec City region since 1985.

4,9 / 5 (450+ Google reviews)

● CAA Quebec recommended

+ de 5 300 appareils réparés chaque année

Fridge not cooling or leaking? Service 2000 provides at-home service across the greater Montreal area and Quebec City region since 1985.

4,9 / 5 (450+ Google reviews)

● CAA Quebec recommended

+ de 5 300 appareils réparés chaque année

Why choose Service 2000 to repair your refrigerator?

The appliance brands we repair most often

Top 5 most common refrigerator breakdowns

1. Fridge not cooling

2. Fridge is leaking

3. Excessive frost buildup in the freezer

4. Water or ice dispenser not working

5. Persistent unpleasant odor

How does a refrigerator repair work?

How to repair your refrigerator yourself

FAQ sur la réparation de sécheuse

My refrigerator cycles more often than before (the compressor starts and stops frequently). Is this a sign of a problem?

My refrigerator isn’t cooling anymore but the freezer still works. What does this indicate?

My refrigerator’s drawer freezer isn’t keeping food properly even though the fridge side works fine. What causes this?

My refrigerator is leaking water under the crisper drawer, is this serious?

The water or ice dispenser on my refrigerator isn’t working anymore. Is this repairable?

My freezer is building up a lot of frost. What causes this?

My refrigerator’s compressor seems to run non-stop. Is this normal?

My refrigerator’s digital display isn’t responding or shows an error code. What should I do?

My refrigerator smells unpleasant even after cleaning. Is this a sign of a malfunction?

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