The Before-You-Call Appliance Repair Checklist
A two-minute run-through that can save you a service fee — and, when it can't, gets your repair done faster.
Before you book any appliance repair, run these checks. About one call in five turns out to be something simple you can clear in a couple of minutes — and if it isn't, the notes you take here will get a technician to the fix faster.
First, five quick checks
- 1 Confirm it has power
Check the plug is fully seated, test the outlet with another device, and reset the breaker. For anything near a sink or in a garage, reset the GFCI outlet — a tripped GFCI is a common "dead appliance" cause.
- 2 Check the settings and door
Make sure the cycle/mode is right, the child lock or demo mode is off, and the door or lid is latching fully. Many "won't start" calls are a door switch not engaging.
- 3 Note any error code
Write down the exact code shown on the display (e.g. LG OE, Bosch E15, Samsung 5C). The code tells the technician most of the story and speeds up the repair.
- 4 Think about what changed
New sounds, a recent power outage, an overloaded cycle, a just-installed disposal? Recent changes point straight to the fault.
- 5 Clear the simple stuff
Clean the filter, clear the drain, and remove anything blocking a fan or spray arm. Sometimes that's the whole fix.
Quick checks by appliance
- ☐Are the condenser coils dusty? (Clean them.)
- ☐Is the temperature dial/damper set correctly?
- ☐Is the door sealing, or is warm air leaking in?
- ☐Freezer cold but fridge warm? Note it — that's a specific fault.
- ☐Is the drain filter clogged? (Check for coins/socks.)
- ☐Is the load balanced and not overloaded?
- ☐Are the water supply valves fully open?
- ☐Any error code on drain (OE/5C) or door lock?
- ☐Is the lint filter clean and the vent clear?
- ☐Does it run but not heat? (Note gas vs. electric.)
- ☐Any burning smell? Stop using it and call.
- ☐Is the breaker fully on? (240V dryers use two.)
- ☐Is the filter/sump clear of debris?
- ☐Is the drain hose kinked or the disposal knockout blocked?
- ☐Is the door latching fully?
- ☐Standing water at the bottom? Note it.
- ☐Gas oven not heating? Likely the igniter — note it.
- ☐Burner won't spark? Is the igniter clean and dry?
- ☐Is the oven off by a specific number of degrees?
- ☐Any F-code on the display?
Write these down before you call
- ☐Brand and full model number (on a sticker inside the door/frame)
- ☐The exact error code, if any
- ☐A clear description of the symptom
- ☐Any sounds, smells, or leaks
- ☐When it started and what changed
When to stop and call a pro
Gas smell, scorching, sparking, or anything involving a microwave's internals (the capacitor holds a dangerous charge) — don't DIY. Unplug it and call us. Safety first, always.
Checked everything and still stuck?
No problem — that's what we're here for. Call (617) 996-7899 and we'll get you a time.