Hands removing the drain filter from a front-load washer, with a shallow pan catching the water
A clogged pump filter is the usual reason a front-loader won't drain.
Kitchen & laundry

Kitchen and laundry repairs to try before you call for service

Before you book an appliance repair, it's worth checking the simple things. A filter that needs cleaning or a reset button may be the place to start. These guides cover the disposal, dishwasher, fridge, washer and dryer, with clear steps and signs that it's time to call for help.

  • 43 fixes
  • Step-by-step pictures
  • When to call a pro

Where to start: A disposal that hums but won't turn is jammed, and you can free it with a hex wrench. Standing water in the dishwasher usually means a clogged filter. If the fridge seems to run all the time, clean the condenser coils. In the laundry room, a dryer that takes two cycles needs its vent cleaned, which also cuts the fire risk.

Bottom of a garbage disposal showing the hex wrench socket and red reset button
From the guide: Unjam a garbage disposal →

Find your appliance

Dishwasher 7
Washer 7
Dryer 5
Fridge & freezer 8
Stove, oven & microwave 5
Garbage disposal 4

Sink clogs, leaks under the sink and a dripping faucet are in Plumbing. Cabinet doors and drawers are in Carpentry.

What are you dealing with?

Disposal hums but won't spinClothes take forever to dryWasher smells mustyFridge running constantlyDishwasher has standing waterDisposal leakingDishes still dirtyWasher won't drainWasher shakes or moves during spinFridge is leaking waterWater leaking from the dishwasherIce maker stopped making iceFridge isn't cold enoughDryer runs but doesn't heatWasher is leaking waterDishwasher leaves dishes dirtyGas burner clicks but won't lightElectric stove burner won't heatOven won't heat upWasher won't spinDryer won't startRange hood fan won't turn onMicrowave runs but food stays coldKitchen sink disposal stinksDryer is thumping or squealingDishes come out of the dishwasher wetFreezer covered in frostRefrigerator is making a strange noiseWasher won't fill with waterDishwasher smells badDishwasher won't startWashing machine won't startFridge water dispenser not workingDryer runs but the drum won't turnGarbage disposal won't turn on, no soundFridge door doesn't seal
Kitchen & laundry

Level a refrigerator so it stops rocking

 Easy20–45 minutes$0–15, or $10–30 for a replacement leveling leg
Kitchen & laundry

Fix a loose, kicked-in or water-damaged cabinet toe kick

 Easy1–2 hours, plus overnight for adhesive to set$5–40 for adhesive, nails and toe kick strip
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator light not working

 Easy10–45 min$5–60
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator freezing food

 Easy15–60 min, plus a day to check$0–80
Kitchen & laundry

Washer door won't unlock

 Easy5–60 min$0–60
Kitchen & laundry

Microwave turntable not spinning

 Easy10–30 min$0–20
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher not filling with water

 Moderate20–90 min$0–60
Kitchen & laundry

Unjam a garbage disposal

 Easy10 min$0–8
Kitchen & laundry

Clean your dryer vent

 Moderate45–60 min$15–30
Kitchen & laundry

Get rid of a smelly washing machine

 Easy45 min$0–10
Kitchen & laundry

Clean your refrigerator coils

 Easy20–30 min$0–12
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher not draining

 Easy20–40 min$0
Kitchen & laundry

Fix a leaking garbage disposal

 Moderate20–45 min$0–15
Kitchen & laundry

Clean clogged dishwasher spray arms

 Easy15–20 min$0
Kitchen & laundry

Washing machine won't drain

 Moderate30–60 min$0–20
Kitchen & laundry

Stop a washing machine from shaking or walking

 Easy20–30 min$0–30
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator leaking water

 Easy30–60 min$0–30
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher leaking water

 Easy20–60 min$0–40
Kitchen & laundry

Ice maker not making ice

 Easy15–45 min, plus a day to refill$0–50
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator not cooling

 Easy20–45 min, plus a day to check$0–20
Kitchen & laundry

Dryer not heating

 Easy20–60 min$0–40
Kitchen & laundry

Washing machine leaking

 Easy20–45 min$0–40
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher not cleaning dishes

 Easy30–60 min$0–15
Kitchen & laundry

Gas stove burner won't light

 Easy15–30 min$0–40
Kitchen & laundry

Electric stove burner not working

 Easy15–45 min$0–50
Kitchen & laundry

Oven not heating

 Moderate15–60 min$0–60
Kitchen & laundry

Washing machine won't spin

 Easy15–45 min$0–30
Kitchen & laundry

Dryer won't start

 Moderate15–60 min$0–25
Kitchen & laundry

Range hood fan not working

 Easy20–60 min$0–60
Kitchen & laundry

Microwave not heating

 Easy10–20 min$0
Kitchen & laundry

Garbage disposal smells

 Easy15–30 min$0–10
Kitchen & laundry

Dryer making loud noise

 Moderate20 min–2 hours$0–80
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher not drying dishes

 Easy10–30 min$0–20
Kitchen & laundry

Frost buildup in freezer

 Easy1–4 hours (mostly waiting)$0–30
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator making noise

 Moderate20–90 min$0–30
Kitchen & laundry

Washer not filling with water

 Moderate20–90 min$0–80
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher smells

 Easy30–60 min$0–15
Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher won't start

 Easy10–60 min$0–80
Kitchen & laundry

Washing machine won't start

 Easy10–60 min$0–80
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator water dispenser not working

 Easy15–60 min, plus thawing time$0–60
Kitchen & laundry

Dryer runs but drum won't spin

 Moderate45–90 min$10–60
Kitchen & laundry

Garbage disposal won't turn on

 Easy10–30 min$0–20
Kitchen & laundry

Refrigerator door not sealing

 Easy15–60 min$0–120

Common questions

Is it worth repairing an old appliance?

Try the free fixes first: cleaning filters, coils and vents solves a surprising number of problems. If a repair would cost more than about half the price of a new one, replacing usually makes more sense.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

At least once a year, and more often with a big household or a long vent run. Lint buildup is a leading cause of dryer fires.

Looking for something else? Browse all fixes or see emergency steps.