Appliance Repair Guides

Where washers, dryers, dishwashers and ice makers fail

Washers and dishwashers fill with water, then pump it out through a drain hose. The hose has to sit right for the pump to do its job. Samsung says a washer drain hose should go no less than 6 inches and no more than 8 inches into the standpipe. It should also sit at least 18 inches high and no higher than 96 inches.⁠[1] GE says most of its full-size washers can pump water up to 8 feet above the floor.⁠[2] In a dishwasher, food particles collect in a filter at the bottom, and Bosch says to clean it regularly.⁠[3]

Dryers need heat, power and a clear exhaust path. An electric dryer needs a 240-volt outlet, and its two circuits can trip separately, so one can cut out while the other stays on. A gas dryer needs its gas line connected and turned on.⁠[4]

A refrigerator ice maker needs three things: power, water and cold. Whirlpool's checks cover each one. The ice maker must be turned on, the water valve must be fully open and the freezer must be set between 0 and 5°F.⁠[5]

Those few paths, water in, water out, heat and power, are where most first checks look. Brand guides add the model details, such as reset steps and error codes. Start with the path that matches your symptom, and the table below points you to the right guide.

Appliance safety basics

Dryer lint is a fire risk. NFPA says never to run a dryer without its lint filter and to clean the filter before each use. It also says to clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months or hire a vent cleaning service.⁠[6] Samsung says to clean the exhaust vent once or twice each year whether or not you notice a problem.⁠[4] Follow the shorter interval if your dryer runs often.

NFPA also says a professional should inspect a gas dryer once a year.⁠[6] Gas connections, heating elements, motors and control boards are jobs for an appliance technician.

Common appliance problems and the first check

Each first check below is safe for an owner and needs no tools. Do it before you book a service call.

Ice makers differ by brand, so there are brand guides for Samsung ice makers, Whirlpool ice makers, Frigidaire ice makers and LG ice makers. Each machine also has its own page: washer problems, dryer problems, dishwasher problems and ice maker problems.

Appliance upkeep and expected life

Keep water paths clear. Bosch says to check dishwasher inlet and drain hoses for kinks or damage, and to clean the filter regularly.⁠[3] Samsung says a washer that is not level may not drain correctly, and that a clogged debris filter on a front loader slows draining.⁠[1]

Keep the ice maker's water clean and flowing. Whirlpool says to check that the refrigerator water filter is locked in place and sealing properly.⁠[5]

Keep dryer air moving. Clean the lint filter before or after every load, as Samsung advises.⁠[4] Use rigid or flexible metal vent pipe and keep it free of blockages. Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer runs.⁠[6]

Know the typical life of each machine. A 2007 NAHB study gives dishwashers about 9 years, washers about 10, and dryers and standard refrigerators about 13.⁠[8] The same study notes that people often replace appliances before they wear out, because styles and technology change.⁠[8] If you see an error code, the error code lookup explains what it means and what to check.