Appliance care guides you can follow.
Written walkthroughs of the maintenance jobs San Diego homeowners run into. We have not published our own videos on these pages yet. Each guide has step-by-step instructions and a clear line on when it's time to leave a voicemail for a matched tech. Trying to budget a fix? Start with our appliance repair cost calculator.
What appliance maintenance can you do yourself?
Safety guide Clean your dryer vent line
Lint buildup and restricted venting can increase dryer fire risk and slow drying. Check the lint filter and accessible venting, following your model manual.
Safety guide Check and replace washing machine supply hoses
Inspect washer supply hoses for leaks, bulges, cracks, kinks, or worn connections. Follow the washer and hose instructions for replacement and installation.
Maintenance guide Clean your dishwasher filter
A dirty removable filter can leave food residue on dishes. Check your model manual first: some dishwashers use a filter that needs no routine cleaning.
Troubleshooting guide Reset and unjam a garbage disposal
A humming or unresponsive disposal may be jammed or have tripped its overload protection. Check the model instructions before attempting a reset or clearing a jam.
When should you stop handling the problem yourself?
These six signs need a safety response or qualified help. Follow the direction for the specific problem before arranging appliance service.
- Refrigerator is warm and food is at risk
A warm fridge with food inside is a time-sensitive repair. Record the temperature and how long cooling has been affected when requesting help.
- Washing machine is leaking water actively
Shut off the supply valves behind the washer and call. Continued cycles during a leak cause major water damage fast.
- Gas smell near a gas range, oven, or dryer
Leave the area immediately. From a safe location, call 911 or SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343. Follow SDG&E's gas-appliance safety guidance before arranging appliance service.
- Sparking, smoking, or burning smell from any appliance
Stop using the appliance. Disconnect power only if you can do so safely. For smoke or fire, leave and call 911 from safety.
- Dishwasher leaking onto the kitchen floor
Shut off the water supply valve under the sink and open the dishwasher door to stop the cycle. Water under cabinets damages wood fast.
- Microwave sparking or arcing during cooking
Stop using the microwave. Arcing has several possible causes; do not remove its outer cover or touch high-voltage components. Arrange diagnosis if the manual does not identify a safe owner check.
Where else should you look for trustworthy info?
SDG&E Gas Appliance Safety
Official local guidance on gas-appliance safety and what to do if you suspect a gas leak.
California BHGSBHGS Service Dealer Lookup
Verify any California appliance repair company's Bureau of Household Goods and Services registration.
Consumer ReportsConsumer Reports, Appliance Reliability
Annual reliability ratings by brand and appliance category, from real owner surveys.
ENERGY STARENERGY STAR Appliance Rebates
Current rebates on ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and dryers.
CPSCCPSC Product Safety Recalls
Search for safety recalls by brand and model number, worth checking if an appliance is acting strangely.
Still stuck? Call and we'll match you with a local tech.
If the guide didn't solve it, we'll match you with a vetted local tech who diagnoses first and quotes in writing.