Household appliances play a big role in our daily lives. However, they often break down and frustrate homeowners. Common issues include broken refrigerator compressors and clogged dishwasher spray arms. These problems show why it’s important to repair and maintain appliances before it’s too late. Ignoring these issues can lead to higher costs and wasting energy. By keeping an eye on these weak parts, homeowners can make their appliances last longer and avoid big changes to their routine. Let’s look at 7 appliance parts that frequently break and how to prevent them in the future.
7 Appliance Parts That Frequently Break and Why
Every homeowner will experience appliance breakdowns at some time. Usually, these problems happen because of the most common parts that wear out or are misused. For instance, heating elements in ovens and coffee makers, along with spray arms in dishwashers, are often prone to damage.
Knowing why these parts usually fail will help you act fast. You can either troubleshoot the issue yourself or get help from professional appliance repair services. In the next sections, we will identify specific reasons why your appliances fail and how to keep them in good condition for a long time.
1. Refrigerator Compressors
A broken refrigerator can create problems in your kitchen. The compressor is one of its key parts and it often has issues. It moves refrigerant to keep the temperature steady, but when it fails, the fridge can’t cool properly.
Breakdowns can happen because of age, overheating, or a dirty condenser coil. These problems can lead to changing temperatures, spoiled food, or odd noises. Cleaning the coils regularly and making sure there is enough air flow can help stop compressor problems.
If your refrigerator can’t keep things cold or makes a constant humming sound, it’s important to talk to a repair expert. Fixing compressor problems quickly will help your appliance last longer and work better.
2. Washing Machine Pumps
A common reason for washing machine problems is a bad pump. The pump drains water from the drum after the wash cycle, and the water inlet valve controls the flow of water entering the machine. If it fails, your clothes can end up soaking wet.
Blockages from debris or dirt can stop the pump from working. Bearings can also be a trouble spot. These parts wear down over time and can make loud, squeaky noises when the machine is running. It’s a good idea to check the pump and bearings regularly to keep your appliance working well.
If your machine does not drain water or shakes a lot, it could mean there are problems with the pump. Getting professional help can help you find issues like worn bearings early. This way, you can fix your washer quickly and get it working again.
3. Dryer Heating Elements
Dryers use heating elements to dry clothes quickly. If the heating element is damaged, it can leave clothes damp or take a long time to dry. This can mess up your laundry routine.
Using the dryer often, having lint build-up, or electrical problems can harm this important part. Overheating can also burn out the heating element or cause the thermal fuse to trip in electric dryers. Regular maintenance, like cleaning lint, can help reduce these risks and keep your dryer in good shape.
If you see weak heating, smell burning, or notice it takes a long time to dry clothes, you should call for professional appliance repair. Acting fast can help keep your dryer working well and avoid possible fire dangers.
4. Dishwasher Spray Arms
Dishwashers use spray arms to send water across your dishes. After a while, these spray arms can get clogged, bent, or cracked. This can make your dishwasher clean poorly or not finish its cycles.
Clogs usually happen because of food bits or hard water buildup. Overloading the dishwasher or loading it incorrectly can also harm water flow. Cleaning the spray arms regularly can help prevent clogs and improve cleaning.
If you hear strange sounds or see dirty dishes after a cycle, the spray arms might be a problem. Changing broken arms quickly will restore the water spray and give you better cleaning results.
5. Oven Heating Coils
Heating coils, also called elements, are very important for how an oven works. These coils produce the heat needed for baking and cooking. If they get damaged or stop working, it can cause uneven cooking or no heat at all.
Temperature changes often or dirt buildup on the coils can lower their efficiency. Regular cleaning and staying within the right temperature can help them last longer. Watch for signs of damage or changes in heat.
If the coils crack or do not heat up well, call a professional for safe cooking. Ignoring issues with the coils can lead to undercooked food and fire risks from overheating.
6. Microwave Door Switches
Microwave door switches are very important for safety. They make sure the microwave only works when the door is shut tight. If these switches are broken, your microwave might not heat up or could stop working altogether. This can make the microwave unusable.
Problems can happen because of constant door opening and closing or damage to the latch. Checking these switches regularly and handling the door gently can help keep them working well. Watch for signs like the door not lining up right or the unit acting up.
If the switches do stop working, getting a professional to fix them is a smart move. This keeps your microwave running safely and removes risks from broken door latches. Taking care of these issues quickly makes your microwave safer and easier to use.
7. Coffee Maker Heating Elements
Heating elements in coffee makers are important for making hot, fresh coffee every morning. When these elements have problems, the coffee can end up lukewarm or take a long time to brew, which can annoy users.
Common reasons for heating element wear include lime scale buildup, frequent use, or electrical problems. Regular descaling and proper care help keep them working well and can make them last longer.
If you notice that your coffee isn’t hot enough or that it takes too long to brew, getting professional appliance repair can help fix the heating element. Acting quickly can prevent bigger problems with your appliance later on.
Contact KitchenAid Repairs for Professional Service
Persistent problems with appliance parts don’t need to interrupt your daily life. KitchenAid Repairs offers expert help for all major models. We make sure your appliances work their best again. If you have a broken control board or a faulty heating element, our skilled workers quickly find and fix the problems. With many years in appliance repair, we care about your safety, comfort, and convenience. Reach out to us today for expert repairs that help your appliances last longer.
Conclusion
In short, knowing about common appliance parts that frequently break can help you save time, money, and stress. This includes parts like refrigerator compressors and coffee maker heating elements. If you know what to watch for, you can take steps to maintain and fix your appliances. Keeping up with regular care can make your appliances last longer and stop sudden breakdowns. If you want to find more tips about appliance care, visit our blog on Why is Your Electric Convection Range Fan Not Working for more information. Your appliances will appreciate it, and so will your wallet!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason for appliance breakdowns?
Appliance breakdowns usually happen because of lack of maintenance, normal wear and tear, or misuse. Homeowners who skip regular care or ignore warning signs may damage important parts like compressors, heating elements, or filters. If they troubleshoot quickly, they can avoid more serious problems later.
How can regular maintenance extend the life of household appliances?
Scheduled maintenance helps your appliance work better and last longer. It does this by finding problems before they get worse. Cleaning, adjusting, and changing old parts keeps things running smoothly and lowers the chances of breakdowns. This gives homeowners long-lasting ease and trust in their appliances.
Are there any warning signs before an appliance part breaks?
Warning signs that something is wrong can include strange noises, problems with performance, leaks, or issues starting. If homeowners notice these signals early, they can fix worn parts. This helps keep the appliance working well and avoids expensive replacements.
What should you do if a critical appliance part breaks unexpectedly?
If a part of your appliance stops working suddenly, check a few basic things. Look at the power supply or check for any blockages. If there are big problems, call professional appliance repair services right away. Acting fast can help fix the problem and stop it from getting worse.