A few Cautions about Ordering Parts Yourself

Ordering the parts you need for your appliances yourself might save you some money since you will only need to pay someone else for installation but it can also be tricky to get the proper parts.  Here are a few things to look out for.

Ordering from Online-only Companies

Yes I'm talking about sellers on E-bay and Amazon and other sites like those or those without a physical address. While there is nothing wrong with the sites themselves, the problem lies with the sellers.  A lot of the parts that you find here, especially if the parts for your appliance are discontinued, will either be refurbished, non-OEM (aka: knock-off brand), or simply not as advertised.

It may be more expensive somewhere else, but you will be in far better hands ordering from an actual part supplier; preferably one that is local so you can see the parts in person before purchasing them.

Buying parts without your model number

A model number tells a supplier exactly what type of stove you have and approximately what years it was manufactured in.  A serial number will be more specific about when it was made but most manufacturers will use the same parts for all the models in the series and other models produced in similar years; so it is typically not needed.

If you go to order from someone and their only questions are what brand and type and not what model it is; it is extremely likely you're getting the most generic non-OEM part imaginable. They tend to be cheaper because they are made from worse materials, and they can even void your warranties. You want to avoid super cheap parts; they are cheap for a reason.


As one final warning: if your appliances are 2 years old or less you should avoid working on them at all or hiring 3rd party companies.  Most manufacturers have included a clause in their warranties that says if any "non-authorized" individuals work on a machine it will void all the warranties on it.  Check your user manual to see if you have that clause before reaching out for assistance.

Baking for the Holiday? Make sure your oven is working TODAY!

With Thanksgiving tomorrow (for us in Canada at any rate) you should check that your oven is not only heating, but heating properly today!

Nothing is worse than having plans to have family come over for a big dinner to find that your oven is not going to be able to cook the turkey, pies, or anything else that goes in the oven.

Most people do not check their ovens ahead of time and while most appliance repair companies do work on holidays, they will likely only be working for the first half of the day so they can go home to enjoy dinner with family themselves.  It will be hard to book an appointment the same day on a holiday, so take some time to make sure that your stove and oven are working!


If you don't have one buy a thermometer that you can leave in the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees.  If your thermometer agrees with the stoves thermostat that it is in fact 375; turn it up higher to 425 degrees.  If they agree on that temperature as well you should be good to cook just about anything.

If your oven doesn't heat up at all call right away for service.  Even if you can't book an appointment for today you should be able to set one for early tomorrow still and bake as usual.

Fall is here and Winter is coming!

The weather is starting to move out of warm summer days and is moving into fall. Fall of course inevitably leads into winter; have you checked that your furnace is working yet?

It is extremely important to check that you can get heat before you really need it; not everyone does this and calls for service on the first cold day of the year can put the demand for service very heavy on appliance repair companies. Last year we, and other local companies, were booked for a week straight with calls for assistance with central air furnaces, mini splits, and other types of heaters that were not working.

Change your filters if you haven't yet; give the unit a good vacuuming, and see if it is working soon! Nothing is worse shivering in the cold in your own home.

Is your Dishwasher Filled with Bubbles?

Has someone put dish washing fluid in the dishwasher rather than the usual fare or is it just filled with bubbles? There is unfortunately a strong distinction between the soap you use to hand wash dishes and dishwasher soap.  Dishwasher soap is formulated so that it does not produce many, if any, suds or bubbles. While turning your Dishwasher into a bubble monster may bring joy to any children that see it it's not very practical and most new models of dishwashers will have a sensor that will stop it from running at all if there are too many suds.

Here is how to fix it:

Option 1: The Oil Method

This is a much easier method than the other but requires oil to work. As long as it is oil that you can consume, it is safe to use. Cooking oil or vegetable oil is best but olive oil will work just fine; it's just expensive by comparison. This option is the one most recommended by manufacturers aside from using specially formulated tabs.

• Add a 1/2 cup of oil to the machine and run on a rinse cycle or a light one
• Stop about mid cycle to check on the number of suds; add some more oil if needed
• If suds remain at the end of the cycle run it again with some more oil

Option 2: The Cinderella Method
This method is named after Cinderella as it involves some hand scrubbing. This is much more involved than the Oil option but you are more likely to have everything needed on hand. Be very careful of the heating element; if you ran a load recently it will still be hot.

• Remove as much of the suds and water in the machine as possible using buckets (or pans or cups... whatever you have)
• Wipe down the interior with a clean cloth (not one used for cleaning dishes or the counter and absolutely not a sponge that has been used before! Those things hold soap like nothing else)
• Wipe down the interior with a different dry cloth to get any more remnants
• Add 1/2 a cup to 1 cup (125-250 mls) of white vinegar to the dishwasher and then sprinkle salt on top of that; be generous you should use at close to a 1/2 cup of salt
• Start the dishwasher on a rinse cycle or light load and stop it after approximately 10 minutes; if there are still a lot of suds add more vinegar
• Continue starting, stopping, and adding vinegar if needed
• If one cycle completes with a very small amount of suds simply run it again with nothing in it to ensure the drain lines have cleared out

Vinegar can be used in washing machines that have too many suds as well; go easy on the salt though. You can also use the formulated tabs to clean out washers and dishwasher but the other techniques are far cheaper and shouldn't require a trip to the store; not to mention the tabs will use chemicals to get results.

Why Can't I get a Quote with an Error Code?

Newer machines have been taking advantage of the fact that their computer boards are more complex and manufacturers have been including error codes that are designed to help consumers fix small issues and technicians to pinpoint damaged parts or connections.  The problem comes when individuals without technical training attempt to diagnose broken parts and get quotes for repairs based on nothing but the error code.

Error codes are also called Fault codes and they can offer input into things such as the fact that your machine stopped because it was unbalanced, or because there are too many suds in the machine, or that the drain is not working.

With the final issue, this tends to be mistaken as an indicator that the drain pump is damaged and needs replacing.  While this is possibly the issue it is far more likely that the drain line is blocked or the drain pump has something stuck in it and it just needs cleaning, it is even possible that contacts between wires has faded and they just need to be redone.

While the internet is a great resource for information in general, looking up an error code and asking a technician to replace that part can be a huge waste of money as you may not need it replaced at all. Always arrange for an appointment to have a technician do a diagnosis in person; it is the only way you can be sure you are getting the repairs that you need done.

Filters: Why You Need to Change Them

Filters are a component of a lot of different appliances that don't get changed or cleaned anywhere near as often as they should.  From filters in your Central Vacuum or over the range microwave to the ones in your Furnace, these appliances are often tucked out of sight and you likely don't think about what is accumulating on them very often.

You should be changing, or cleaning if they are sturdy enough, your filters every 6 months if not more often. If you own any pets with feathers or fur you should be changing every 3 months; you may want to try to find a reusable filter that you can vacuum and wash to make things a bit easier but even that will require replacing with time. Be cautious with this style of filter after washing; they will need to be dried properly to ensure no mold has a chance to grow on them.

No matter what type of appliance the filter protects: If the filter is dirty it is harder to pull air through it which in turn makes the fan motor work harder to do the same job.  This additional effort will shorten the life span of the motor forcing you to get repairs or replace it much sooner.  Filters will always be cheaper than repairs or buying a new unit so take care of your appliances!  You will save money in the long run.

The Importance of Balanced Appliances

Having all of your appliances properly balanced may solve some problems you have had with your machine and will save on wear and tear if you haven't noticed anything odd yet.  Before checking any of your machines it would be best to first dig out the user manuals to read over the steps on how to balance them and information on any maintenance that should be performed. Finally before doing anything with your machines turn them off and turn off the breakers as well, safety first!


Refrigerators need to be balanced to regulate temperature properly, keep their doors and shelves properly aligned and without stress, and to allow moisture to evaporate properly.  If you are noticing that your doors are not staying closed or small amounts of moisture around your fridge about once a week you may have a balancing issue.  Consult your user manual and adjust the leveling screws until it is even.

Washing Machines move around a lot when they are running a load to clean everything properly.  If the washer is unbalanced you may end up with damage to the drum and possibly even to your home if it is very unbalanced.  To balance your washer properly you will need to adjust the leveling screws but first check to ensure that your intake and drain hoses have slack so you can pull the machine out a little, if they have no slack you may damage the hoses and have a much larger problem than you did before. Check your user manual to see how many leveling screws you have and how to adjust them.

Drying Machines move around a lot less than washing machines but you still need to take some care with them, particularly if your dryer is stacked on top of the washer.  It's possible your washer balance problem is being caused by your dryer. If your unit is a combo machine where the dryer is actually part of the washer you will need to balance the whole unit carefully and you may want a friend to help as it will weigh more than a single unit.

Dishwashers can also be imbalanced but you normally won't notice unless you develop a leak. Try to check the cupboards surrounding your dishwasher and the floor near it frequently to ensure there is no water damage.  Some dishwashers should actually be tilted slightly back instead of completely flat and even, consult your user manual for exact measurements and adjust the leveling screws appropriately.

Lost your user manual?  Find your model number and search online for it; ignore sites that ask for payment as you can find nearly any manual with enough searching. If you cannot find it online try calling the manufacturer and see if they can mail or email you a new copy, they will likely charge for this service however.

Maintaining a Ceramic Top Stove

A Ceramic or glass top stove is an excellent modern appliance but there are a few extra tricks to keeping them clean and protecting them from damage than the older style radiant element stoves.

While the perfectly flat surface may be tempting to use as extra counter space by leaving items on top but this can be a bad idea; you might place items on it while the surface is still hot. The surface is rather durable but if it is cracked you will need to replace the entire surface and that part is very expensive even before an appliance technicians labour.  Be cautious with what is placed on the stove and ensure nothing heavy can fall on it; if you have an over the range microwave ensure it is installed properly!

Cleaning can be rather simple as long as you keep a few tips in mind:

• Try to clean spills as soon as they occur and only use damp cloths to prevent anything from melting onto the cooktop.
• Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or you will scratch the surface or leave streaks on it.
• Avoid strong chemical cleaners. A simple paste of warm water and baking soda usually does the trick.
• Aside from wiping up spills; always clean when the surface is cool
• If something is stuck on and just not coming off find a cooktop scraper; several have been designed specifically for ceramic surfaces and can clean without causing damage.

If an element stops working you are going to need an appliance technician to repair it for you; do not try to do it yourself! Electric appliances draw in more power than small appliances and the risk of electrocution will have greater consequences. The cooktop itself is also difficult to work with and should only be done by someone with training on how to remove and reinstall without damage.

Why is my Dryer Taking Hours to dry?

Have you noticed that your dryer doesn't really do the job that it's supposed to do well?  There are several different things to check for before calling up the manufacturer to complain.

Is it getting hot when it runs?  All dryers have a heating element, or igniter system if they are gas, in them and just like stoves and anything else that uses one they are bound to wear out eventually.  Check if your clothes are hot during a normal cycle.  It is not necessarily the heat element causing your dryer to not heat up but it is the usual suspect.

Is the drum turning while it runs?  Dryers need pockets of air to form in between items to dry anything really well.  Your items run the risk of getting scorched if the drum is not turning as well. Fortunately most machines include a safety feature that will not allow the dryer to be run if the drum is not sensed to be turning.

When was the last time you had your ducts cleaned?  If this is a new problem that has come up with a machine you've had for years you should be checking your notes for the last time you had the machine and the ducts cleaned.  If there is not enough air flow going through the machine it will not be able to dry anything properly as moisture needs to be wicked outside; typically through a duct system.

What style of dryer do you have?  If you have a new "ductless" condenser dryer the bad news is that while it is wonderfully convenient that you can place it anywhere in your home the lack of a vent does mean longer drying times.  The excess moisture in the air that circulates in the machine passes through a condenser in an attempt to remove a majority of it but each subsequent load will result in a build-up of moisture and a longer wait time.

If the ducts are not at fault and you do not have a condenser dryer you need to call an appliance technician for service.  Dryers, like all appliances, use a high voltage for their power and it can be dangerous to dissemble them without training.  If you are in the Greater Toronto Area SOS Appliance Repair Inc can provide professional service to your dryer and most other household appliances.  Contact us for more information.

Don't Overload Your Washing Machine

Loading a washing machine with a lot of items can be a rather risky move that should never be done on purpose. When you overload your washer the weight of the items inside of it can exceed the capacity that it is designed to run at. What this means is that the weights inside of the unit that affect how the drum spins will not function properly and there is a good chance it will damage itself while running.

Most people have overloaded their washing machine or not balanced items inside of it properly at least once. When this happens there is usually a mad dash towards the machine to stop it while it bangs around loudly like a live band. Those bangs are the drum inside of your machine actually hitting the surrounding panels and the frame inside of it and each and every hit can damage the drum.

If a crack forms in the drum it will need to be replaced and replacing the drum is typically a very expensive repair.  It depends a little on what model of machine you have but typically the machine will need to be almost completely disassembled and then reassembled.  Cracks and dents to the drum are considered to be atypical use of the machine and your warranty, even if it is still in effect, will not cover the cost of repairs.

Be cautious of how you use your appliances to get the most out of them!

Have a Leak? Take a Look First

Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators (with or without an ice maker or water dispenser) all have a risk of springing a leak.  Even if you do not want to repair it yourself you should take a quick peek at it to try and guess where it is coming from.

Depending on whether the leak is part of the pipes from the sink, the line running from the appliance, or the appliance itself makes a very large difference on who you should call for help.  Plumbers and Appliance technicians should both be able to assist with the drain or intake line that goes between the two but only an appliance technician can fix your machine if the leak is coming from the machine itself.

A little looking can save you trips from two different professionals, both of whom will likely charge you for coming to your home.

Rinsing Before Using the Dishwasher

While your dishwasher can certainly handle some food clinging to it's filter and still clean your dishes well you do need to rinse all of your dishes before putting them in to ensure the best clean over the long run.

Some of our clients have been dismayed to hear that the reason their dishwasher broke down is because too much food was left on items and their filter developed a hole.  Debris getting past the filter will lead to a clog in the circulation system which is an integral part of how any dishwasher, no matter what the brand is, cleans dishes.

Just remember that anything that is on your dishes might end up staying in the dishwasher.  Just imagining some food items sitting inside the dishwasher load after load should be enough to inspire you to rinse before loading.

The Importance of Clean Dryer Vents

The vents used by the dryer allow for hot air to be cycled out of the house and lowers the amount of time needed to dry items.  While there are no hazards from having a dryer vent air inside of the house, newer models of dryers are actually designed to not use one, there is a potential fire hazard with the vent itself.

While it is very common to have the laundry set up in the basement this can cause problems with the venting system.  Dryer vents should have as few turns and vertical lifts as possible before they exit the home so they should be installed against a wall that goes directly outside.  While the lint catch that is part of your dryer normally does a good job at catching most of the lint, even the most avid of cleaners will have lint build up inside of the dryer and the dryer vent.

Your dryer vent should be cleaned out every single year if not more often.  There are a number of inventions on the market that will allow you to do this yourself with just a drill or another tool or it can be done by a professional.  Look through your user manual to see how often you should be cleaning the inside of the dryer and put a note on the calendar to have your vents serviced yearly. A bit of maintenance can prevent a lot of trouble down the road.

Appliance Do's and Don'ts - Running Hours

You should never run any of your appliances when you are not home, or awake, to supervise them while they run. Any money that might be saved by running them at night when power consumption is lower is not worth the risk of a fire, a flood, or the damage that might occur to your machine while it is working.

Dryers are a potential fire hazard as lint builds up within the machine and in the ducts. Even the most conscientious of users who cleans the lint trap after every use will still have lint get past the trap.

Dishwashers and Washing machines both have the risk of leaking or overflowing while running and can cause mild to severe property damage.

Washing Machines can also damage themselves while running the spin cycle if their load is unevenly distributed.

Even hood fans, be they over the range microwaves or a dedicated hood fan will have grease build up in their filters over time and become a fire hazard.

Be careful and be aware, for the things that you can control only let them run when you are there to make sure there are no issues. Appliances are expensive machines and if you can avoid damaging them you will be saving money.

If you need assistance with maintenance or you have any concerns you can always contact us for help.

Preparing for the Winter Chill

This is the time of year where appliance repair companies are starting to think about winter.  Late summer or fall is actually the best time to have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is working correctly.  Preventative maintenance is key and a majority of home owners will not have their furnace inspected before they need to turn it on one chilly day and discover that it is not working.

This usually means that every company that offers repairs on heating units; whether they are furnaces, fireplaces or portable heaters, will find themselves flooded with phone calls for help.  If you are not quick enough you might need to wait for a day, or more, before you can even have someone out to see your furnace let alone get it up and running again.

Just as you should have your air conditioner or heat pump inspected during the winter, remember to have your furnace inspected during the summer or the fall.  If your furnace is a central unit, filters tend to go on sale during the summer as well so you can save some money.

Refrigerator Maintenance

Following up on my Summer Refrigerator Woes I thought I would continue some advice on fridges and keeping them running.

How often do you clean your refrigerator?  Have you, in fact, ever done it?

Unfortunately this is something that is very easy to forget about and you should do it at least twice a year if not more often.

Go digging for your fridges user manual to find advice on when and how to service your refrigerator.  If you're not sure where it is or you have "misplaced" it, do a quick search for "How to Maintain a Refrigerator" and you should get a few tips on what you need to service and perhaps a video or two.

Good luck and beware of dust bunnies!

The Most Asked Appliance Repair Question

The most frequently asked question when clients call us is "How much would it cost to have part A replaced?". A question such as this is normally followed by a question of our own; we ask whether or not a technician has been out and done a diagnosis. The answer is frequently "No.".

While we certainly understand that everyone wants to be frugal and get the best possible price for their repairs, it's important to remember that Appliance Repair Technicians not only require training to do their jobs in the first place, but they often need to update their training every single year.  Simply put, there are a lot of different brands on the North American market and while they can be similar in design and function none of them are made the exact same way.

One diagnosis does not fit all brands and you should be extremely cautious of anyone who gives you a quote for replacing a part with just your description of the issue over the phone.  Wires sometimes get burnt, contacts fade, pumps, hoses and ducts get clogged. You don't necessarily need to replace the entire part; you may only need some good old fashioned elbow grease from someone that knows how to pull the entire machine apart.

Always call for a professional to do an on-site diagnosis of your machine. Anything less and you are only getting someones best guess on what the issue is and it is quite likely to be incorrect.

Contact us to arrange for an appointment from a trained professional who will provide service you can trust.

Summer Refrigerator Woes

Refrigerators tend to break down more often in the summer time and while this is extremely inconvenient there is a good reason this happens.  Summer is well, warmer, than any other season and your refrigerator needs to compensate more for the heat to keep it's interior cool.  The compressor will cycle on and off more frequently and that means there are more opportunities for something to go wrong.

If something has already happened and it's not cooling you should have a trained professional come out to repair it.  We offer our services 24/7. If you call for repairs you will speak to a real, live person without needing to dig through extensions. Contact Us or call 647-620-4112

If you need advice to keep your fridge up and running still; check our main blog on our website for tips and tricks on refrigerators and other appliances.  SOS Appliance Repair Inc Blog