What? My Appliances need servicing?… that’s news to me!
As plumbers, we work with a few of your major household appliances. Washing machines, hot water heaters, dishwashers, and sump pumps all benefit from at-home maintenance, sometimes you need to call for service. This article will give you a good idea of when you should call the professionals to service your appliances.
How Often Should I Service my Dishwasher?
Dishwashers are generally a low-maintenance appliances and they need service when something goes wrong.
Things will often go wrong because it’s a cleaning machine, and if you’ve ever cleaned a car, a room, or a muddy dog, you know that cleaning is dirty work. Dishwashers get dirty. All those food particles that don’t fit down the drain, are caught by traps, or are stuck to walls are still there. Sticking and rotting.
The best way to keep dishwashers running is to keep them clean. For one, you get a close-up look at all the drains and hoses so you can spot clogs and leaks. Second, you get a healthy, clean dishwasher!
Here’s how to clean and maintain a dishwasher.
If cleaning and inspections don’t reveal anything, seek help. Your dishwasher may need service if it is malfunctioning in one of the following ways:
- Won’t fill
- Won’t drain
- Making a noise
- Is Leaking
- Dishes are not getting clean
Dishwasher Tip: For the best way to load the dishwasher, click here for GE’s tips.
If you notice a puddle near your dishwasher, you should have it serviced immediately! A leaking dishwasher can cause a lot of water damage to the structure of your house.
How Often Should I Service My Washing Machine?
The price of washing machines has come down so much over the years that it doesn’t make sense financially to have them serviced regularly. Even if you do get preventive maintenance done, a lot of the time a breakdown can’t be prevented with service.
Even though washing machines are pretty carefree appliances, you should still be alert of any problems that signal that it needs something fixed. Minor faults can turn into major problems if they’re not looked after.
Here are some signs that your washing machine needs service:
Leaks: Even small leaks can cause shorts in the electrical parts of the washing machine.
Noises: Unbalanced loads can make loud noises and coins rattling can be concerning, but those things can be easily remedied. If you hear other strange noises coming from your washing machine, have it serviced.
Washing machine manufacturers recommend that you do a “service wash” once every few months. Some machines even have a self-cleaning mode. Maintenance is the key to keeping your washing machine in top shape, so check out these 8 Easy Maintenance Tips for Washing Machines.
How Often Should I Service My Hot Water Heater?
Hot water heaters are often neglected, and rightly so. If you have hot water, why would you worry? You shouldn’t worry about your hot water heater, but you should be aware that it can develop leaks.
Appliances that use water are especially prone to corrosion, and corrosion can lead to hot water heater problems. Read our guide to hot water heaters for information and tips on how to maintain your hot water heater.
One thing to note with hot water heaters that have tanks is they have an anode rod that will corrode down to nothing in 3-6 years. Since hot water heaters last 10-15 years, the rod will need to be replaced a few times.
How Often Should I Service Sump Pump?
You might have figured out the theme here. Basically, you only need to service your appliances when something is amiss. Your sump pump is no exception. Preventive maintenance will help all of your appliances live longer. Here’s our article about Sump Pump Maintenance.
If something is going wrong with your sump pump, usually there are warning signs. It can be hard to know because your sump is out of sight, but here are some signs to look out for:
It won’t turn on
Strange, loud noises
Frequently turning on and off
Running too long
Call Kingstree Plumbing: Our Specialty is Water!
Give Kingstree Plumbing a call for all your water-using appliance needs. We can expertly install, replace, or repair them if you ever have any problems.
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Looking for a plumbing repair service near you?
Check out Kingstree Plumbing! We provide residential and commercial plumbing services, including plumbing repair, installation, water softeners, water heaters, gas fittings, sump pumps, humidifiers, and whole-house repiping.
It’s our goal to ensure you have an operational plumbing system you can always rely on, regardless of the issues you may experience.
Our professional plumbers offer only quality services to you, helping you keep your plumbing systems in good operating condition with efficient repairs and replacements when necessary.
Fill out our contact form for regular services and more information, or call 780-695-2792 for emergency services.
