Who to Call for Appliance Repair
Manufacturer, home warranty, independent technician, plumber or electrician? The right first call depends on your coverage and on where the problem actually is.
If the appliance is under warranty, call the manufacturer. If you have a home warranty plan, call the plan company. Otherwise, call an independent appliance repair technician for anything inside the machine, a plumber for the house drains and valves, and an electrician for outlets and wiring. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or the gas company from outside.
Start with three questions
- Is it under the manufacturer's warranty? Then the manufacturer decides who repairs it, usually an authorized service company. Calling someone else may cost you the coverage.
- Do you have a home warranty plan? Then the plan company dispatches its own contractor, often for a set service fee. Call them first.
- Neither? Then any independent appliance repair company that works on your brand can do it, and you pay them directly.
Appliance tech, plumber, electrician or gas company?
Problems inside the machine
Who fixes washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens? An appliance repair technician. Pumps, motors, heating parts, valves, controls, fans and sensors are all their work.
Problems in the house plumbing
A standpipe that overflows when the washer drains, a leaking valve in the wall, or a clogged kitchen drain that backs up the dishwasher.
Problems in the house wiring
An outlet with no power, a breaker that trips right away with nothing plugged in, or a dryer or range outlet that's damaged or scorched.
Any smell of gas
Leave the house first, then call from outside. Don't use switches, phones or appliances inside. Don't go back in until you're told it's safe.
By appliance
- Who fixes refrigerators? An appliance technician who works on refrigeration. Sealed-system work like compressors and refrigerant needs specific training and equipment, so ask if they do it. See refrigerator repair.
- Who fixes washing machines? An appliance technician. If the drain backs up or overflows, a plumber may be needed for the standpipe. See washer repair.
- Who fixes dryers? An appliance technician for the dryer itself. Some also clean dryer vents, and some vent cleaning companies don't repair dryers. See dryer repair.
- Who fixes dishwashers? An appliance technician. If it was just installed and leaks, call the installer first. See dishwasher repair.
- Who repairs gas stoves? An appliance technician who works on gas units. Moving or reconnecting gas lines needs someone qualified for gas work. See oven and stove repair.
What to ask any company before they come out
- Do you work on my brand and this type of appliance?
- How do you charge for the visit and diagnosis? Does it come off the repair?
- Will I get the repair price before you start?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labor?
- Are you insured?
Common questions
Who should I call to fix my dryer?
An appliance repair technician. If the problem is a clogged vent, a vent cleaning service can clear it. Many appliance technicians check the vent as part of a no-heat diagnosis.
Who do I call if my washer is leaking?
Turn off the two water valves behind the washer first. If the leak comes from the washer itself, call an appliance technician. If it comes from the valve in the wall or the drain standpipe, call a plumber.
Does the manufacturer send its own technicians?
Some do, and many use authorized independent service companies. Call the number in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website with your serial number ready.
Can my landlord make me pay for the repair?
Your lease decides who repairs appliances that came with the home. Report the problem to your landlord in writing and check the lease before booking anyone yourself.
Related help
Still not working?
If the checks above didn't fix it, an independent technician who covers Brandon can diagnose it.