A lot of Oklahoma homeowners say the same thing: check the simple stuff first. Some problems really are a tripped breaker, a clogged filter or a setting. Here are the safe checks for each appliance, plus the signs that mean stop and call someone.
Call (539) 281-3311Areas we serveRefrigerator not cooling
- Confirm it is plugged in and the outlet works. Try a lamp in the same outlet.
- Check the temperature setting and that both doors close fully.
- Dust and pet hair on the condenser coils make a fridge work harder. Clean them if you can reach them safely.
- Make sure vents inside the fridge and freezer are not blocked by food.
- If it is still warm after a few hours, see refrigerator not cooling and call.
Washer not draining or spinning
- Check for a kinked drain hose behind the washer.
- Clean the drain pump filter if your model has one. Put a towel down, because water will come out.
- Do not overload the drum, since heavy loads can stop a spin.
- If it still will not drain, see washer not draining.
Dryer not heating or taking too long
- Clean the lint filter every load and wash it with soap now and then.
- Check the vent hose and outside vent for lint. A blocked vent can trip the thermal fuse and is a fire risk.
- On an electric dryer, make sure both breaker poles are on.
- See dryer not heating if it still will not heat.
Dishwasher not draining
- Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub.
- If it drains through the garbage disposal, run the disposal. On a new disposal, check that the knockout plug was removed.
- Check the drain hose for kinks.
- See dishwasher not draining.
Oven or range not heating
- On an electric range, check the breaker and confirm the oven is not in lockout or sabbath mode.
- On a gas range, if burners will not light or you smell gas, stop and call.
- See oven not heating.
Microwave not heating
- Check the outlet and breaker, and turn off the child lock.
- Confirm the door closes fully.
- If the light and fan work but there is no heat, the fault is usually inside and needs a technician. See microwave not heating.
Stop and call if you notice
- A gas smell, sparks, smoke or burning plastic.
- Water pooling near the appliance or an outlet.
- A breaker that trips again as soon as you reset it.
- The same fault coming back after a simple fix.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before calling an appliance repair company?
Check that the appliance has power, the breaker has not tripped, the settings are right, and the filters, hoses and vents are clear. These checks are safe and sometimes solve the problem outright.
Is it safe to fix an appliance myself?
Simple filter, hose, vent and setting checks are fine. Do not work on gas lines, sealed refrigerant systems or control boards, and never open an appliance with the power connected.
What do I do if I smell gas from my range?
Leave the home right away, do not use switches or phones inside, and call your gas company or 911 from outside.
Why does my appliance keep tripping the breaker?
A failing part can draw too much power. Stop using it and have it inspected rather than resetting it again and again.
Why is my dryer taking forever to dry?
The most common cause is a clogged lint filter or a lint-packed vent hose. Clean the filter and check the vent. If it still runs hot but wet, a part may be failing.
Why is my refrigerator warm but the freezer cold?
That pattern often points to an airflow or defrost problem, such as a fan or a frosted evaporator. Check that vents are not blocked, and call if it stays warm.
Checked the basics and still stuck?
Call and tell us what you tried. It helps us tell you whether a repair is likely, and what to expect.
Call (539) 281-3311Written by the ElectricAppliance team, 2351 W Vancouver St, Broken Arrow, OK. Last updated 2026-10-19. This guide is general information, not a quote. Prices and timing depend on the appliance, the part and the fault, so call for a diagnosis.