The Most Frequently Broken Appliances
Almost every household relies on appliances, however, some of them break down more easily than others. In Los Angeles, problems such as hard water, high temperatures, and overusing appliances all contribute to appliance breakdowns. Understanding appliances that breaks the most can help you devise ways to avoid expensive repairs. Here, we discuss five appliances that break down most often and outline most common appliance problems in LA.
Washer Machines
In Los Angeles, washers are one of the most common appliances people use in a household, especially in families or homes with several people living together. Washing machines commonly have problems with overloaded cycles, clogged water pumps, or burnt-out motors. Take action swiftly if you notice your washer is not spinning, leaking, or flashing error messages. You can avoid worse complications and delay washer problems by booking professional Washer Repair services from Universal Appliance Repair.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators rank among the most frequently broken appliances in households, as they are continuously running and overused. There are issues such as a broken thermostat, a broken compressor, and even blocked vents. Along with these issues, dusty coils and overheating are other common issues in refrigerators in LA kitchens. If you are facing problems like your ice maker not working or your fridge not cooling, you can get a Refrigerator Repair check so your food can be safe and the fridge can function well.
Dishwashers
Removing grime and grease from dishes with a dishwasher is a common routine. Over time, failing pumps, worn-out seals, and stalled water-draining become increasingly common. Skipping regular cleanings and overusing detergent also contribute to this problem. If you’re experiencing odd noises and your dishes are coming out dirty, it’s best to schedule a professional Dishwasher Repair.
Dryers
During LA’s hot seasons, dryers are used frequently, leading to overheating and damaging parts, such as burned-out heating elements, blown fuses, and broken belts. These problems are common. A lint trap that isn’t cleared regularly is also a cause of a fire hazard. With burnt dryer smells or excessively long drying times, the risk of spreading damage increases. Seeking prompt assistance through professional Dryer Repair helps mitigate further harm.
Ovens & Ranges
Ovens and ranges, just like any other appliance, are vulnerable to electrical or gas-related failures. Complaints regarding broken igniters, cracked elements, or faulty temperature sensors are quite common. In homes with gas-stove ranges, it is important to promptly address even minor issues. If an oven takes excessive time to heat up or fails to turn on altogether, don’t take the risk; schedule a professional Oven Repair service instead.
Why These Appliances Break Frequently
Many homeowners wonder why appliances fail, especially, if they stop working suddenly. However, in actuality, the majority of problems with your appliances emerge slowly over time due to some common reasons. If you live in Los Angeles, these issues may arise even more quickly from heavy use, heatwaves, and older home configurations. So, let’s break down the main appliance failure causes below.
Heavy Daily Use
- Appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators work hard every single day.
- In LA’s large or multi-person households, frequent loads and non-stop use speed up wear and tear.
Electrical Surges and Power Spikes
- Sudden surges during storms or outages can fry internal components.
- Smart appliances and models with digital controls are especially vulnerable.
- Surge protectors are a simple way to guard against this.
Improper Installation
- Appliances that aren’t installed properly may leak, vibrate too much, or fail early.
- Poor ventilation can cause overheating, especially in tight LA kitchens.
- Always use certified professionals to install major appliances.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Skipping monthly or yearly checkups is one of the top appliance failure causes. Common issues include:
- Dirty dryer vents
- Blocked dishwasher drains
- Worn-out refrigerator seals
Manufacturer Defects
- Misaligned doors or seals that cause leaks or poor insulation.
- Defective motors or compressors that stop working early.
- Components that are loose or poorly assembled can lead to mechanical failure.
By understanding why appliances fail, you can help yourself avert problems. Preventive care such as regular cleaning, proper usage, and professional servicing can add years to your appliance’s life and reduce servicing surprises in your Los Angeles home.
How to Prevent Common Appliance Breakdowns
Appliance breakdowns can be expensive, frustrating and sometimes, confusing, but the good news is, many of them are actually avoidable with a few simple habits. If you want to prevent appliance repairs, and surprise service calls, then establishing a regular maintenance routine is the best option.
For Los Angeles homeowners, who deal with frequent usage and high utility demands, small steps go a long way in keeping appliances in good condition. Below are a few concrete suggestions to keep reducing the chances of breakdowns while extend appliance life.
Clean Filters and Vents Monthly
- Washers, dryers, and dishwashers all have filters or vents that collect lint, dust, and debris.
- A clogged dryer vent is not only inefficient—it’s also a fire hazard.
- Clean refrigerator coils and filters every few months to improve energy efficiency.
Don’t Overload Your Washer or Dishwasher
- Large LA households often do extra laundry and dishes, but overloading these machines adds pressure on motors and drums.
- Stick to recommended load sizes to avoid straining parts and causing leaks or imbalance.
Use Surge Protectors for Sensitive Appliances
- Microwaves, fridges, and ovens with digital controls can be damaged by sudden power spikes.
- Using a surge protector can save your appliance’s circuit board from costly repairs.
Inspect Seals and Gaskets Regularly
- Seals around refrigerator doors or dishwasher doors can wear out or crack over time.
- Damaged seals let in moisture, forcing the appliance to work harder and leading to early breakdown.
Schedule Annual Appliance Checkups
- Booking a yearly checkup with a trusted local service like Universal Appliance Repair helps catch small issues before they grow.
- Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent appliance repairs and extend appliance life, especially in busy homes.
With just a bit of attention and care, you can enjoy long-lasting performance and fewer repair bills—giving you peace of mind year-round in your Los Angeles home.
When to Call a Professional
Some problems with your appliances can be fixed with basic troubleshooting. However, there are instances when it is best to step back and let the experts handle it. Modern appliances are very complicated and trying to fix them on your own can make the situation worse or can be cause a safety hazard. This is where the trusted professionals from appliance repair service in Los Angeles comes in. Here is when you should avoid DIY and seek for help:
- Unusual sounds and burning smells – These are common indicators of worn-out parts and electrical systems.
- Leaks and sparks – Pooled water around appliances and sparks are signs that using the appliance needs to stop until examined.
- Power outages – Appliances that do not power on, continuously trip circuit breakers, or shut down unexpectedly require professional inspection.
- Appliances under warranty – Attempting DIY repairs risk voiding your warranty. If repairs are attempted, always check the warranty first.
Smart appliances and luxury brand devices come with high-end parts which require special tools and brand certified technicians. Here at Universal Appliance Repair, we have skilled professionals trained to service all major and luxury brands with care.
If you’re not quite sure what’s wrong with the appliance—or you just want to play it safe—seeking professional appliance assistance is always a good option. For friendly support or to book a technician, Contact Universal Appliance Repair contact Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. We help Los Angeles residents spend less time guessing and more time getting accurate repairs.
The Takeaway
Regular cleaning, booking routine checkups, and avoiding overloads are good hygiene habits that help Los Angeles homeowners avoid appliance failure and expensive emergency repairs.
On the other hand, if something does go wrong, it is always best to contact a local professional for assistance, especially when seeking peace of mind. For those searching for appliance repair near me in Los Angeles, look no further than Universal Appliance Repair. We offer prompt attention to repairs, proactive maintenance, and ongoing support over the entire lifespan of your appliances, regardless of the brands.
Looking for booking options? schedule service or stave off a troublesome issue before it grows with one phone call. We aim to provide exceptional services to keep appliances as well as residences in top shape.
Searching for routine maintenance? With our reputable team, scheduling a service appointment is easy. We’re here to ensure your home and appliances operate seamlessly.