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Buying a used appliance can be a great way to get a useful machine at a lower price point. However, it’s important to do your due diligence before purchase so you get an appliance that actually works. 

Inspect Seals

Seals and gaskets create a barrier between the appliance’s exterior and interior environments. Appliances that use seals include:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Ovens
• Dishwashers
• Dryers
• Front-load washing machines

Because gaskets and seals are made of flexible material and are consistently subject to physical pressure, they often get damaged or degrade before other parts of an appliance. A faulty seal can cause an appliance to perform suboptimally or use more effort and energy to maintain functionality.

Before purchasing a used machine, it’s important to examine any gaskets or seals thoroughly. Look for:

• Cracking
• Flaking
• Nicks

Basically, if any part of the seal looks different than the rest, it may be on its way to failure. If there’s an issue, it’s important to consider the severity carefully before making a purchase.

In some cases, gaskets and seals can be replaced, so damage might not be a dealbreaker. However, it could be grounds for renegotiating the price or passing on that particular machine.

Test Cycles

If an appliance offers different cycle options, you should test each one before purchasing a used machine. Washers, dryers, and dishwashers usually have cycles for different situations, like a “delicates” cycle on a washing machine or a “sanitize” cycle on a dishwasher. It’s important to know if they all work correctly before you shell out any money.

Sometimes a seller knows and is upfront about an issue with a particular cycle. However, you shouldn’t rely on it; always do your own assessment.

If a cycle doesn’t work for some reason, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pass on the machine. If a dishwasher has a specialty cycle that you don’t anticipate using, for example, that fault may not be a problem to you. Just make sure it’s accounted for in the price, and that all the “must-have” cycles do work correctly.

Check Serial Numbers

Before buying a used appliance, inspect it for the serial number. If there isn’t one, don’t buy it, period.

With a serial number in hand, you can contact the manufacturer to:

• Confirm the appliance’s age
• Check if there have been any safety recalls
• Ensure it’s not listed as defective

If the serial number is missing, it could mean the unit has been “returned” to the manufacturer for a safety or functionality issue, and the previous owner should have scrapped it. It could also mean that the unit is stolen.

In many states, it’s illegal to remove appliance serial numbers. If you’re looking at a used appliance, a missing serial number is a red flag:  avoid that appliance at all costs!

Assess the Risk

If the seals, cycles, and serial numbers check out, and the appliance looks good overall, there’s still another step you should take before purchase. Consider the appliance’s age and condition, and assess whether buying it is worth the risk.

If a used appliance is nearing the end of its typical life cycle, it’s probably not worth the cost. Even if you save money on the purchase price, you may quickly face major repair and maintenance costs that you wouldn’t have with a newer appliance.

While there’s no way to say for sure how long an appliance will last, most machines typically last between 5 and 15 years. General estimates include:

• Washing machines: 5–15 years
• Dryers: 10–13 years
• Refrigerators: 9–13 years
• Electric ranges: 13–15 years
• Gas ranges: 15–17 years

Based on those timelines, you can calculate how long your investment is likely to last. Determining if the cost is worth it is a personal decision based on your situation and your budget.

If you have questions about buying a used appliance in Morris County, call the pros at Morris County Appliance Repair today. With over 50 years of combined experience in the appliance industry, we know the ins and outs of a broad range of appliance types, makes, and models. We also provide exceptional appliance repair services for both high-end and standard home appliances, with a commitment to customer care and satisfaction. Our team is also fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

An unbalanced washing machine isn’t just an inconvenience. Left untreated, an unbalanced machine can cause further damage to the appliance or the surrounding space. Knowing how to identify and fix an unbalanced washer can help you maintain the machine’s condition and longevity, and avoid costly repairs.

Spotting an Unbalanced Washing Machine

How can you tell if your washer is unbalanced? One of the most common signs is unusual noises. If you hear any of the following, your washer might have a balance problem:

• Excessive vibration 
• Thumping
• Banging
• Rattling

You might also notice that when a load is done, it’s all on one side of the drum or the laundry is still waterlogged even after the last spin cycle.

An unbalanced washer can also “walk” forward when you run it. If there’s more force in one direction than another as the drum spins, the whole machine can scoot out of place little by little with each rotation.

Why is My Washer Unbalanced?

In some cases, the cause of an out-of-balance washer can be spotted and solved quickly. Others require some investigation or professional appliance repair service.

Overloaded Drum

Overloading the machine is one of the most common causes of an unbalanced washer. If there are too many items in a load, your washer can have trouble distributing them evenly in the drum. You can end up with a clump of laundry weighing down one side, which can cause thumping noises and lead to your washer “walking” forward.

The fix? Distribute laundry evenly when loading and avoid extra large loads. In general, keep loads at or below three-quarters of the washer’s total capacity to allow for proper movement during the wash, rinse, and spin cycles.

Uneven Surface

If your washer is on an uneven surface or is not fully level across all four corners, it will inherently be unbalanced. Washers typically have adjustable legs so you can keep the machine level even if the floor is not. If your washer seems to be unbalanced, you can use a carpenter’s level to check its status and adjust the legs as needed.

Worn, Damaged, or Broken Parts

Mechanical issues can also throw your washer out of balance. When one part or component of a washer isn’t working correctly, it can cause strain, wear, or improper functioning for other parts. From belts to bearings, there can be countless culprits. If you think you might have a mechanical problem, it’s best to call your local appliance repair professional for help.

The Importance of Timely Washing Machine Repairs

An unbalanced washer might not seem like a critical issue in the moment, but it’s still important to identify and address the cause as soon as possible. Left untreated, an unbalanced washer can cause numerous issues such as:

• Further damage, wear, and tear to internal parts
• Leaks and water damage from displaced or damaged hoses and seals
• Physical damage to floors, walls, and other surroundings

When your washer is out of balance, the problem will only get worse over time. An issue that might need a simple repair or adjustment today can snowball into a complex and costly repair job—or necessitate buying a new machine.

If your washer is unbalanced and you can’t spot or solve the cause on your own, contact your local appliance repair specialist as soon as you can. Addressing the problem early will prevent additional damage, protecting your appliance and your home long-term.

For expert appliance repair service in Rockaway and the greater Morris County area, reach out to Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, and we’re fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Offering convenient weekday and weekend appointments, Morris County Appliance Repair is here when you need us. You can rely on our team to provide outstanding customer care along with exceptional appliance expertise to help keep your home appliances in great condition. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Our home appliances make day-to-day life easier, but they can sometimes cause day-to-day distractions, too. Noisy appliances can be disruptive and, in some cases, cause unnecessary damage to your home or the appliance itself.

Catching and addressing appliance noises early is key for both your comfort and your pocketbook. Here are five straightforward steps to reduce appliance noise and keep your home running smoothly.

Level Up

Appliances that vibrate (even if only slightly) during operation can easily cause excess noise if they are not kept level. This list typically includes:

• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators 

When one or more corners of these appliances don’t meet the floor exactly, the whole machine can bounce up and down during operation, potentially causing a loud rattling or thumping sound.

The good news: these machines are typically supported by adjustable “feet” that can slightly raise or lower each corner. Using a carpenter’s level to assess your progress, you can adjust each foot so that it makes solid contact with the floor and brings the appliance to a level standing.

Give Them Some Space

Just as an unbalanced appliance can bounce against the floor, an appliance that’s too close to the wall can bang against that surface too. If your appliances, especially ones that vibrate, like washers or dryers, are flush against the wall, try pulling them out. This small change will protect your wall and help keep your appliances nice and quiet.

In some cases, even if an appliance isn’t touching the wall, it may be too close to allow for adequate ventilation. Poor ventilation can cause overheating. If an appliance has to work harder to keep the motor and mechanisms at a safe temperature, you may hear buzzing, droning, or humming. Pulling appliances away from walls can help reduce this noise and improve appliance performance.

Insulate as Needed

If you have built-in appliances, you may not be able to adjust wall clearance once they are installed. If this is the case, consider insulating these appliances to create a buffer between the machines and any walls, cabinets, or countertops.

Even a small layer of insulation can help prevent noise. In general, an insulated appliance is a quiet appliance.

Reduce Vibrations

If you’ve leveled, shifted, and/or insulated your appliances and you’re still having noise issues, you may want to consider vibration pads. Usually made of dense foam, rubber, or polymer, these small pads fit under appliance feet and dampen vibration-induced sound.

Vibration pads can be especially helpful when you’re having trouble leveling your appliance, whether due to an off-kilter floor or limited access to all the feet. Any buffer between hard surfaces will help reduce sound.  

Keep Them Clean

Dust and debris are other culprits that can cause loud operation. Over time, most appliances collect some debris, whether it’s excess lint in a dryer vent or dust on refrigerator coils. Even if you can’t see it directly, this debris can significantly impact your appliance, causing it to work harder.

Excessive effort can cause motors and fans to run more—and louder—which can also cause moving parts, such as belts and bearings, to wear out more quickly. Both of these issues can lead to extra appliance noise, such as unusual buzzing, humming, clanking, or rattling.

Regularly cleaning your appliances can help prevent these issues. Your appliances will work better—and more quietly—the better you care for them.

If you need help addressing appliance noise in Morris County or the area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today. We are experts in appliance installation, service, and repair. With over 50 years of combined experience, we’re well-versed in troubleshooting appliance noises. We’re committed to building positive relationships with our customers, and client satisfaction is always our goal. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Seasonal summertime changes can set the stage for appliance problems, so it’s important to stay on top of regular monitoring and maintenance. Preventing problems or catching them early can save you significant money and trouble in the long run.

Summer Bummers for Your Fridge

Summer days can bring a sense of ease and freedom to many people, but rising temperatures and humidity can put many appliances to the test. Refrigerators can be particularly hard hit.

Refrigerators 101

Your refrigerator works day and night to keep your food fresh using two types of fridge coils:

• Condenser coils, located on the back or bottom of your fridge
• Evaporator coils, located inside your fridge

The interior of your fridge isn’t automatically cool. The evaporator coils use a liquid refrigerant to remove heat from inside the refrigerator, thereby lowering the temperature.

As it takes in heat, the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas. From there, it passes through a compressor that compresses the gas, then to the condenser coils outside the fridge. The condenser coils release the heat captured inside the fridge, allowing the refrigerant to return to liquid form and flow back to the interior evaporator coils to repeat the process. 

High Temps & Humidity Mean More Work for Your Fridge

The warmer it is and the more times you open the fridge and let in room-temperature air, the harder your fridge has to work to maintain a cool interior temperature. The compressor has to cycle more frequently, which puts more wear and tear on it, and the whole appliance has to use more energy to do its job.

The other summertime issue affecting refrigerators is humidity. Humidity, aka increased moisture in the air, can also make cooling harder.

Condenser coils easily collect dust, pet hair, and other debris. In times of high humidity, this accumulation increases because the moisture helps particles to stick to the coils.

Not only does this layer of debris cause a mess, but it also creates an insulating barrier around the coils. If the coils are covered, your fridge has to work harder to release heat. This increase in workload also ups the chances of your fridge breaking down or struggling to keep food fresh.

Summertime Fridge TLC

To keep your fridge in top condition through the summer, you can do a few things:

• Be mindful of how often you open the fridge door
• Check the door gasket for wear or breaks (and replace if needed)
• Check and clean the condenser coils regularly

With a little attention, you can help your fridge work more efficiently and weather the summer without incident.

Summertime Washing Machine Woes

While your washing machine doesn’t face the same cooling challenges as your fridge, it still has its own warm-weather issues. Mold and mildew spores occur naturally in the environment, but they thrive in warm, moist conditions.

The inside of your washer, as well as the gaskets of front-load washers and dryers, are particularly susceptible to mold and mildew growth. If left unchecked, these fungi can cause a musty or moldy odor that sometimes transfers to your clothes. 

Additionally, mold and mildew can, over time, cause rubber gaskets to degrade. Damaged gaskets can lead to poor functionality, increased energy usage, and costly repairs.

Minimizing Mold and Mildew

You can’t do much about the weather, but you can make some adjustments to help out your washer and/or front-load dryer.

• Invest in a dehumidifier to reduce ambient moisture levels 
• Use a gentle vinegar solution to wipe down rubber gaskets 
• Leave the appliance door or lid open for a little while after each load of laundry to let moisture escape

If you keep an eye (and nose) on the environment around your laundry area and limit moisture as much as possible, your appliances will thank you!

When you need reputable, reliable appliance repair services in Morris County, call Morris County Appliance Repair. We’re your local company for comprehensive appliance repair solutions you can count on. Customer service is our top priority, and we’re fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. With over 50 years of experience, we work with traditional and luxury appliance brands and always stay up to date with the latest in appliance technology. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

When your garbage disposal acts up, it can derail your whole kitchen routine. To address garbage disposal issues, it’s important to understand why they malfunction, how to operate them safely, and how to maintain optimal performance.

Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Jams or Breaks

If your garbage disposal is jammed, your sink can’t drain properly, and your whole kitchen plumbing system is under stress. Why does this happen? The most common cause is a buildup of the wrong kind of food or other waste that the disposal isn’t designed to handle.

In general, you should avoid using your garbage disposal as a primary disposal location. Instead, think of it as a follow-up for food debris left behind after you scrape dishes or put food waste into your trash or compost. 

What CAN Go In Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can handle many different types of kitchen waste, including:

• Most fruits and vegetables
• Cooked food or leftovers
• Small amounts of cooked meat
• Coffee grounds

If you put something into your disposal, it should be relatively small and soft so it can be easily broken down and flushed away. Try to avoid any items that could hurt the disposal or cause plumbing issues further down the line.

What CANNOT Go In Your Garbage Disposal

Some kitchen waste should never go into your disposal. This includes:

• Bones (too large and dense)
• Grease (causes buildup and clogs)
• Banana peels (too large and fibrous)
• Artichokes and asparagus (too fibrous)
• Corn husks (too fibrous)
• Pasta and rice (leave sticky residue)
• Egg shells (too dense; pieces get stuck easily)

If a tiny bit of one of these items goes into your disposal, it’s not the end of the world. That said, you should not make a practice of putting them through your garbage disposal. 

In some cases, your disposal will have to work extra hard to break down items that are too large, dense, or fibrous. This can cause extra wear and tear on the appliance or even warp or break a component.

In other cases, the bulk of an item may work its way through the disposal but leave behind smaller pieces or a general residue. Over time, this buildup can cause clogs or make it harder for normal kitchen waste to flow through.

Safe Garbage Disposal Operation and Troubleshooting

To safely operate your garbage disposal, the most important thing is to monitor what goes into it. If you can avoid putting your disposal under undue stress, it should remain in optimal condition for years.

If there is a jam, clog, strange odor, or noise, never put your hand into the disposal. If the blades start moving when your hand is present, you can sustain serious injuries.

If you truly need to access the garbage disposal’s input side, use a tool such as tongs, pliers, or a drain snake to locate and remove any material. Always make sure the disposal is off, and consider disconnecting the power if there’s a serious problem.

If you’re unsure what the issue is or feel it’s beyond your skill set, call a local appliance repair professional for assistance. They can safely and efficiently assess the situation and take steps to fix it.

Garbage Disposal Odor Prevention

If your garbage disposal has a clog or internal buildup, it will eventually start to smell as the waste products break down. You can avoid this by following proper disposal protocol and running cool water before, during, and after use to break up and rinse away any extra material.

It’s also helpful to clean your disposal regularly. You can purchase a commercial cleaner or use a baking soda and vinegar combination for a DIY cleaner.

For garbage disposal help in Morris County and the area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today! From kitchen stalwarts like garbage disposals to high-end smart appliances, Morris County Appliance can handle all your appliance needs. We have over 50 years of experience helping homeowners make the most of their home appliances, and our team stays up-to-date on new appliance technology through ongoing continuing education. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Pets can be wonderful companions, but they also come with some downsides, like pet hair and dander. These elements can be particularly troublesome when it comes to home appliances. Here’s a look at some issues to watch for and what you can do about them.

Covered Coils

Two key home appliances are especially susceptible to pet hair problems: refrigerators and clothes dryers. Both of these machines have coils. Refrigerators have condenser coils that are essential for proper cooling. Dryers have heating coils that provide the heat to dry your clothes.

Dust and other debris—like pet hair and dander—can build up and create a covering on these coils. Over time, this prevents proper cooling or heating because the covering acts as insulation.

When the coils can’t release heat properly, appliances have to work harder to function. This increased workload strains the entire system and can lead to poor performance, premature breakdowns, and appliance failure.

Clogged Vents

Pet hair and dander can also have a major impact on vents and filters. Clothes dryers and HVAC systems, in particular, are often affected by the presence of furry friends.

Both dryers and HVAC systems rely on unobstructed airflow to work correctly. Pet hair and dander can clog airflow by blocking essential vents and filters that should allow air to circulate freely.

Just as with appliance coils, obstructed vents and filters can compromise your dryer or HVAC system. The result: sub-par performance, higher energy bills, and greater wear and tear on the appliances.

Overcoming Pet Hair Problems

Luckily, there are some easy steps to combat these potential issues. You can protect your appliances and still enjoy your pets by:

• Grooming pets regularly outside the home to minimize indoor shedding
• Vacuuming and/or sweeping often to collect excess pet hair and dander
• Inspecting and changing filters frequently, since pet hair may cause them to clog quickly
• Ensuring air vents are unobstructed by pet beds or other household furniture
• Scheduling regular appliance maintenance to locate and remove pet hair from interior appliance components

There’s no need to sacrifice animal companionship to protect your appliances. With proper planning and regular maintenance, you can keep your appliances in top condition and enjoy your family pets at the same time.

When you need to troubleshoot pet hair appliance issues in Morris County, call the pros at Morris County Appliance Repair. We have over 50 years of combined experience servicing traditional and high-end appliance brands, and we know the ins and outs of dealing with pet hair in just about every situation. With Morris County Appliance Repair, you will enjoy top-notch customer care and attention to detail on every job. We offer convenient weekday and weekend appointments and provide emergency service when you need us. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

It’s hard to imagine day-to-day life without our clothes dryers. Finishing a load of laundry would take twice as long, and the labor would be at least twice as much!

Given how central dryers are to our day-to-day, it’s critical to stay on top of any issues as they arise. Timely troubleshooting is not just a matter of convenience, either—it’s also a matter of safety.

If your dryer emits a burning smell, don’t ignore it. Even a slight odor can signal a fire hazard or a potential malfunction. Addressing the issue promptly helps ensure small issues don’t escalate and that your home and family remain safe.

Step One: Take Immediate Action

If you notice a burning odor from your dryer unit, take action. A burning smell does not signal a “wait and see” situation—it’s a potential emergency, and you should address it immediately.

Typically, burning odors show up when the dryer unit is on. An aspect of the dryer’s operation is causing heat or friction that creates the smell. If you notice a burning odor, stop the dryer immediately so that you can investigate the cause safely. It’s also best practice to unplug the machine to avoid further risk. 

In a worst-case scenario, a burning smell can indicate a fire hazard that could cause irreparable damage to your dryer or your home, and harm the people in it. Until you identify the issue, treat any burning odor as an emergency to keep your home and family safe.

Step Two: Identify the Cause

Many different odors fall under the category of “burning smell.” Once you stop the dryer, you can start investigating the source of the smell based on its characteristics.

If at any point you feel out of your depth or unsafe, contact your local appliance repair company immediately. There’s no need to risk your peace of mind or safety when help is just a phone call away.

Differentiating Burning Smells

Some common “burning smells” and their causes include:

• A smoky odor caused by lint buildup in the lint trap, near the heating element, or in the dryer vent
• A smell like melting plastic or rubber caused by a faulty or misaligned belt or overheated plastic housings
• A sharp or acrid odor caused by an electrical fault, such as issues with the wiring, heating element, or motor connection

Since the causes of these smells differ, the solutions will as well. Getting a handle on what’s wrong will help you choose the best—and safest—path to move forward. 

A Special Case Situation

The one time it’s usually safe to take a “wait and see” approach to a burning smell is if your dryer is brand new. With new machines, there can be a light layer of chemicals from the manufacturing process on the dryer’s heating element.

As you run the dryer, these chemicals will naturally burn off, causing a faint odor. This smell should disappear within a few cycles. If it doesn’t, you should follow the steps above and investigate whether there’s another cause.

Step Three: Addressing the Problem

Once you have identified the likely source of the smell and its cause, you’re ready to troubleshoot the issue. Knowing the general cause of the problem enables you to take targeted action to resolve it.

Call the Pros For Electrical Faults

If you believe the problem is an electrical issue, you should call an appliance repair expert right away. Electrical issues can be extremely dangerous, and you should always leave them to the professionals.

Weighing DIY versus Professional Help

If you are comfortable assessing and repairing drive belt or lint issues, you can try a DIY approach. Many people are fully capable of basic maintenance and repairs, and going DIY is a great way to enjoy taking care of your home and save money.

However, it’s often still best to call your local appliance repair company in these situations so they can assess and resolve the full scope of the problem. Unless you know exactly what you’re looking for—both to solve the immediate problem and to address any downstream issues—you risk only partially resolving the issue and having it recur or worsen over time.

The Bottom Line

Whichever path you choose, the most important thing is to take action. Don’t let dryer issues derail your home routine or cause safety hazards. If you notice a burning smell, act immediately to protect your home, your family, and your investment in this critical appliance.

For timely, reliable appliance repair in Morris County and the area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our team is fully licensed and insured, with over 50 years of combined experience to solve even the most complex appliance repair issues. We work on traditional and high-end appliance brands, and offer weekday, weekend, and emergency service for your convenience and peace of mind. With Morris County Appliance Repair, you’ll enjoy personalized customer service and top-notch appliance expertise throughout every interaction. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

When your freezer stops freezing properly, it can turn into a costly problem fast. Ice cream melts, meat thaws, and suddenly you’re questioning whether the whole appliance is done for. The good news? A freezer that isn’t freezing doesn’t always mean you need a full replacement. In many cases, the issue is something simple—and sometimes even preventable.

Below, we’ll break down some of the most common reasons a freezer stops freezing, along with a few safe diagnostic steps you can take before calling in a professional.

Blocked or Clogged Air Vents

Freezers rely on steady airflow to maintain consistent temperatures. Cold air circulates through vents, and when those vents are blocked, temperatures can rise unevenly—or altogether.

One of the most common culprits is overpacking. Large boxes or tightly stacked food can block vents and prevent cold air from reaching the entire compartment. Frost buildup inside the vents can cause similar problems.

What to check: Look for visible vents inside your freezer and make sure they’re clear. Rearranging items to allow airflow can sometimes solve the issue immediately.

Thermostat or Temperature Control Issues

If your freezer’s thermostat isn’t reading temperatures correctly, it may not signal the unit to cool as it should. This can lead to temperatures that hover just above freezing—cold, but not cold enough.

Sometimes the thermostat is accidentally bumped during cleaning or loading groceries. Other times, the component itself may be failing.

What to check: Confirm the temperature setting is correct and hasn’t been adjusted. If the freezer still won’t maintain temperature after adjustment, the thermostat may need professional testing.

Overstuffed Freezer Compartments

While a full freezer is generally more efficient than an empty one, there is such a thing as too full. When air can’t circulate freely, cold spots and warm spots develop, leading to inconsistent freezing.

This is especially common after bulk grocery trips or holidays when freezers are packed wall-to-wall.

What to check: Remove a few items and spread food out evenly. Leave space near vents and walls to allow cold air to move.

Condenser Coils That Need Cleaning

Dirty condenser coils can prevent your freezer from removing heat efficiently. Dust, pet hair, and debris insulate the coils, forcing the appliance to work harder—and often less effectively.

What to check: If your condenser coils are accessible, unplug the unit and gently clean them with a brush or vacuum. This simple maintenance step can improve performance significantly.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If you’ve checked airflow, temperature settings, and cleanliness—and your freezer still isn’t freezing—it’s time to bring in an expert. Electrical issues, sealed system problems, or failing components aren’t DIY fixes and can worsen if ignored.

At Morris County Appliance Repair, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Morris County keep their appliances running reliably since 1962. Our licensed and insured technicians provide honest diagnostics, dependable repairs, and appliance parts sales to get your freezer back on track without unnecessary replacements.

Your dishwasher is supposed to make life easier—not leave a puddle on the floor. When a dishwasher starts leaking, even a small drip can turn into a major problem if it’s not addressed quickly. From water damage to hidden mold growth, a leak is more than just an inconvenience. Here’s what every homeowner in Morris County should know.

How Dishwasher Leaks Can Damage Your Home

A leaking dishwasher can create costly problems fast. Water that seeps under your kitchen flooring can soften subfloors, warp hardwood, and cause tiles to loosen. Over time, moisture can also affect nearby cabinets, drywall, and even structural framing.

One of the biggest concerns is mold. Dishwashers often leak slowly and silently, especially if the water escapes toward the back of the unit. That trapped moisture becomes the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold—something no homeowner wants in their kitchen. Mold remediation gets expensive quickly, which is why early detection is crucial.

Common Causes of Dishwasher Leaks

Several issues can cause a dishwasher to leak, including:

• Worn door gaskets: The rubber seal around the door loses elasticity over time.
• Loose or cracked hoses: Drain and supply lines can degrade or loosen at their connections.
• Faulty float switch: If the float gets stuck, the dishwasher may overfill.
• Damaged tub: Older units may develop cracks, especially plastic-bottom models.
• Improper loading: Overstuffing or blocking the spray arms can push water out the door.

DIY Troubleshooting Tips

Before calling for service, there are a few simple things you can check:

• Inspect the door gasket for tears, grime buildup, or brittleness.
• Make sure your dishwasher is level—an uneven appliance can cause water to spill forward.
• Check the bottom of the unit for debris blocking the drain.
• Look under the sink to ensure the hose connections haven’t loosened.

If you spot a simple clog or an obvious loose connection, you may be able to tighten or clean the area yourself. However, if the leak continues, don’t ignore it—persistent leaking always requires a professional inspection.

When to Call a Professional

If the leak is coming from inside the unit, the pump area, the tub, or any electrical components, it’s time to call in an expert. Leaks involving internal parts can worsen quickly and aren’t safe to repair without proper training. A professional technician can diagnose the source, replace worn components, and ensure your dishwasher is running safely again.

At Morris County Appliance Repair, we’ve been helping local homeowners protect their kitchens since 1962. Whether your dishwasher needs a minor adjustment or a major repair, our licensed and insured technicians are here to help. We also offer appliance parts sales if you prefer to handle certain fixes yourself.

If your dishwasher is leaking, don’t wait—water damage doesn’t get better on its own. Call us today for fast, reliable service throughout Morris County.

Power surges are more common than most homeowners realize—and they can wreak havoc on your appliances. Whether it’s from a lightning storm, a utility grid switch, or a malfunctioning transformer, a sudden spike in voltage can fry sensitive electronics inside everything from your refrigerator to your washing machine.

How Power Surges Damage Your Appliances

Modern appliances are smarter and more efficient than ever—but that comes with a downside. Most are packed with digital displays, control boards, and microprocessors that are highly sensitive to even small fluctuations in voltage. A single surge can cause irreparable damage to these components, leaving you with costly repair or replacement bills.

Common culprits behind power surges include:

• Lightning strikes, especially during summer storms
• Sudden restoration of power after an outage
• Issues from the utility company (grid switching or line maintenance)
• Large appliances cycling on and off, like HVAC systems or air conditioners

Use Surge Protectors to Shield Your Electronics

For small kitchen appliances and entertainment systems, plug-in surge protectors offer a basic level of defense. Not all power strips are created equal, so be sure to choose one that specifically mentions “surge protection” and has a joule rating of at least 1000 for adequate coverage.

While these can help, they’re not designed to protect major appliances like washers, dryers, ovens, or refrigerators—those need something more robust.

Whole-Home Surge Protection: A Smarter Solution

If you’re serious about protecting all your appliances, consider a whole-home surge protector. These are hardwired directly into your electrical panel and provide a first line of defense against external and internal surges. While the upfront cost is higher, it’s a small price to pay compared to replacing a fridge, stove, or dishwasher.

Better still, many homeowners insurance policies may offer discounts for having a surge protection system installed—another good reason to make the investment.

Need Appliance Repairs After a Surge?

If you suspect a surge has damaged one of your appliances, don’t wait. At Morris County Appliance Repair, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout East Dover and Morris County since 1962. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we also sell appliance parts if you’re tackling a repair yourself. Our skilled technicians can diagnose the issue and get your appliances back in working order fast.

Don’t leave your appliances vulnerable. Take surge protection seriously—and if the damage is already done, give us a call today for fast, professional appliance repair service.