When a household appliance stops working properly, you may assume the worst. However, many common appliance problems are caused by relatively inexpensive parts that can be replaced at an affordable price instead of purchasing a new appliance.

Understanding some of the common causes of appliance failure can help homeowners make more informed decisions about when to call for repairs. Here are seven common appliance problems that don’t necessarily mean it’s time for a replacement.

1. A Dryer That Runs But Doesn’t Produce Heat

A dryer that tumbles but doesn’t heat usually has a faulty heating circuit component. In electric dryers, a burned-out heating element is a common culprit. Other possible causes include a blown thermal fuse, a faulty thermostat, or a power supply problem. These parts are generally replaceable, making repair a potentially economical alternative to purchasing a new dryer.

2. A Washing Machine That Won’t Drain

Finding a washing machine full of water at the end of a cycle can be frustrating, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a major mechanical failure.

A clogged drain hose, obstructed pump filter, or faulty drain pump can prevent water from draining properly.

In many cases, clearing an obstruction or replacing the drain pump is all that’s needed to restore normal operation.

3. A Refrigerator That Isn’t Cooling Properly

Refrigerators contain several components responsible for maintaining the correct temperature. When one stops working properly, food preservation can become a concern. A faulty compressor start device, a malfunctioning evaporator fan, a defective thermostat, or a failed defrost component can all contribute to cooling problems. These issues are relatively straightforward and cost-effective to address.

Refrigerant leaks and compressor problems are expensive to repair, but it is still a good idea to have a professional diagnose the cause of the cooling problem conclusively, so as to avoid disposing of a good fridge because of a potentially minor failure.

4. A Dishwasher That Isn’t Cleaning Dishes Properly

If dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with food residue, spots, or an unpleasant film, the appliance itself may not be nearing the end of its useful life.

Clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, a malfunctioning circulation pump, or a faulty water inlet valve can all affect cleaning performance.

Cleaning the filter and spray arms may resolve the problem without requiring any replacement parts. More serious issues may involve replacing a specific component. Depending on the cause of the problem and the cost of the part, in many cases the repair may be a fraction of the cost of a new dishwasher.

5. A Dryer That Makes Loud Squealing or Grinding Noises

Unusual noises during a drying cycle can be an indication of worn mechanical components. Dryer drum rollers, idler pulleys, and blower wheels can wear out over time, resulting in squealing, rumbling, or grinding sounds.

Fortunately, these components are replaceable. Addressing the problem early may prevent additional wear and damage to other parts of the dryer.

6. An Oven That Isn’t Heating to the Correct Temperature

An oven that takes too long to heat up or consistently cooks food unevenly may have a problem with one of its heating circuit components.

In electric ovens, a defective bake element or broil element can affect heating performance. Replacing a faulty part may restore normal operation without the expense of replacing the range or wall oven.

7. A Refrigerator or Freezer That Leaks Water

Water collecting underneath or inside a refrigerator can be alarming, but the cause is often a relatively simple problem.

A blocked defrost drain, damaged water supply line, or improperly positioned drain pan can result in water escaping where it shouldn’t.

Identifying the source of the leak is important, but many of these problems can be corrected inexpensively without replacing the refrigerator.

Consider Repairing Before Replacing

Household appliances are made up of various parts, many of which can be replaced independently and inexpensively when they fail. Before assuming an appliance has reached the end of its useful life, it may be worth investigating whether a relatively inexpensive repair could restore its operation.

When replacement parts are needed, homeowners have options beyond purchasing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components. Quality aftermarket appliance parts are manufactured as alternatives to OEM parts and can offer substantial savings, provided they are compatible with the appliance and sourced from reputable manufacturers. The quality of aftermarket parts can vary considerably, so it’s important to look for parts from reputable suppliers like Partsconnect, who only source parts from trusted manufacturers that have earned the trust of repair technicians, backed by a long warranty.

For homeowners considering a repair, taking the time to identify the correct replacement component and compare available options can make a significant difference in the overall cost of getting an appliance back in working order.