Can a leak also affect the fridge’s ability to keep food cold?

Yes. Since leaking is often tied to a defrost problem, the same mechanism causing the excess water can also interfere with cold air circulation. If you also notice the fridge struggling to hold its temperature, check out our article Fridge Stopped Cooling for a broader diagnosis.

What does the Sub-Zero air purification cartridge do?

Several Sub-Zero models include an air purification system designed to neutralize ethylene and slow down food ripening. The cartridge needs to be replaced periodically to stay effective. If it’s never been changed, that’s a simple thing to check before considering a more complex repair.

Is a built-in Sub-Zero harder to repair than a freestanding model?

A bit, yes. Built-in models are integrated into the kitchen cabinetry and often less accessible than a freestanding appliance, which can lengthen the time needed for certain repairs. Our technicians are used to working with this type of installation.

If I can’t find my appliance’s manual, what should I do?

Most manufacturers publish their manuals online, searchable by the model number found on the appliance’s data plate. Failing that, a technician can interpret the code directly on-site.

Why does my Sub-Zero have two separate refrigeration systems?

Unlike most refrigerators, Sub-Zero units use two separate compressors: one for the fridge compartment, one for the freezer. This design limits air and humidity exchange between the two compartments, reducing odours and keeping food fresher longer. In terms of repair, it also means an issue in one compartment doesn’t necessarily affect the other.

Does an error code mean the appliance is broken for good?

Not necessarily. An error code is a symptom, not a verdict: in most cases, it points to a drainage problem that’s resolved by cleaning the filter or clearing the drain hose.

Can a dishwasher with a small leak wait to be repaired?

No. Even a minor leak can signal a seal or hose on the verge of complete failure, and water seeping under the appliance or into the floor can cause damage far more costly than the repair itself.

Can I repair a door seal myself?

Cleaning it, yes. Replacing the seal generally requires removing the door panel and installing the correct original part for your brand and model, a step where professional help avoids unpleasant surprises.

Can a dishwasher that won’t drain be dangerous?

Not directly, but standing water encourages bad odours and bacterial growth, and starting a new cycle on a tub that’s already full can cause it to overflow.

Should I drain the standing water before the technician arrives?

It’s not necessary, but if you do, use a sponge or a small container rather than running another cycle, which could make an overflow worse.

How much does it cost to replace a control board?

The cost varies by brand and model. A technician can confirm the exact price for the part and labour during the diagnosis, before you commit to anything.

Should I repair or replace a dishwasher that’s more than 10 years old?

It depends on the repair cost compared to the price of a new appliance, and on the overall condition of the unit. A technician can give you an honest assessment before you decide.

My oven doesn’t seem to reach the temperature I set, what could that be?

Even if the oven produces heat, a faulty temperature sensor or thermostat can prevent it from reaching the set point accurately. Unusually slow cooking or food that never quite turns out as expected is often a sign of this issue, rather than a total loss of heat.

How can I tell if the problem is the temperature sensor rather than the heating element?

If the element glows normally during preheating but the oven cooks too fast, too slowly, or inconsistently from one use to the next, the sensor or thermostat is more likely at fault than the element itself, which would simply produce no heat at all if it were defective.

Can a damaged door seal prevent the oven from reaching the right temperature?

Yes. A worn, cracked, or poorly fitted seal lets heat escape, which extends cooking time and can prevent the oven from reaching the set temperature, especially at higher settings. It’s also generally a less expensive repair than an element or a thermostat, worth checking before assuming a bigger failure.

Can I light my burner with a match if the igniter isn’t working?

For a surface burner, that’s possible as a temporary workaround: turn the gas on briefly and bring a lit match close to the burner, avoiding letting gas build up before ignition. This isn’t a solution for the oven, whose enclosed cavity makes the manoeuvre dangerous. Either way, have the igniter repaired promptly rather than keeping up this habit.

Is it normal to hear continuous clicking after the burner lights?

No. The igniter’s clicking should stop as soon as the flame is detected. If it continues after ignition, it’s often a sign that the flame sensor isn’t properly detecting combustion (a misaligned or dirty igniter), which is worth having a technician check.

Why does my flame go out a few seconds after lighting, even if I hold the button down longer?

This is usually caused by a dirty or worn safety sensor that doesn’t properly detect the flame and cuts the gas as a precaution. It’s an inexpensive part to replace, but the work must be done by a technician since it involves the gas supply.

No gas comes out of the burner, even though I can hear the igniter clicking: what should I do?

The burner ports are probably clogged with food residue or dried spills. Clean them with a small brush or a fine needle, with the stove off and cool. If nothing comes out after cleaning, the supply orifice or the valve itself is likely the cause: a repair best left to a technician.

My flame is weak or yellow/orange instead of blue, is that normal?

No. A vivid blue flame indicates complete combustion; a weak, yellow, or orange flame generally signals a partially blocked burner or a poor air-gas mixture, meaning incomplete combustion. Beyond reduced cooking efficiency, incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, an odorless and dangerous gas: make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen, and have the burner checked promptly if the flame stays abnormal after cleaning the ports.

How long does a gas stove typically last?

With basic maintenance (clean burners, ignition checks), a gas stove typically lasts 15 to 20 years, a bit longer than a comparable electric stove, since burner components wear out more slowly than an electric heating element.

Is it better to have a propane or natural gas stove?

Both offer comparable cooking performance; the choice mostly depends on what’s available at your home. Natural gas is fed directly through a distribution network, with no resupply to manage, while propane requires a tank that needs monitoring and refilling. A stove designed for one type of gas needs to be converted (different burner orifices) before it can run on the other: they aren’t interchangeable without technical work.

An error code is blinking, but I can’t find what it means: what should I do?

The meaning of error codes varies a lot from one manufacturer to another, and sometimes even between models from the same manufacturer. If you no longer have the paper manual, most manufacturers offer a downloadable version on their website based on the model number. Still, note the exact code along with the brand, model, and serial number before calling: that lets our technician arrive with the right parts on hand.

The panel is frozen: can I keep using my stove safely?

Start by resetting the appliance (unplug it or shut off its dedicated breaker for about 60 seconds): that often clears a temporary glitch with no risk. If the panel stays frozen after that, some caution is warranted: an electronic issue can also affect safety functions like door locking or automatic shutoff. If the burners or oven otherwise respond normally, short-term use is generally fine, but have the situation assessed promptly rather than waiting for a bigger failure or a safety mechanism to fail.

Is it complicated or expensive to replace a stove’s control board?

Physically, no: a control board unplugs and is replaced fairly simply once accessible. The real challenge is identifying the right part, since several boards look alike without being interchangeable across models. The cost is generally comparable to another major part like a thermostat or a heating element.

Is an electronic touch panel less reliable than classic mechanical knobs?

Both have their trade-offs. An electronic panel offers more precision and features (timers, programmed cycles), but has more components that can fail, as shown by the causes above. Mechanical knobs are simpler and rarely fail completely, but offer less precision and no advanced features. It’s not a question of overall reliability, but a trade-off between ruggedness and functionality.

How long should my dryer last?

With regular basic maintenance, a dryer can easily reach 18 years of useful life.

How often should the exhaust duct be cleaned?

The lint filter should be cleaned before every load; the flexible ventilation duct should be deep-cleaned roughly every two years or more often if the dryer sees heavy use (large family, poorly ventilated basement, etc.).

Does my condenser dryer need the same maintenance?

The broad strokes are the same (filter, drum, avoiding overloading), but a condenser dryer has no duct venting to the outside instead, it’s the water collection tank or drain pump that needs regular checking.

When should I call a technician instead of doing the maintenance myself?

Unusual noises, cycles that never seem to end, a burning smell, or clothes that no longer dry properly these are signs worth taking seriously. Our technicians repair dryers and washers of all brands throughout Quebec — request an estimate.

Why does my dryer run but not heat?

In most cases, the cause is the heating element or the thermostat. A partially tripped breaker (on dryers with two 120V circuits) can also leave the drum turning with no heat at all.

Is it dangerous to keep using a dryer that isn’t heating?

Not necessarily a fire risk on its own, but if the cause turns out to be a blocked exhaust duct rather than a faulty part, that’s a safety issue worth fixing promptly.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer heating element?

This repair usually falls in a moderate cost range (roughly $150 to $250, parts and labour included); the exact price depends on the brand and model.

My dryer runs on gas, can I check it myself?

No. Any work on the gas valve or ignition system should only be performed by a certified technician, for your safety.

The oven stays locked after the cycle, is that normal?

Yes: the oven stays locked until its internal temperature drops to a safe level, which can take longer than the displayed cycle time. If the latch stays stuck for an unusually long time or seems faulty, don’t force it open: contact a technician.

Can I clean an oven without a self-clean function using homemade products?

Yes. A paste of baking soda and water, left to sit for a few hours before wiping, loosens grease without harsh chemicals. For tougher stains, a commercial oven cleaner applied to a cold oven remains an effective option.

What if a gas burner lights poorly after cleaning?

First check that it’s completely dry and repositioned exactly as it was (cap and base properly aligned). If the problem continues, see our article on gas stoves that won’t light for a more complete diagnosis.

Why is my dryer making a banging noise?

The most common cause is an item left in a pocket or an unbalanced load. Empty your pockets and avoid overly large loads before assuming a mechanical failure.

My dryer is squealing, is that serious?

Not urgent enough to stop using it immediately, but a persistent squeal usually signals a worn bearing or pulley that’s best fixed soon to avoid damaging the drum.

Can I keep using my dryer if it’s noisy?

In the short term, yes, as long as there’s no burning smell or overheating. But delaying repair of a worn pulley or bearing can worsen the wear and increase the repair cost.

How much does it cost to replace a dryer pulley?

This is generally one of the more affordable repairs (under $150, parts and labour included), which partly explains its high one-visit resolution rate.

Why does my induction stove make a faint humming sound while cooking?

That’s normal: the sound comes either from the built-in cooling fan or from a slight vibration in the pot caused by the electromagnetic field, especially at high power. If the humming becomes loud, unusual, or is accompanied by a smell, have the appliance checked by a technician.

My pot is compatible, but the stove isn’t detecting it: why?

Most often, the pot isn’t properly centred on the burner, or its diameter is too small for the selected cooking zone: most induction stoves require a minimum diameter to trigger the sensor. Try recentring it or choosing a smaller burner.

Can I use a wok on an induction stove?

A traditional round-bottomed wok doesn’t sit flat on the surface, so it heats poorly if at all. Some manufacturers offer flat-bottomed woks designed specifically for induction, and a few high-end models offer a dedicated bowl-shaped burner.

Can I keep using my washer if it’s leaking a little?

No, if the leak is active. The risk of water damage to the floor increases with every cycle.

Is induction cooking safe for people with a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices?

The electromagnetic field produced by an induction cooktop could theoretically interfere with certain implanted medical devices (pacemakers, defibrillators). As a precaution, manufacturers generally recommend that people with these devices consult their doctor before buying one and keep a reasonable distance from the active surface while cooking.

My washer leaks even when it’s turned off — is that normal?

No — that’s the classic sign of a faulty water inlet valve letting water through continuously. Have it checked promptly.

Why is my washer only leaking from the door?

It’s almost always the door gasket — worn, torn, or fouled by excess detergent.

My dryer makes no sound at all when I press start, what should I do?

First check that the door is fully closed and that the breaker hasn’t tripped. If nothing happens even so, the cause is likely electrical (control board or door switch) and needs a professional diagnosis.

Replace a Refrigerator Starter Relay

A sharp click at the back of the fridge, a short hum, then nothing: the temperature rises and food starts to warm up. In many cases, the compressor isn’t to blame. The culprit is the starter relay, a small part that gives it the boost it needs to start up.

Replacing it is one of the most accessible refrigerator repairs, as long as you diagnose it correctly first and follow a few precautions. Here’s how.

What does the starter relay do?

On startup, the compressor needs a stronger current than when it’s running. The starter relay, often a PTC-type component, supplies that jolt, then disconnects after a few seconds, once the compressor is up and running.

It’s almost always paired with an overload relay (or thermal protector), which cuts power if the compressor overheats. Depending on the model, the two are combined in a single housing mounted directly on the compressor, at the back bottom of the fridge, or installed separately.

How do you know the relay is the problem?

A failing relay tends to show fairly typical signs:

a sharp click at the back of the unit, repeating every few minutes;
a short hum from the compressor, followed by a stop;
a fridge that’s no longer cooling while the interior light still works normally;
a relay housing that’s blackened, melted, or smells burnt.

An occasional click when the compressor starts or stops is normal. It’s the repeated click, with the compressor never actually starting, that should raise a flag.

These signs can look like other issues though: a capacitor, a thermostat, a control board or the compressor itself can produce the same symptoms. Replacing a relay without testing it first risks masking the real problem.

Testing is done with a multimeter, with the relay removed and the appliance unplugged. A healthy PTC relay reads, when cold, a resistance of a few ohms to a few dozen ohms depending on the model; an infinite or very high reading points to a faulty relay. Values vary by relay type: when in doubt, it’s best to ask for a diagnosis.

Before you start: precautions

Unplug the refrigerator. Don’t rely on the thermostat or a closed door: only the unplugged cord actually cuts the power.
Wait at least 10 minutes after shutdown: the relay housing and the compressor can be very hot.
Photograph the wiring before removing anything.
Wear gloves, and never touch the refrigerant circuit’s copper tubing: don’t bend it or pull on it.
Move the fridge while keeping it upright, without tilting it significantly.
If your unit has a starter capacitor, it can hold an electrical charge even when unplugged. Don’t handle it yourself: that step is for a technician.

Replacing the starter relay, step by step

Clear the access panel. Unplug the unit, pull it gently forward to reach the back, then unscrew the panel protecting the compressor, at the bottom.
Locate the relay. It’s mounted on the compressor’s terminals, under a protective cap. Remove the cap and photograph the position of the wires and connectors.
Remove the relay. Pull the housing straight toward you, without twisting or forcing it. The compressor’s pins are fragile: never bend them. Pull on the plastic connector, never on the wires.
Compare with the new part. Same shape, same terminals, same reference number. If the starter relay and overload relay are separate, test the second one too and replace it if needed. Connecting wires can be ordered along with the part.
Put everything back and check. Insert the relay fully, replace the cap and the panel, then plug the unit back in. The compressor should start within a few seconds and run continuously, without repeated clicking. The temperature can take several hours to drop back down.

The relay’s location and shape vary from one appliance to another. Always follow your model’s manual.

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Finding the right part

The relay has to match your appliance’s compressor: a “universal” relay isn’t always compatible. Have your model number and serial number ready, found on the label inside the fridge. Our parts department can identify the exact part, then ship it to you or have it ready for pickup. See our refrigerator parts.

When to call a technician

It’s best to stop and ask for help in the following cases:

the tested relay is in good condition: the problem lies elsewhere (capacitor, thermostat, control board or compressor);
the clicking returns after installing the new relay;
the wires are burnt, the connectors are melted, or there’s a burning smell;
the compressor is hot to the touch and won’t start;
you can’t find an accessible relay housing, which happens with some variable-speed compressors, or your unit has a capacitor.

Service 2000 provides at-home service across the greater Montreal area and the Quebec City region, with a 1-year warranty. Discover our refrigerator repair service or book online.

Keep in mind: this repair involves an electrical appliance and, on some models, a capacitor that can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged. If you’re unsure at any step, or if any of the situations described above apply, it’s best to have a technician handle the repair rather than take a risk.

FAQ

My fridge is clicking but won’t start. Can I leave it plugged in while I wait for the repair?

It’s better to unplug it. As long as it’s plugged in, the compressor keeps trying to start over and over, which heats it up and can wear it out prematurely. Keep the door closed to hold onto the cold as long as possible and, if the wait drags on, move perishable food into a cooler.

My fridge is still under warranty. Can I replace the relay myself?

Check your warranty terms first. Opening the unit or replacing a part yourself can complicate a repair claim with the manufacturer. Also keep in mind that Quebec’s legal warranty can still apply even after the manufacturer’s warranty has ended: see our article on the legal warranty before doing anything.

How to Replace a Refrigerator Starter Relay