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Plain-English answers to the error codes and repair questions people search for. Real fixes, real tools, no twenty-minute video intros.
No Hot Water in the House? 5 Causes, Easiest First
No hot water anywhere is usually power, gas or the pilot. Cold at one tap only is the faucet. Hot water that runs out fast is the tank. Here is how to tell which, and what you can safely check.
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Mold in Shower Caulk? How to Get It Out and Keep It Away
Black spots in shower caulk are mold, and whether you can scrub them off depends on one thing: are they on the surface or inside the silicone? Here is how to tell, and how to stop them coming back.
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Lights Flickering? 5 Causes and What You Can Safely Check
Flickering lights are usually a loose or wrong bulb, but sometimes they warn of a loose wire. Here is how to tell the two apart, and what to leave to an electrician.
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Peeling Paint? 5 Causes and How to Fix It for Good
Paint that peels or bubbles has a reason, and repainting without fixing it brings the same flakes back. Here is how to find the cause, stay safe around old paint, and repair it properly.
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Shower Leaking? Find Where the Water Comes From and Fix It
A leaking shower is one of five things: the head, the handle valve, the drain, the walls or a valve mounted on the wall. A few simple checks tell you which, and the most likely one is a part you can swap yourself.
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Leak Under the Sink? How to Find It and Stop It
Water under the sink comes from one of a few joints: the drain trap, the strainer, the supply lines or the faucet. A dry paper towel finds the one that leaks.
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Toilet Leaking at the Base? Here's the Fix
Water around the base of a toilet does not always mean a bad wax ring. Check the supply line, the tank and plain condensation first: the wax ring is the last suspect and the biggest job.
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Clogged Toilet? How to Unclog It (Even Without a Plunger)
Most toilet clogs clear with a flange plunger used the right way. If not, a toilet auger reaches further. And if the bowl drains but the flush stays weak, the problem sits in the tank, not the pipe.
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Bathroom Sink Draining Slowly? 5 Fixes, Starting With the Stopper
A slow bathroom sink is rarely a deep clog. Hair and soap collect on the stopper and in the trap, both within reach, and you can clear them without chemicals.
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Water in the Basement? Find the Source Before You Pay for Waterproofing
Before anyone sells you a waterproofing system, find out where the water comes from. Rain, a leaking appliance and plain condensation all leave water on a basement floor, and only one of them needs a contractor.
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Breaker Keeps Tripping? What It Means and What You Can Safely Check
A tripping breaker is a safety device doing its job. Most of the time the circuit is simply overloaded, and you can find out in ten minutes without opening anything.
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Refrigerator Making Noise? What Each Sound Means
Fridges hum, click, gurgle and pop on a normal day. The sounds worth checking are rattling, grinding, squealing, a loud buzz and a click that repeats while the fridge gets warm.
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AC Not Cooling Your House? 5 Fixes Before You Call HVAC
When the AC runs but the house stays warm, the cause is often a setting, a clogged filter or ice on the coil. Check those before you pay for a service call.
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Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error: Clear the Drain Pump in 20 Minutes
E25 on a Bosch dishwasher usually means something is jammed in the drain pump, often glass, a fruit seed or a label, or that the pump cover is loose. Here is how to fix it safely.
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Bosch Washer E17 Error: Why No Water Comes In and How to Fix It
E17 stops a Bosch washer before the wash even starts. It is a water supply code, and the cause is usually at the tap, in the hose or in a tiny filter you can clean in ten minutes.
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LG Dishwasher OE Error: How to Get It Draining Again
OE on an LG dishwasher means the water did not drain in time. Most cases are a clogged filter or a hose problem you can fix without tools.
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Samsung Refrigerator 22E Error: Ice on the Fan, and How to Clear It
22E on a Samsung fridge usually means ice has built up around the fan in the fresh food section. A proper defrost fixes most cases, as long as you do it without tools.
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Samsung Washer UE or UB Error: Balance the Load and Stop It Coming Back
UE, UB or Ub on a Samsung washer means the drum was off balance in the spin. Usually it is the load, sometimes the washer's footing, and now and then worn suspension.
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Bosch Washing Machine E18 Error? Clear the Drain Fault Yourself
Your Bosch stops with water still in the drum and the display reads E18. On most machines that is a blocked pump filter, and it is twenty minutes of work once the water has cooled.
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Bosch Dishwasher E09 Error: What It Means and What You Can Do
Dishes come out cold and still wet, and the display reads E09. This one is honest about its limits: there are three things worth checking yourself, and then it becomes a parts job.
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Samsung Washer 5E or SE Error? It Is the Drain, Here Is the Fix
The cycle stalls with water in the drum and the panel shows 5E, or SE on older machines. They are the same code, they mean drain, and on a front loader the fix is usually the filter.
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Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 Error: Fixing the Long Drain Code
F9 E1 is not a broken machine, it is a stopwatch running out. The washer gave the pump a fixed window to empty the drum and the water was still there when time ran out.
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LG Refrigerator ER FF Error? The Freezer Fan, Step by Step
ER FF means the freezer fan is not turning. Most of the time it is not a broken motor, it is a block of ice sitting against the blade, and the fix costs a day of patience.
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Samsung Refrigerator OF OF Error: Turn Cooling Back On in 60 Seconds
OF OF is not a broken fridge. It is Cooling Off mode, the showroom setting, and it switches the compressor off. Here is the button combination for each Samsung panel and what to do when it will not clear.
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LG Dryer D80, D90 and D95: Clear the Vent and Clear the Code
D80, D90 and D95 all say the same thing: lint is choking your dryer's exhaust. The difference is how badly. Here is how to find the blockage, clear it, and stop the code coming back.
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Bosch Dishwasher E22 Error: Clean the Filter, Clear the Code
E22 is the friendliest code Bosch shows: on most models it just means the filter is blocked and water is sitting in the sump. Twist the filter out, rinse it, put it back. No screwdriver, no parts.
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Frigidaire Dishwasher i20 Error: 6 Fixes for a Blocked Drain
i20 is Frigidaire's way of saying the water never left the tub. Most of the time it is the filter, a kinked drain hose, or a plug that somebody forgot to knock out of the garbage disposal.
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Frigidaire Refrigerator SY EF Error: 5 Fixes Before You Call a Tech
On most Frigidaire models, SY EF (5Y EF on some displays) means the control board is not seeing the freezer evaporator fan turn. Most of the time the blade is iced solid, and the fix costs nothing but time.
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Frigidaire Oven F10 Error: What to Do Before It Overheats
F10 on a Frigidaire oven means runaway temperature, and on some failures the element keeps heating while the code is showing. Cut the breaker first. Then find out whether it is the $20 to $60 sensor or the board.
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LG Washer IE Error: 6 Fixes When the Water Will Not Fill
IE is LG's inlet error, and often it is not the washer at all. Here are the six things that actually stop an LG washer from filling, in the order a technician checks them.
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Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 (LF) Error: 6 Fixes for a Slow Fill
F8 E1, LF and LO FL are the same complaint on most Whirlpool washers: water is not arriving fast enough. Five of the six causes sit outside the cabinet, and most of them cost nothing to fix.
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Samsung Washer SUD Error: Why It Foams and How to Clear It
SUD, shown as 5UD on some displays, is your Samsung washer telling you the drum is full of foam. On most machines it is a detergent problem, not a broken part, and the fix costs nothing.
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LG Washer UE Error: 5 Fixes for an Unbalanced Load
UE, uE and Ub all mean the same thing on most LG washers: the drum could not balance the load for the spin. One heavy towel is enough to cause it. Here is what to check, in order.
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Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error? 6 Fixes for the Drain Fault (Most Take 10 Minutes)
E24 on a Bosch is the drain fault, and in most kitchens the cause is one of three things you can reach without a screwdriver. Here is where to look first, and the order that saves the most time.
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Samsung Dishwasher LC Error? 6 Causes of the Leak Code (Even When Nothing Is Wet)
LC on a Samsung dishwasher means the moisture sensor in the base tripped, and in a surprising number of cases nothing is actually leaking. Here is how to find out which case you have.
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Samsung Washer 4C Error? 6 Fixes for the Water Supply Code
4C on a Samsung washer means it waited for water that did not come. Nine times out of ten the cause is at the tap or in the hose, not inside the machine. Here is the order to check.
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LG Washer OE Error? 6 Fixes When It Will Not Drain
OE on an LG washer means the drum did not empty within the time limit. The fix is behind a little door at the bottom of the machine in most cases, and it takes 20 minutes. Here is how.
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Whirlpool Washer F21 Error? 6 Fixes for the Long Drain Code
F21 on a Whirlpool front loader means the drain took longer than eight minutes. The usual culprit is a coin trap full of socks and change behind the kick panel, and clearing it is a 20-minute job.
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Microwave Sparking Inside? Stop and Read This Before Using Again
Sparks inside a microwave look alarming and usually are not fatal to the appliance. Nine times out of ten it is one piece of metal or one cheap panel, and you can tell which in a minute.
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Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working? 5 Causes and the 10-Minute Fix
That flat hum means power is reaching the motor and something is holding the flywheel still. Nine times out of ten, with the breaker off first, a wrench and ten minutes fixes it: no parts and no plumber.
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Garbage Disposal Leaking? 5 Leak Points, Found in 10 Minutes
A disposal has five places water can escape, and the puddle on the cabinet floor does not tell you which one. Kill the power, dry the can, dye the sink water, and let the first drop name the failed seal.
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Water Heater Leaking? What to Shut Off First, Then 5 Causes
Water on the floor by the heater usually comes from a fitting, not the tank. Only one of the five causes means a new heater. Here is how to tell which one you have in 30 minutes.
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Kitchen Sink Clogged? 6 Fixes Before You Reach for Drain Cleaner
Most kitchen sink clogs are a plug of cold grease sitting in the trap under the cabinet, about 18 inches below the drain. Six fixes, in the order a plumber actually tries them.
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Shower Drain Clogged With Hair? Clear It Without Chemicals
Hair, soap scum and conditioner knit into a felt plug just below the strainer. In most bathrooms a $3 plastic zip tool pulls it out in ten minutes. Here is how to make the drain safe before you reach in, then how to find your clog.
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Refrigerator Leaking Water on the Floor? Here's the Fix
A puddle under the fridge is annoying, but it is usually a cheap, fixable problem. Most of the time it is a frozen defrost drain or a loose water line, not a dying compressor.
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Ice Maker Not Working? 8 Common Problems Ranked by Difficulty
An ice maker that quit is one of the most fixable appliance problems there is. Before you buy a new one, work through these 8 causes, from the two-minute checks to the parts you can swap yourself.
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Freezer Too Cold and Frosting Up? 4 Causes and Fixes
A freezer that turns bread into a brick and coats everything in frost is working too hard, not too well. These 4 causes explain why, and most are a cheap part or a free adjustment.
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Oven Not Heating Up? 6 Things to Check Before Calling a Repair Tech
An oven that will not heat is usually one failed part away from working again, and that part is cheap. Here are the 6 things a repair tech checks first, so you can check them yourself.
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Microwave Runs But Doesn't Heat? Here's What's Wrong
When a microwave lights up, spins, and counts down but leaves your food cold, one specific part has failed. Here is what causes it, and an honest take on which fixes are safe to do yourself.
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Why Your Dryer Takes Forever to Dry Clothes (And How to Fix It)
If your dryer needs two or three cycles to finish a single load, the problem is almost never the dryer itself. Here are the 4 fixes in order of how likely they are.
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Dryer Not Spinning? 4 Causes and How to Fix Each
The motor hums, the timer ticks, but the drum just sits there. The fix is usually one of four parts, and three of them cost under $30.
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Burning Smell from Dryer? Stop Using It and Check These 4 Things
A burning smell from your dryer is the single most important warning sign your appliance can give. Treat it like a smoke alarm and act on it the same day.
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Refrigerator Not Cooling? 7 Things to Check Before You Replace It
A new fridge is 800 to 2000 dollars. Most cooling problems are caused by dirty coils, a leaky seal, or a blocked vent and cost under 30 dollars to fix yourself.
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Shower Smells Like Rotten Eggs? 6 Causes and How to Fix Each
That rotten egg smell coming from your shower is almost always one of six things. Most fixes take 10 minutes and cost under five dollars. Here is how to find which one is yours.
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Toilet Runs by Itself? 5 Fixes Without Calling a Plumber
A toilet that runs by itself can waste up to 200 gallons a day and adds noticeably to your water bill. Most of the five common causes are parts you can swap for under $15.
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Cloudy Glasses From Dishwasher? 5 Reasons (Easy Fixes)
Cloudy glasses from the dishwasher are either hard water film (reversible in 10 minutes) or permanent etching (no fix but easy to prevent). Most people fix the wrong problem.
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Floor Squeaks in One Spot? 6 Fixes That Actually Work
A floor squeaking in one spot is rarely a sign of damage. Almost always it is two pieces of wood rubbing where a nail used to hold them tight. Here are six fixes in order from easiest to most permanent.
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AC Dripping Water Inside the House? 5 Causes (Stop the Leak Today)
Water dripping from your AC into the house is a clear warning. Five causes cover most cases, and you can fix several of them yourself in under 30 minutes. Here is which is which.
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Faucet Spitting Air? 5 Causes and How to Fix Each Fast
A faucet that spits air or sputters is rarely a sign of a major plumbing problem. In most cases it is trapped air or a clogged aerator. Here is how to find which one in 5 minutes.
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Refrigerator Sweating on the Outside? Here's What's Wrong
A fridge sweating on the outside is almost always one of five things. Three are environmental (free fixes), two are part replacements under $30. Here is how to tell which is yours.
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Dryer Takes 3 Cycles to Dry Clothes? 6 Fixes (Most Are Free)
A dryer that needs 2-3 cycles to finish one load is almost always an airflow problem, not a heating problem. Six fixes ranked from free to $30, in order of how often they are the answer.
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Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out Fast? 6 Causes (And How to Stop It)
Light bulbs are rated for 1,000-25,000 hours. If yours die in weeks, it is usually not the bulbs. It is one of six specific problems with the fixture, wiring, or environment. Here is how to find which.
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Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? 6 Causes (And How to Fix Each)
Frustrated with your dishwasher not cleaning dishes? Discover why this happens and learn simple fixes to get your appliance back on track.
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Dishwasher Leaking From Bottom? 6 Most Common Causes
Is your dishwasher leaking from the bottom? Discover the 6 common causes and learn how to fix them to prevent further damage.
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Dishwasher Not Starting? 7 Things to Check Before Calling a Tech
When you hit start and nothing happens, the cause is almost always one of seven things. Most are free to fix and take less than 20 minutes once you know what to look for.
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Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error: How to Fix It in 5 Minutes
The E15 error means a small amount of water reached the base pan and tripped Bosch's Aquastop. The fix is usually a tilt that drains the pan, about five minutes of work.
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Washing Machine Not Spinning? 6 Fixes to Try First
A washer that fills and drains but never spins is one of the most fixable appliance problems. Six causes account for almost every case, and four of them you can solve in under an hour with basic tools.
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Washing Machine Not Draining? 5 Quick Fixes That Work
A washing machine that fills with water and never drains is one of the most fixable appliance problems. Five causes account for almost every case, and four of them you can solve in under an hour with a bucket and a screwdriver.
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Washing Machine Leaking Water? 7 Causes Ranked by How Common
Water on the floor after a wash cycle is rarely a single mystery. Seven specific causes account for almost every washer leak, and the location of the puddle alone narrows it down quickly.
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Washing Machine Smells Bad? Here's How to Get Rid of the Stink
A musty washer makes every load come out smelling worse than when it went in. The fix is six specific steps - run them all once, then keep up with two of them weekly, and the smell stays gone.
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Washing Machine Won't Start? 6 Things to Check First
When you hit start and the washer does nothing, the cause is almost always one of six things. Most are free to fix and take less than 20 minutes once you know what to look for.
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Dryer Not Heating Up? 5 Common Causes You Can Fix Yourself
A dryer that runs but never heats is almost always one of five things, and four of them are user-fixable for under $50 in parts. Most owners are back up and drying within an hour once they know which to check.
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Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? 7 Fixes Before You Call a Repair Service
Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher is almost always one of seven things. Most of them you can fix yourself in 15 to 30 minutes without calling anyone.
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How to Fix a Leaking Faucet in 15 Minutes (No Plumber Needed)
A dripping faucet is one of the easiest plumbing repairs in the house. Once you know which of the four faucet types you have, the fix is the same every time and takes about 15 minutes.
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Washing Machine Making Loud Noise? 6 Causes (And Which Are Serious)
A washing machine should hum, not roar. The noise it makes is the single best clue to what is wrong - here is how to translate the sound into a diagnosis.
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