The quick guide: Aurora residents most commonly call for fridge cooling issues, washer spin failures, dryer heating problems, and dishwasher drainage. Many of these have simple DIY checks — but if those don't fix it, call a technician rather than guessing. Aurora's hard water is a local factor that accelerates mineral buildup in dishwashers and washing machines.
When an appliance breaks down in Aurora, the first question is always: can I fix this myself, or do I need to call someone? This guide goes appliance by appliance — explaining the most common issues, what you can try yourself, and when the problem genuinely needs a certified technician.
Section
Aurora Note: Hard Water Affects Your Appliances
Aurora's water supply has elevated mineral content compared to much of the GTA. Over time, calcium and limescale build up in dishwashers (spray arms, filters, interior walls) and washing machines (inlet valves, drum seals). A monthly citric acid cleaning cycle in both appliances significantly reduces buildup and extends their life. Use dishwasher salt if your dishwasher has a softener reservoir.
Refrigerator Issues
DIY fix: Pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils (usually at the back or underneath). Dirty coils are the most common cause of poor cooling. Also check that the temperature settings haven't been changed accidentally (fridge should be 2–4°C, freezer -18°C).
Call Nick's when: Coils are clean, settings are correct, and the fridge is still warm — this points to a compressor, refrigerant, or evaporator fan issue.
DIY fix: Check whether items stored on top of or behind the fridge are vibrating against the wall. Clean the condenser fan area of any debris or dust buildup. Ensure the fridge is level — use the adjustable feet.
Call Nick's when: The noise is a constant grinding, rattling inside the freezer section, or a repeated clicking that suggests a relay or motor issue.
DIY fix: Locate the defrost drain at the back of the freezer section and check if it's blocked with ice or debris. Pour a small amount of warm water into the drain to clear it. Also check the water supply line connection at the back if you have an ice maker.
Call Nick's when: The drain is clear but water continues pooling, or the leak is coming from the ice maker mechanism itself.
Washing Machine Issues
DIY fix: An unbalanced load is the most common cause — open the drum and redistribute the clothes, then run the spin cycle again. For top-load washers, check that the lid switch clicks when you press it. For front-load washers, confirm the door is latching fully.
Call Nick's when: The load is balanced, the lid or door is secure, and the washer still won't spin — this typically means a failed lid switch, worn drive belt, or motor coupling.
DIY fix: Check the door seal and gasket on front-load washers for tears or debris caught in the fold — a very common leak point. Also check the hose connections at the back of the machine for looseness. Make sure you're using HE (High Efficiency) detergent — too many suds cause overflow-style leaks.
Call Nick's when: The seal and hoses are intact but water is leaking from underneath or from the pump area.
DIY step: Note the error code and look it up in the owner's manual or manufacturer's website — some codes (like UE or UB for unbalanced) have simple user fixes.
Call Nick's when: Error codes point to motor, drain pump, or control board failures — these require diagnostics and part replacement.
Dryer Issues
DIY fix: Clean the lint screen. Then check the exterior vent flap to confirm air is exhausting properly (hold your hand near the outside vent while the dryer runs). A blocked vent is the most common cause of poor drying in Aurora homes.
Call Nick's when: The lint screen and vent are clear but the dryer still runs cold — a blown thermal fuse or failed heating element is the likely culprit.
DIY fix: This is almost always a partially blocked exhaust vent. Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer and run a cycle — if drying time improves dramatically, the vent duct is blocked. Use a dryer vent brush kit to clear the full length of the duct.
Call Nick's when: The vent is clear but drying is still slow — a worn drum seal, failed moisture sensor, or weakening heating element may be the issue.
Dishwasher Issues
DIY fix: Remove the lower rack and locate the filter basket (usually at the bottom centre of the tub). Remove and rinse it under running water — a clogged filter is the most common reason for poor drainage, especially in Aurora where mineral deposits accumulate faster. Also run the garbage disposal if your dishwasher drains through it.
Call Nick's when: The filter is clean and the disposal is clear but water still stands in the bottom — the drain pump or solenoid likely needs replacement.
DIY fix: This is nearly always a hard water issue in Aurora. Use a rinse aid dispenser (check it's filled), switch to a detergent with built-in limescale protection, and run a monthly cleaning cycle using citric acid powder or a commercial dishwasher cleaner. If your dishwasher has a salt reservoir, use it.
Call Nick's when: Residue persists even with rinse aid and cleaning cycles — spray arms may be clogged and need cleaning or replacement.
DIY Didn't Fix It? Nick's Serves Aurora Same-Day
$89 diagnostic · 90-day warranty · $40 OFF any repair · Certified technicians
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hard water in Aurora affect my appliances?
Yes. Aurora's municipal water has elevated mineral content, which causes calcium and limescale buildup in dishwashers and washing machines. Monthly citric acid cleaning cycles help prevent buildup. In dishwashers, hard water causes white residue on dishes and clogs spray arms. In washers, it reduces cleaning effectiveness and can clog inlet valves over time.
Why is my fridge making a loud noise?
Loud fridge noises are most often caused by the evaporator fan motor, condenser fan, or compressor. A buzzing sound is usually the compressor working hard. Clicking when starting is often a relay issue. A grinding or rattling noise is often the condenser fan hitting debris. You can clean the condenser coils yourself, but motor and compressor issues need a technician.
My washer won't spin — can I fix it myself?
Sometimes. Start by checking for an unbalanced load — redistribute the clothes and run the spin cycle again. Also check that the lid switch (top-load) or door latch (front-load) is engaging properly. If the washer still won't spin, the issue is likely a worn belt, faulty motor coupling, or control board failure, which requires a technician.
My dryer isn't heating — what should I check first?
First, clean the lint screen thoroughly. Then check the outside vent for blockages — a clogged vent is the most common cause of dryers not heating or taking too long. If those are clear, the issue is likely a blown thermal fuse, faulty heating element, or failed thermostat, which requires a technician to replace safely.
How much does appliance repair cost in Aurora?
Appliance repair in Aurora costs the same as GTA rates: $89 diagnostic, and $150–$350 for most repairs. Nick's currently offers $40 OFF any repair with no travel surcharge for Aurora.
Why Aurora Homes Have Specific Appliance Issues
Aurora's geography and housing stock create a distinct set of appliance challenges:
- York Region water hardness (~180 mg/L): Scale buildup is a genuine issue for dishwashers and washing machines. Spray arms clog, inlet valves narrow, and heating elements scale up faster than in softer-water cities. Running monthly descaling cycles is not optional in Aurora — it's maintenance.
- Aging housing stock: Many Aurora homes were built between 1990 and 2010, putting original appliances at the 15–25 year mark. These appliances are entering or past their expected lifespan, which is why Aurora sees high repair frequency for washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- Propane connections in outlying areas: The Wellington Street and Yonge Street corridor borders rural Aurora where some older properties have propane rather than natural gas connections. Propane ranges have slightly different pressure requirements — a technician servicing your gas appliance should know your connection type before beginning work.
Aurora DIY Maintenance Calendar
The best way to reduce repair calls is consistent maintenance. Here's what to do and when:
Monthly
- Clean dishwasher filter — twist and lift from the bottom of the tub, rinse under running water
- Wipe washing machine door seal with a damp cloth to remove mold and detergent residue
- Check fridge door seals for tears or stiff spots that prevent a proper seal
Every 3 Months
- Run washer drum clean cycle on the hottest setting with a washing machine cleaner tablet
- Clean refrigerator drip tray — slide it out from under the fridge and rinse
- Check dishwasher spray arm holes for mineral clog — use a toothpick to clear blocked ports
Every 6 Months
- Clean refrigerator condenser coils — pull fridge from wall and vacuum with a brush attachment (bottom or back depending on model)
- Clean dryer exhaust vent — disconnect duct at back of dryer and brush from outside; confirm flap opens freely
- Run dishwasher with citric acid descaler — 1 cup in the bottom of an empty machine on the hottest cycle
Annually
- Check washing machine hoses for cracks or bulging — replace rubber hoses every 5 years
- Inspect gas range burner ports for blockage — use a toothpick to clear, never use water on gas burner ports
- Have dryer vent professionally inspected if the exhaust run is longer than 15 feet or has multiple bends
When DIY Becomes Dangerous in Aurora
Some tasks should never be attempted without a licensed technician:
- Any gas leak or ignition issue: If you smell gas, leave the house immediately without using light switches. Call Enbridge Gas emergency: 1-866-763-5427. Do not re-enter until cleared.
- Electrical burning smell from any appliance: Unplug the appliance if safe to do so, then call a technician. Burning smells indicate arcing or wiring failure.
- Refrigerant handling: Adding or recovering refrigerant requires EPA/TSSA certification. This is not a DIY task under any circumstances.
- Internal wiring on 240V appliances: Stoves and dryers run on 240V. Internal wiring work on these appliances carries serious shock risk and must be done by a certified technician.
How do I know if Aurora's hard water is affecting my appliances?
Look for white scale deposits on dishwasher spray arms and the interior walls of the tub. On washing machines, reduced water pressure from the inlet valve and shorter ice maker life on fridges are all signs of scale buildup. Running monthly citric acid cycles in both the dishwasher and washer is the most effective prevention.
Is it safe to clean behind my refrigerator myself?
Yes — unplug the fridge first, then carefully pull it away from the wall. Vacuum the condenser coils with a brush attachment, clear any debris around the condenser fan, and push the fridge back. Do this every 6 months. The only risk is the fridge weight — use appliance sliders if your floor is hardwood.