Appliance Safety Tips & Error Code Guide

Essential safety practices to keep your household appliances operating safely, along with a quick reference guide to common manufacturer error codes

Appliance Safety Guidelines

Dryer Fire Prevention

  • Lint Trap Cleaning: Clean the lint screen before or after every single load to ensure proper airflow and prevent flammable lint accumulation.


  • Vent Maintenance: Inspect and clean the exterior ductwork and exhaust vent at least once a year to remove built-up lint and debris.


  • Avoid Crushed Vent Hoses: Ensure the flexible duct behind the dryer isn't pinched, kinked, or crushed against the wall, which restricts airflow and creates extreme heat buildup.


  • No Overnight Drying: Avoid running your clothes dryer when you are sleeping or out of the house so you can respond immediately if an issue arises.


  • Burning Smell Protocol: If you detect a burning odor, immediately stop the cycle, turn off power at the outlet or breaker, and inspect the drum and vent before re-using.


Gas Range Safety

  • Gas Smell Check: If you smell gas (a rotten-egg odor), turn off the burners, extinguish open flames, do not operate electrical switches, and leave the area immediately before calling gas services.


  • Burner Ignition Check: Ensure burners ignite promptly when turned on. If a burner clicks repeatedly without lighting, turn it off and clear any obstructions around the igniter.


  • Burner Cap Cleaning: Regularly clean burner caps and ports to remove food spillovers, grease, and residue that cause uneven flames or ignition delays.


Annual Gas Inspection: Schedule an annual professional inspection of your gas connections, valves, and lines to verify leak-free operation.

Error Code Library


Washer Error Codes

OE – Drain Error: Indicates the machine is unable to drain water. Inspect the drain hose for kinks and check the drain pump filter for clogs.


LE – Motor Overload: The drive motor is locked or overloaded. Reduce the load size, check for items stuck in the tub, and allow the motor to cool down.


UE – Unbalanced Load: The load inside the tub is distributed unevenly. Open the door, redistribute heavy items manually, and restart the spin cycle.


FE – Overflow: Water levels have exceeded normal limits. The machine will typically initiate automatic draining; check the water inlet valve and pressure sensor.


Dishwasher Error Codes

E1 – Water Inlet: Indicates a water supply failure. Verify that the shut-off valve is open, supply lines are clear, and the inlet valve filter is clean.


E4 – Overflow: Excess water detected in the tub. Disconnect power, check for over-foaming detergent, and inspect the water level sensor.


LC – Leak: The internal leak sensor at the base of the unit has detected water. Inspect supply hoses, door gaskets, and pump connections for leaks.


HE – Heater Failure: The heating element or sensor is not functioning correctly during wash or dry cycles.


Refrigerator Error Codes

Er dH – Defrost: Defrost system failure. Indicates an issue with the defrost heater, sensor, or control circuit, causing frost accumulation on the coils.


Er FS – Freezer Sensor: A failure detected in the freezer temperature sensor circuit.


Er rF – Fan Motor: Refrigerator evaporator fan motor malfunction, which can lead to inadequate cooling in the fresh food compartment.


Er 1F – Ice Fan: Malfunction or obstruction detected in the ice maker compartment blower fan.