Appliance Heroes

06/12/2026

This is the single most reviled water shutoff valve in the GTA.

It's common throughout the city and is notorious for not shutting off even when the handle is moved to the closed position.

It's common enough that we warn our trainees about it during training.

They're instructed to look for the main shutoff, which is usually located under the sink at the rear in the bathroom in the master bedroom.

Even worse, this particular valve had just recently been installed throughout the entire building. Our technician warned the customer and instructed them on where to find the main shutoff.

A month prior, our technician warned another customer about this valve. In the most ironic moment of all, they closed the valve, ran the washer, and it still filled (the valve didn't close, so the washer was still being supplied with water). The customer immediately called for a plumber to have it replaced.

06/12/2026

It's the World Cup!!!

And yes, we planned for this. We've avoided booking calls in those areas in a window before, during, and after each game.

After all, does anyone else remember when Italy won the World Cup in 2006?

We weren't around then, but if we had been and one of our techs had been in Little Italy, they might as well have put their van in park and joined the crowd because they wouldn't have been going anywhere 😂😂😂

06/12/2026

You've likely seen one of these outlets before in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink.

It's called a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).

They protect people against electrical shocks, specifically in wet areas (hence their proximity to sinks, etc.) This is how they work: https://youtu.be/XTPQe6GtqlM?si=kyPhuf5g8M7lpyc3

The problem is that appliance manufacturers expressly warn against their use with appliances, as they can cause nuisance tripping.

This outlet (technically called a receptacle) has tripped, which is why you can see the red light.

06/09/2026

If your dishwasher isn't cleaning well, check the spray arm nozzles for obstructions before you call for service.

They can be tricky to clear, similar to when your guitar pick falls into your guitar. Family Guy covered this! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R_Pi-eQoYYk

The best way to clear them is with a shopvac. Set it on the stem of the spray arm, run the vacuum, and then use a pick to push the debris. They will get sucked right out.

If you do not have a shopvac, you can buy small cheap ones that will do the task for as little as $30 brand new.

06/08/2026

***We are in no way associated with Telus in any manner whatsoever, nor have them or anyone us asked us or paid us to mention this service***

A "Tools of the Trade" post!

Our celluar provider is with Telus and it's because of their Call Control service.

How does it work?

The first time a number calls you, they are met with an automated message asking the caller to enter a random number. For example, you call a number, Call Control answers, and asks you to press "5" to advance the call. Once you've done so the call will advance to the person you are calling.

The best part is that you only need to do this once; every following call to a number with Call Control will advance automatically.

It cannot be understated how well this reduces spam calls. We went from several spam calls a day to one every few weeks or months.

It's absolutely awful for us as a business because, even though we primarily communicate via text and email, both our office and our technicians were bombarded with spam calls all day.

Even worse, we'd miss important calls such as physio appointments, parts suppliers, etc.

Spam calls are so out of control these days that we were setting up the new cell of our latest technician and it was immediately bombarded with spam calls.

We provide our technicians with Google Pixel phones that have some manner of spam protection, but it doesn't even come close to Call Control.

Learn more about the free TELUS Home Phone feature that helps block spam callers, robo calls and unwanted calls

06/08/2026

This leak detector helped one of our customers avoid disaster.

They were watching TV, the washer was running upstairs, and then they heard the leak detector start screaming.

The washer had leaked enough to form a large pool of water which had triggered the leak detector.

Leak detectors come in two basic types: analog and digital with Wi-Fi connectivity. The leak detector pictured here is a very basic analog model.

It works by having prongs at the base of the detector. When water completes the circuit between the prongs, it triggers the leak detector. The advantage of this type is that the leak detector sits inert (not using any batteries) until triggered.

The digital models connect to your phone and your home's Wi-Fi network and will notify you on the app in addition to the audible warning. The disadvantage is that the battery is always in use.

Regardless of the type you purchase, they are an absolute game-changer. Place them beside, in front, or behind your washer, dishwasher, and fridge. Even if your fridge does not have a water line attached (no water dispenser and/or ice maker) they can still leak due to defrost drain issues (we call this the Magic/Phantom Water Problem).

Leak detectors are especially needed in highrises; any owner's greatest fear is the dreaded knock on their door from their downstairs neighbour(s).

06/08/2026

Own one of these coil cooktop ranges?

Did you know that the cooktop in most models can flip up like the hood of your car for cleaning? Yes, really!

Most models will also have a rod that keeps the cooktop in the open position just like the hood prop in your car!

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Want to know what it takes to be a technician at Appliance Heroes?

This is one of the weekly quizzes our trainees take during training!

How did you do?

What is a thermistor?, What is a thermocouple?, What is a range?

06/04/2026

This was posted in a Facebook group for appliance technicians, and why we have a non-negotiable requirement that all dogs must be securely locked away for the entire duration of the service.

Our senior technician has been bitten three times by "good sweet dogs that wouldn't or hasn't hurt anyone".