Electrical Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

Diagnose electrical issues, safely and step by step.

Interactive troubleshooting wizards for residential and commercial electrical problems — plus safety guidance and a component reference library.

Not sure if a timer, sleep mode, or child lock is on? Controls 101 shows how to find and clear hidden settings on any unit style.

Projects

Track every customer job — tasks, field updates, photos, and budgets in one place.

Pro Tools

Big questions, quick answers — and a licensed pro when you need one.

Quick AC Diagnosis

Pick your unit type, tap the issue — jump straight into the step-by-step fix.

1 — Your unit

Common Troubleshooting Guides

View all

Outlet Has No Power

medium

A receptacle is dead — nothing works when plugged in.

Start diagnosis

Breaker Keeps Tripping

high

A circuit breaker trips repeatedly when loads are used.

Start diagnosis

Lights Flicker or Dim

medium

Lights flicker, dim, or brighten unexpectedly.

Start diagnosis

Switch or Outlet is Warm

high

A switch, outlet, or wall plate feels warm or hot to the touch.

Start diagnosis

Panel or Breaker is Buzzing

high

Audible buzzing or humming from the breaker panel.

Start diagnosis

GFCI Keeps Tripping

medium

A GFCI outlet won't stay reset.

Start diagnosis

Central AC Not Cooling Well

medium

Split system runs but the house stays warm — covers 2–5 ton condensers and air handlers.

Start diagnosis

Outdoor Unit Won't Start

medium

Condenser fan and compressor won't run — breaker, disconnect, capacitor, or contactor.

Start diagnosis

Air Handler Blower Won't Run

medium

Indoor unit is silent or humming with no air from the vents.

Start diagnosis

Frozen Coil or Ice on the Air Handler

medium

Ice on the indoor coil, suction line, or the unit — weak cooling then nothing.

Start diagnosis

Air Handler or Indoor Unit Leaking Water

medium

Water around the air handler, ceiling stains, or a window unit dripping inside.

Start diagnosis

AC Breaker Keeps Tripping

high

The condenser or window unit trips its breaker — startup surge, loose lugs, or compressor wear.

Start diagnosis

Window AC Unit Won't Turn On

medium

Nothing happens — covers 110V and 240V window and through-wall units.

Start diagnosis

Window Unit Runs But Doesn't Cool

medium

Fan blows but the air never gets cold — dirty coils, mode, or compressor.

Start diagnosis

Window Unit: Display Works But Nothing Runs

medium

Control panel lights up and buttons respond — but no fan, no compressor, nothing actuates.

Start diagnosis

Range or Oven Completely Dead

medium

Nothing works — no clock, no burners, no oven. Covers freestanding ranges and wall ovens.

Start diagnosis

Surface Burner Won't Heat

low

One stovetop burner is dead while the others work — element, receptacle, or infinite switch.

Start diagnosis

Oven Won't Heat (Burners Work)

medium

Stovetop is fine but the oven stays cold — element, thermal fuse, door latch, or control board.

Start diagnosis

Water Heater: No Hot Water

medium

Every tap runs cold — electric element/thermostat sequence and gas pilot basics.

Start diagnosis

Dryer Runs But No Heat

medium

Drum tumbles but clothes stay wet and cold — breaker leg, vent, thermal fuse, or element.

Start diagnosis

Dryer Won't Start At All

medium

Press start and nothing — door switch, thermal fuse, belt, or motor.

Start diagnosis

Dishwasher Completely Dead

medium

No lights, no sounds, no response — breaker, under-sink outlet, junction box, or latch.

Start diagnosis

Dishwasher Fills Then Stops

medium

Water comes in, then it just sits — float switch, jammed pump, or door latch.

Start diagnosis

Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle or Doesn't Clean

low

Cycle quits partway, leaves standing water, or dishes come out dirty — drain, heat, or spray.

Start diagnosis

Washing Machine Won't Start

medium

Dead panel or lights up but won't begin the cycle — outlet, door lock, or controls.

Start diagnosis

Washer Won't Drain or Spin

medium

Tub full of water at the end of the cycle — pump, hose, lid switch, or load balance.

Start diagnosis

Washing Machine Leaking

medium

Water where it shouldn't be — hoses, door boot, suds, or a backed-up drain standpipe.

Start diagnosis

Fridge or Freezer Completely Dead

high

No lights, no hum, nothing — outlet, GFCI, or an internal control fault.

Start diagnosis

Fridge Runs But Not Cold

high

Light works, fans hum or compressor runs — but food warms and freezer softens.

Start diagnosis

Fridge Leaking Water

low

Water pooled inside the fresh-food section or on the floor near the fridge.

Start diagnosis

Tankless Water Heater: No Hot Water

high

Cold water everywhere the unit feeds — gas ignition, breakers, scale, or flow activation.

Start diagnosis

Tankless: Hot Water Cuts Out Mid-Shower

medium

Fires fine, then goes cold — minimum flow dropout, sizing, or scale.

Start diagnosis

No Water or Weak Flow — Whole House

high

Every fixture is dry or trickling — main valve, meter, pressure, or the utility.

Start diagnosis

Sink or Tub Drain Clogged

low

One fixture drains slow or not at all — P-trap, branch line, or venting.

Start diagnosis

Toilet Keeps Running

low

Runs constantly or refills on its own every few minutes — flapper or fill valve.

Start diagnosis

Toilet Won't Flush or Clogs Repeatedly

low

Water swirls without going down, or it clears but clogs every week.

Start diagnosis

Pipe Leaking or Burst

high

Active water where it shouldn't be — shutoff first, then isolate the source.

Start diagnosis

Pipes Bang, Shake, or Groan

medium

Loud knocks when valves close, or moaning during fills — hammer, loose pipes, or pressure.

Start diagnosis

Commercial Toilet / Urinal Won't Flush or Won't Stop

medium

Flushometer (handle or sensor) valves — running on, no flush, or dead sensor.

Start diagnosis

Commercial Floor Drain Smells or Backs Up

medium

Sewer odor, or water rising on the floor — dry traps, grease, or a main-line blockage.

Start diagnosis

Storm Drain / Catch Basin Not Draining

medium

Water stands over a storm grate, catch basin, or yard drain after rain.

Start diagnosis

Lift Station Alarm or Pump Won't Run

high

Sewage lift station alarm sounding, pump not starting, or wet well overfilling.

Start diagnosis

Building Water Pressure Loss

medium

Weak flow at every fixture — main line, PRV, or supply problem.

Start diagnosis

Fire Sprinkler / Suppression System Issue

high

Impairment, leak, damage, or an overdue inspection on a fire suppression system.

Start diagnosis

Sewer Backup

high

Sewage backing up into toilets, tubs, or floor drains.

Start diagnosis
    base44
    Edit with Base44