When you reopen a house that sat closed for the winter, start the appliances one at a time and check for leaks, pests and odors before you load them up. This path follows the order we'd use and shows where trouble usually hides.
Safety first: If you smell gas when you walk in, don't flip switches or touch appliances; leave, call the gas utility or 911 from outside, and let the utility or a licensed pro restore service and relight anything.
Follow the diagnostic path
Step 1: Was the water shut off and the lines drained for winter?
If yes: Turn the main on slowly, then check the washer hoses, the dishwasher supply under the sink and the fridge water line for drips during the first hour. In a house that wasn't heated, look for split hoses or cracked valves before you run anything.
If no: Check the same connections anyway. Hoses and fittings that sat under pressure for months can start to weep.
Step 2: Does the fridge smell musty or show mold inside?
If yes: The doors were probably closed while it was unplugged. Clean the inside and the door gaskets with warm water and mild dish soap, dry it fully, and air it out before plugging in.
If no: Go to Step 3.
Step 3: After you plug it in, does the fridge start feeling colder within a few hours?
If yes: Give it about a day to settle at its set temperature before you stock it fully.
If no: Confirm the outlet works with a lamp, check the breaker and any GFCI outlet, and make sure the controls aren't off. If the outlet is live and the fridge stays silent or warm, book a technician through our refrigerator repair page.
Step 4: Do you see droppings, chewed insulation or nesting material in drawers or behind kick plates?
If yes: Mice spent the winter with you. Don't run the oven or dryer until it's cleaned out. Our guide to mice in appliances covers what to look for and how to clean up safely.
If no: Go to Step 5.
Step 5: Do the dishwasher and washer each run an empty cycle without leaking or a bad smell?
If yes: You're set.
If no: Stop the cycle, mop up and look for where the water came from. Recheck the supply connection first, since a fitting can loosen over a cold season. A leak from inside the cabinet, or a pump that hums without draining, needs a technician.
Step 6: Does the fridge have an ice maker or water dispenser?
If yes: Run several glasses of water through the dispenser and throw out the first few batches of ice. If the filter is past its change interval, replace it.
If no: You're done with the start-up.
What your answer points to
| What you found | Most likely cause | DIY or technician |
|---|---|---|
| Drip at a hose or valve | Aged or frozen fitting | DIY hose swap; plumber for valves |
| Musty fridge | Doors closed while off | DIY cleaning |
| Fridge silent with power present | Control or compressor issue | Technician |
| Droppings or chewed parts | Mice | DIY cleanup; technician for wiring |
| Leak after several cycles | Seal or pump problem | Technician |
Stop and call a technician if
- •Any appliance trips a breaker or smells hot.
- •The fridge isn't cold after a full day.
Keep it from coming back
- •When you close up, prop fridge and dishwasher doors open.
- •Shut off appliance water valves, or the main, before you leave.
- •Seal gaps where pipes and vents enter the house.
Owen's shop tip: Start things one at a time. If three appliances come on at once and a breaker trips, you won't know which one did it.
Opening the house and something won't start? Call ProFix Boston at (617) 812-1425.