Appliance Repair Tips & Guides: Your Quick‑Start Handbook

If a fridge stops cooling or your washing machine starts leaking, you don’t have to panic. Most household appliances have a few common failures that you can spot and sometimes fix yourself. This page brings together the most useful advice from our articles so you can get back to normal life fast.

We cover everything from fridges and dishwashers to boilers and water heaters, so you’ll always find a tip that matches the problem you’re facing. Below you’ll see the typical culprits, simple checks you can do at home, and when it’s smarter to call a professional.

Common Appliance Problems and Easy Fixes

Refrigerator not cooling? The first thing to check is the condenser coils. Dust builds up quickly and forces the motor to work harder, which can cause temperature spikes. Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall, and clean the coils with a brush or vacuum. If that doesn’t help, look at the door seals – a cracked gasket lets warm air in, and you’ll notice frost forming around the edges.

Dishwasher won’t drain? Most blockages happen in the filter or the drain hose. Remove the bottom rack, take out the filter (usually a twist‑off piece), and clear any food bits. Then, detach the hose (have a bucket handy) and blow through it. If water still pools, the pump might be jammed – you can hear a humming sound when you run a short cycle.

Oven that won’t heat? For electric ovens, the heating element is often the culprit. Look for a broken or darkened coil; replace it (you’ll need a screwdriver and a new element that matches your model). Gas ovens may have a faulty igniter – a quick visual check for a burnt‑out tip can tell you if it needs swapping.

Washing machine leaks? Start by tightening the hoses at the back; loose connections are a common cause. Next, inspect the door seal for cracks or debris. If the leak appears during the spin cycle, the drain pump could be failing – listen for a rattling noise and consider a replacement.

Boiler or water heater losing pressure? Look for a visible leak around the pressure valve or the expansion tank. Small leaks often mean a loose valve that can be tightened. If pressure drops after each heating cycle, the system may need a professional bleed‑out.

How to Choose the Right Repair Service

Even with the best DIY knowledge, some jobs need a qualified technician. Here’s what to look for when you call a repair service:

• Certifications: For gas appliances (boilers, water heaters) make sure the technician is Gas Safe registered. For electrical work, look for a Part P qualified electrician.
• Transparent pricing: A good company will give you a rough estimate before starting and explain any extra charges.
• Local reputation: Check reviews or ask neighbours. A nearby service can often respond faster, which matters if you’ve got perishable food in a broken fridge.
• Warranty on parts: Replacements should come with a warranty, usually 12 months. This protects you if the same part fails again.

When you book, describe the symptom clearly – “fridge not cooling, coils cleaned last month” or “oven makes a buzzing noise but doesn’t heat”. Clear info saves time and money.

Remember, regular maintenance prevents most breakdowns. Clean fridge coils every six months, run the dishwasher on a hot cycle weekly to clear buildup, and descale your boiler annually. A little routine care goes a long way toward extending the life of any appliance.

Use the guides linked on this page for step‑by‑step instructions, part numbers, and detailed troubleshooting. With the right knowledge and a trustworthy repair partner, you’ll keep your home running smoothly without unnecessary expenses.