Repair Tips for Common Home Appliances

Got a noisy dishwasher, a cold shower, or an oven that won’t heat? You don’t have to panic. Most everyday appliances have a few obvious clues that point to the problem, and many of those issues can be solved with basic tools and a bit of patience. Below you’ll find straightforward advice that works for boilers, water heaters, hobs, ovens, washing machines and a few other bits and pieces you use every day.

Everyday Appliances You Can Fix Yourself

Boiler and hot‑water heater basics: If your boiler is making a banging sound or the hot‑water tank won’t stay warm, first check the pressure gauge. A reading below 1 bar usually means you need to top up the system with water. While you’re at it, look for any visible leaks around the pipework. A stuck reset button on a water heater often means the thermostat has tripped; give it a minute to cool, then press reset again. If it trips a second time, the heating element may be failing and needs replacement.

Electric hobs and ovens: A hob that won’t turn on often points to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Flip the breaker back on, but if the problem persists, the heating element might be burnt out. Unscrew the top panel, locate the element, and test it with a multimeter. No continuity? Swap it for a new one – it’s usually a cheap part. For ovens, check the door seal first; a cracked gasket lets heat escape and makes the oven work harder. Cleaning the thermostat sensor with a soft brush can also restore proper temperature control.

Washing machines: A machine that won’t spin often has a blocked drain pump. Pull the hose out, clear any lint or objects, and run a short cycle. If the drum still won’t turn, the drive belt may have snapped – replace it with a belt of the same size. Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer; residue can cause overflow warnings.

Refrigerators: If the fridge is too warm, first verify the condenser coils are clean. Dust buildup forces the compressor to work harder and can lead to overheating. Vacuum the coils and check that the door latch seals properly. A humming noise usually means the fan is dirty or its motor is failing – clean the fan blades and see if the sound stops.

When to Call a Professional

Some problems are best left to the pros. Gas‑powered appliances, for example, require a certified technician to handle leaks or gas line issues. If you notice a persistent smell of gas, turn off the supply and call a specialist immediately.

Complex electrical faults, like a recurring breaker trip with no obvious cause, may indicate wiring problems that need a qualified electrician. Similarly, if your boiler repeatedly loses pressure after you’ve topped it up, there could be a hidden leak in the system that requires a professional’s diagnostic tools.

Finally, consider the age of the appliance. An oven that's over ten years old with multiple failing parts might be cheaper to replace than to keep repairing. Weigh the cost of parts and labor against the price of a new, energy‑efficient model.

In short, start with the obvious checks – pressure, power, and cleanliness – before you reach for the phone. A little basic troubleshooting can save you a callout fee and get your home running smoothly again. When in doubt, safety always comes first, so don’t hesitate to call a qualified repair service for the heavy‑duty jobs.