The fridge feels warm, the washing machine won’t drain or the dishwasher has stopped mid-cycle. We get it. These faults could be a sign of a blockage deep in the pump, a worn part or an electrical problem. A vetted appliance repair technician can find the cause and fix it correctly. Here are the common signs, the few safe checks worth doing first and how a technician can help.

Is It the Appliance or the Plug Point?

A problem at the plug point or DB board can look exactly like a broken appliance, so start here.

1. Test the outlet: Plug in something you know works, such as a lamp. If that doesn’t work either, the fault could be the plug point or circuit rather than your appliance.
2. Check your DB board: If a breaker or the earth leakage has tripped, reset it once.
3. Don't force it: If it trips again, stop resetting. Repeated tripping could be a sign of an appliance or wiring fault that needs electrical fault finding.
4. Remove adaptors: Plug the appliance straight into the wall. An adaptor or multi-plug could be the weak link.

Tip: After a storm or power outage, run these checks first, as a power surge could affect the plug point as well as the appliance.

Which Appliance Faults Are Safe to Check Yourself?

Switch off and unplug first. Keep the manual handy, as filters and settings differ by model.

My Fridge Is Not Cooling. What Can I Check?

• Check that the temperature dial or setting hasn’t been bumped.
• Check there is space around the fridge for air to flow, as your manual specifies.
• Test the door seal. Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal could be worn.
• Look for a thick build-up of ice in the freezer, which could stop cold air moving through.

If the fridge is running but still not getting cold, this could be a sign of a refrigerant (gas) problem or a faulty component. Leave a regas or internal repair to a qualified fridge and freezer home service provider.

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining?

Water left in the drum could be a sign of a kinked hose, a blocked pump filter, a faulty drain pump or an electrical fault. With the machine unplugged, these checks are safe to do:

• Check the drain hose for kinks or a squashed section behind the machine.
• Check your manual for the pump filter location and cleaning steps. Put down a towel and tray, as water may drain out.
• Check the load. One heavy item, such as a duvet, can unbalance the drum and stop the spin cycle.

If the floor around the machine is wet, don’t touch the plug or the machine. Switch it off at the DB board first.

How A Washing Machine Repair Technician Can Help

If it still won’t drain, or you notice water on the floor, a burning smell or a drum that won’t turn, stop using it. Depending on the make and model, a washing machine repair technician can:

• Test the drain pump and motor to find where the fault sits
• Clear blockages deeper in the pump or hoses that you can’t reach safely
• Check the wiring and controls if the drum won’t turn or the cycle stops
• Replace worn or faulty parts, where parts are available for your model
• Give you a clear quote, so you can decide whether a repair makes sense before you buy a new machine

Book a washing machine repair technician on Kandua to find the fault and get a quote.

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining Or Cleaning?

• Remove and rinse the filter at the base of the tub.
• Check that the spray arms turn freely and their holes aren’t blocked with food.
• Check the drain hose for kinks. If it connects under the sink, a blocked sink trap could also stop it draining.
• Make sure the water supply tap is open and the door clicks shut securely.

If your dishwasher still won’t fill, heat or drain after these checks, book a dishwasher repair technician to find the fault.

What About Kettles, Toasters And Microwaves?

Don’t open small appliances at home. A microwave, in particular, can hold a dangerous electrical charge even when unplugged. If your microwave sparks, unplug it and don’t use it again until it has been checked.

When Should I Stop And Call A Technician?

Call in a qualified technician if you notice:

• Smoke, sparks or a burning smell.
• Water near electrical parts or repeated power trips.
• A fault that continues after the safe checks, or any repair that requires opening the appliance.

"The most common 'fault' we see is a washing machine that won't drain. Nine times out of ten, it's just a coin, hair clip, or lint stuck in the pump filter. Checking that little door at the bottom of the machine first can save you a call-out fee!" – Wilson, vetted appliance repair professional from Pietermaritzburg.

Is An Appliance Repair Worth It, Or Should I Replace It?

There is no single rule, but these questions help:

• Is it still under warranty? Check the terms before anyone opens it, as an outside repair could void your cover.
• How old is the appliance? Are parts still readily available for your specific model?
• What is the cost? How does the repair quote compare with the price of a comparable new appliance?

On Kandua, you review and approve the quote in the app before any work starts, so you always know what you're in for.

How Does Kandua Help?

Every professional on Kandua is background-checked, and their qualifications are verified. Describe the problem in your own words, and we’ll match you with a vetted technician near you. You approve the quote and pay securely in one place.

Setting up a new machine? Read our washing machine installation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Fridge Clicking But Not Cooling?

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Clicking with no cooling could be a sign of a compressor or starter fault. Unplug it and have a technician confirm the cause.

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Can I Regas My Own Fridge?

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No. Refrigerant work needs specialist equipment and training. A qualified technician can confirm whether a regas will help or if another fault is the cause.

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Is It Safe To Reset My DB Board If The Washing Machine Trips It?

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Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and have an electrician or appliance technician find the fault.

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Do I Need A Plumber Or An Appliance Technician?

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If the water supply or drain point in the wall is the problem, you need a plumber. If the fault is inside the appliance itself, you need an appliance repair technician.

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Will Opening My Appliance Affect The Warranty?

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It could, depending on the manufacturer’s terms. Check your warranty first and contact the supplier if the appliance is still covered.

Still not working? Find an appliance repair technician near you on Kandua.com

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