Electrical
Connectwithfast,affordableandvettedElectriciansforallyourDishwasher repairneeds
How it works
.avif)
CoveringallyourElectrical Appliancesneeds
HowmuchdoesitcosttohireanaElectricianinSouthAfrica?
Dishwasher Repair Guide
When your dishwasher starts acting up, it throws your entire kitchen routine into chaos. Whether it's leaving dishes caked with food, making strange noises, or refusing to switch on, a malfunctioning dishwasher is a frustrating problem. A typical dishwasher repair in South Africa can cost anywhere from R800 for a minor fix like a blocked filter to over R3,500 for a major component replacement. Most repairs take a qualified appliance repair specialist between one to three hours to complete.
While some minor issues might be simple to troubleshoot, many problems require professional expertise. Attempting to repair a complex electrical appliance that uses water can be dangerous if you lack the right training and tools. This guide will walk you through common faults, help you understand when to call an expert, and explain how a professional repair ensures your appliance and home stay safe and compliant with South African standards.
Dishwasher Malfunctions: A Breakdown of Common Problems
When a dishwasher isn't working as it should, the first step is to observe the symptoms. Is it not cleaning properly? Is it making a weird noise? Or is it simply not starting? Understanding the problem is key to finding the right solution.
Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Properly
It's incredibly frustrating to run a full cycle only to find your dishes still covered in food or a cloudy film. Many times, the issue is something simple that can be easily addressed.
- Clogged Spray Arms and Filters: Bits of food, detergent residue, or limescale can block the tiny holes in the spray arms or the main filter, compromising water distribution. In hard water regions like Gauteng or parts of the Karoo, this limescale buildup is especially common and a primary culprit for poor cleaning.
- Insufficient Water Temperature: Your dishwasher needs hot water, typically at least 49°C, to activate detergent and dissolve grease. If your water isn’t hot enough, your dishes won't be cleaned properly. This could point to an issue with your home's geyser or the dishwasher's internal heating element.
- Detergent Dispenser Issues: The detergent needs to be released at the right time. If the dispenser is blocked or not opening correctly, your dishes won't get the cleaning power they need, leaving them soiled.
"My Dishwasher Isn't Draining!" Understanding Drainage Issues
A dishwasher that won't drain is a common problem, often leaving a pool of dirty water at the bottom.
- Blocked Drain Hose: The hose carrying dirty water to your sink drain can become kinked, twisted, or clogged with food debris, preventing water from exiting.
- Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump actively pushes water out. "A grinding or humming noise from the bottom of the machine during the drain cycle is a dead giveaway that the pump is struggling or blocked," says Sipho M., a qualified plumber in Johannesburg.
The Professional Repair Process: What to Expect
When a qualified Kandua technician arrives, they follow a systematic process to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
- Initial Diagnosis: The pro will ask about the symptoms and use specialised diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. This prevents unnecessary repairs and costs.
- Safety First: Before touching any internal components, the technician will disconnect the power at the circuit breaker. This is a critical safety step mandated by South African electrical standards like SANS 10142-1.
- Accessing Components: The technician will carefully remove panels or the machine itself to access internal parts like the heating element, motor, or electronic control board.
- Repair or Replacement: Once the faulty part is identified, it will be repaired or replaced with a genuine component. "We always insist on using manufacturer approved parts," says Jabu N., a top-rated appliance specialist in Durban. "It guarantees the repair lasts and doesn't void any existing warranty."
- Testing and Calibration: After the repair, the technician runs a test cycle to ensure everything is functioning correctly, there are no leaks, and all new parts are working properly.
- Post-Service Advice: A great professional will give you tips on how to care for your dishwasher to prevent future issues, like advice on proper loading or filter cleaning.
The Risk of DIY vs. the Value of an Expert
Dishwashers combine high voltage electricity and pressurised water. Attempting a repair without proper knowledge is not just dangerous, it can be incredibly costly.
- Electrical Hazards: An incorrect wiring connection creates a risk of electric shock or fire. South African electrical regulations require that such work be performed by qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance. For more details on electrical safety, an electrician can offer guidance.
- Water Damage: An improperly reconnected hose can lead to a slow leak that ruins kitchen cabinetry, floors, and walls. The cost of this damage can far exceed the price of a professional repair, and your home insurance may not cover claims resulting from non-certified work.
- Compounding the Problem: A DIY attempt might save you an R800 call out fee, but an incorrect connection could lead to a R5,000 control board replacement. Hiring a professional is an investment in quality, safety, and peace of mind.
Real Stories from South African Homeowners
Maria from Randburg saved R4,800. Her dishwasher went dead after a load shedding cycle. Fearing the worst, she called a Kandua pro who quickly diagnosed a fried control board caused by a power surge. He replaced it for R2,200, saving her from buying a new R7,000 machine.
David in Cape Town avoided a costly replacement. His dishes kept coming out gritty. A Kandua plumber found the wash pump motor was failing due to limescale buildup, a common issue with the city's water. The R1,800 repair restored its performance, saving him from having to buy a brand new appliance.
Post-Repair Care for Optimal Performance
A little maintenance can ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly for years. For more ideas, check out these home maintenance tips.
- Scrape, Don't Rinse: Modern detergents need some food particles to work effectively. Just scrape off the large chunks.
- Clean the Filter Regularly: "The biggest mistake I see is people not cleaning their filters," notes Sipho M. "It takes two minutes once a month and can prevent 80% of drainage and cleaning issues."
- Use Rinse Aid: In South Africa's hard water areas, using a rinse aid is crucial to prevent mineral deposits and water spots on your glasses.
- Run a Monthly Deep Clean: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher safe bowl on the top rack of an empty machine and run a hot cycle to dissolve mineral deposits.
Checklist: Before Your Installer Arrives
- Clear the Area: Make sure the space around and under the dishwasher is clean and accessible.
- Empty the Dishwasher: Remove all dishes, cutlery, and racks.
- Locate Your Water Shut Off Valve: Know where the water supply valve for the dishwasher is, usually under the sink.
- Note the Problem: Write down the specific symptoms, including when they started and any error codes on the display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a typical dishwasher repair cost in South Africa?A: A minor repair can cost between R800 and R1,500. A more complex job, like replacing a motor or control board, typically ranges from R1,800 to R3,500, including the call out fee, parts, and labour.
Q2: My dishwasher is leaking. Can I fix it myself?A: You can check for a loose hose, but it's risky. In South Africa, DIY water repairs that cause significant damage can lead to rejected home insurance claims, making a professional call out a much safer option.
Q3: Why are my dishes still wet after a cycle?A: This is usually due to a lack of rinse aid or a faulty heating element. Ensure your rinse aid dispenser is full and try selecting an 'extra dry' setting if available.
Q4: Can load shedding damage my dishwasher?A: Yes, absolutely. Power surges when electricity returns are a primary cause of damage to the sensitive electronic control board. A high quality surge protector is an essential investment.
Q5: Is it worth repairing an old dishwasher?A: If the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new, comparable model, consider replacing it. A professional can give you an accurate quote to help you decide.
Q6: Why are my glasses cloudy after washing?A: This is often a sign of hard water mineral deposits. Using a rinse aid should solve this. If the glass looks like it's been etched, the damage may be permanent.
Q7: Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher?A: No, never. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that will overflow from your machine, potentially damaging the motor and your kitchen floor. Always use proper dishwasher detergent.
Q8: My dishwasher has a strange smell. What should I do?A: A bad smell is usually caused by food trapped in the filter or drain hose. Clean your filter thoroughly and run a hot, empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Why you can trust Kandua to get it right:
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need – Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go – While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything — from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly.
- We match you with the best – All our pros are 100% vetted: ID verified, criminal background checked, certification verified, and maintaining at least a 4.5 star rating. You don’t have to worry about picking the right person — we make sure the pro we send has the right skills and certification to get your job done right.
With Kandua, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands from the first click to the final handshake.
Electricians in South Africa: what to know before you book
Electrical issues have a way of starting small… and turning serious fast. A plug that “sometimes trips” can become a melted socket. Flickering lights can point to loose connections. And if your earth leakage keeps going off, it’s often your home telling you something isn’t right.
Kandua helps you get it sorted by matching you with a vetted electrician for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, upgrade, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good electrician?
Pick someone who explains the cause (not just the symptom), tests before they replace parts, prices transparently, and can issue the right compliance paperwork when it’s required.
Do I need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa?
Often, yes — especially for property transfer and for any additions/alterations to an installation. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned against “paper CoCs” issued without proper testing, and urges homeowners to use legally registered electrical contractors.
What should electrical work cost?
Most electricians charge a call-out fee + labour + materials, with higher rates for after-hours, complex fault finding, DB work, or urgent callouts. (There’s a pricing guide further down.)
What should I do first in an electrical emergency?
If it’s safe, switch off power at the main breaker, keep people away from the affected area (especially if there’s water), and call an electrician. If there’s smoke/fire risk, treat it as an emergency immediately.
Common electrical problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like an electrician — but it helps to know what the usual “signals” point to.
“My plugs keep tripping / the power keeps going off”
Often caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a loose connection, or a problem at the DB (distribution board). If it’s frequent, don’t just keep resetting — you want proper testing to prevent heat build-up and damage.
“My earth leakage trips randomly (especially at night or when it rains)”
This can indicate moisture ingress, a faulty appliance, deteriorating insulation, outdoor circuits taking on water, or an earthing/bonding issue. It’s common — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that needs systematic fault finding.
“My lights flicker / dim when I use appliances”
Sometimes it’s a supply issue — but it can also point to loose connections, voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, or a stressed neutral. If you’re noticing it across multiple rooms, get it checked.
“I smell burning / a plug is warm / there’s buzzing at the DB”
Treat this as urgent. Heat + electrics is how small problems become big ones. Switch off the circuit (or main breaker if you’re unsure) and book an electrician.
“I get a small shock/tingle from taps or appliances”
That can be an earthing/bonding fault and should be investigated quickly — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere near water.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can be fine for low-risk, non-electrical basics (like replacing a light bulb, resetting a tripped breaker once, or unplugging an appliance to test if it’s the cause).
Call an electrician when:
- a socket/switch is hot, crackling, discoloured, or smells burnt
- breakers/earth leakage keep tripping
- you suspect faulty wiring, water exposure, or a hidden issue
- you’re touching the DB, adding circuits, or upgrading capacity
- you’re installing high-load appliances (oven, hob, geyser, heat pump) or adding dedicated circuits
- you’re adding solar/inverter equipment or changing the installation layout
- you may need a CoC for compliance, insurance, or sale/transfer
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part people usually discover too late. Here’s the simple version.
1) Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A CoC is a legal document confirming an electrical installation has been inspected and tested and is compliant. It’s commonly required before property sale/transfer, and it’s also required when electrical work involves additions or alterations.
Also important: the Department of Employment and Labour explicitly warns that a registered contractor may only issue a CoC after proper inspection/testing, and may not issue on behalf of an unregistered person.
2) “Registered person” (who is actually allowed to certify)
In practice, certification is tied to being a properly registered/authorised person (often referred to as a wireman’s licence / registered person in the industry). If you need a CoC, ask upfront:
“Are you legally registered to inspect, test, and issue the CoC for this work?”
3) CoC validity (the part everyone argues about)
A useful way to think about it:
- For transfer purposes, the regulations are commonly applied as “not older than 2 years”.
- For day-to-day living, it remains relevant until changes are made — if you alter/add to the installation, you’ll typically need a supplementary CoC for that work.
4) Solar / inverter / PV additions (very common now)
If you’re adding solar PV or inverter equipment, treat it as a compliance-sensitive electrical project. Industry guidance stresses that PV work should be under the supervision of properly qualified electrical persons, and the City of Cape Town’s guidance notes you should request the original electrical CoC from the registered installation electrician.
Pricing: what to budget for an electrician in South Africa
Pricing varies by city, travel distance, urgency, and complexity — but most homeowners will see a familiar structure:
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist testing / fault finding time (often where the real value is)
Typical ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Labour: roughly R350 – R700/hour for many standard jobs (average often around the mid-range), with higher rates for specialised work.
- Emergency call-out: often around R600 – R900 (and may or may not include the first hour — always ask).
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even when it sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus parts. If you have a few small fixes, bundling them into one visit often saves money.
10 Genuinely helpful electrician FAQ's
- What’s the difference between “the power tripped” and “earth leakage tripped”?
A normal breaker trip usually points to overload or a circuit fault. Earth leakage trips when it detects current leaking to earth (often moisture, insulation breakdown, or a faulty appliance). If earth leakage trips repeatedly, it needs proper fault finding. - How do I figure out if it’s my appliance or the house wiring?
A safe starting point is to unplug high-load appliances and see if the trip stops — but if trips continue (or you see heat/burning smells), stop testing and get an electrician. The correct method is measured testing, not guesswork. - Why does my plug socket feel warm?
Warmth can mean a loose connection, overload, poor contact, or damaged wiring — all of which can create heat and become dangerous. Book it in sooner rather than later. - My lights flicker when I use the kettle/microwave — is that normal?
Occasional minor dimming can happen, but persistent flickering/dimming can signal voltage drop, loose connections, overloaded circuits, or neutral issues. If it’s happening across rooms, get it checked. - Do I need a dedicated circuit for an oven/hob/geyser/heat pump?
Very often, yes — these are high-load items and are safer (and usually more reliable) with correct isolation and wiring sized for the load. An electrician should assess and advise based on your DB capacity. - What’s involved in a DB (distribution board) upgrade?
Typically: inspection of existing circuits, correcting unsafe/incorrect connections, adding/replacing breakers, ensuring earthing and bonding are correct, labelling circuits, and testing. DB work should be done carefully and properly documented. - Do I need a new CoC after renovations?
If the renovation involved electrical additions/alterations (new circuits, moved points, new DB work, solar/inverter additions), you’ll usually need a supplementary CoC for that work. - How long does a CoC take to issue?
It depends on how many defects are found. A proper CoC requires inspection and testing — if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Be wary of instant “paper CoCs” with no testing. - Does an electrical CoC cover everything in the house?
A CoC generally relates to the electrical installation and its safety/compliance (distribution, wiring, earthing, bonding, etc.). If you have specialised systems (like solar PV or an electric fence), ask what additional documentation is required for those. - What should I ask an electrician before they start?
Three questions cover most issues:
- “What do you think is the likely cause, and how will you test it?”
- “Is this priced as call-out + hourly + materials, and what counts as after-hours?”
- “Will this work require a CoC or supplementary CoC — and are you registered to issue it?”
.avif)
Here's what other clients are saying:
WhyuseKanduawhenyoubookaanElectrician
When you book through Kandua, you’re not just finding a pro – you’re getting a safer, simpler and more reliable way to sort out jobs around your home
.avif)
Your safety comes first
AI that understands your home problems
Only top rated, vetted Pros
Less admin, more peace of mind
SuggestedreadsaboutDishwasher repair
.webp)
Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Why Professional Repair Ensures Sparkle and Prevents Water Damage in SA
Dishwasher not cleaning properly? Discover why professional repair restores sparkling results, prevents leaks and water damage, and saves South African homeowners money versus premature replacement.
.webp)
Your Dishwasher is Sparkling! Post-Repair Care for Optimal Cleaning in SA
Dishwasher repaired in South Africa? Learn simple post-repair care tips to maintain sparkling results, protect the repair, and extend your appliance’s lifespan - essential reading for hassle-free cleaning.
.webp)
Dishwasher Repair in South Africa: Common Problems, Diagnosis & When to Call a Technician
Dishwasher not cleaning properly in South Africa? Discover common causes, simple fixes, and when professional repair is needed to restore performance and avoid bigger appliance problems.
.webp)
Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Common Faults & When to Call an Expert for Repair in SA
Dishwasher not cleaning properly? Learn common causes, simple troubleshooting steps, and when South African homeowners should call a professional to restore spotless results and avoid further appliance damage.
.webp)
%2520(2).webp)
Electrician Hourly Rate in South Africa: A Comprehensive Cost Guide
When hiring an Electrician in South Africa, expect to pay a call-out/first-hour fee of roughly R650–R950, standard labour of about R400–R800 per hour, and higher after-hours/emergency pricing of about 1.5–2× the normal labour rate (or ~R900–R1,500+ per hour), plus materials and any access, repair, or compliance costs (like an Electrical CoC where required).