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Washing Machine Repair Guide in South Africa
When your washing machine breaks down, the mountain of laundry grows quickly, and you’re faced with a frustrating decision: repair or replace? For most common faults in South Africa, such as a faulty pump, worn belt, or a new heating element, a repair by an experienced technician is the fastest and most cost-effective solution.
A basic repair like a blockage might cost around R650, while more complex jobs like a motor replacement can go up to R3,500. Getting your appliance fixed is often a quick and affordable way to get your laundry routine back on track, and ensures the work complies with South African electrical safety standards: SANS 10142-1.
Understanding Common Washing Machine Faults
A broken washing machine often gives clear clues that something is wrong. From a drum full of water to a machine that refuses to spin, the issues can be varied, but they generally point to a few common culprits.
"We see the same few problems over and over," says Ronald, a top-rated Kandua appliance repair expert in Johannesburg. "Often, it's something simple that the homeowner has overlooked, but sometimes it’s a sign of a worn-out part."
When Your Machine Isn’t Spinning
A washing machine that fails to spin leaves clothes soaking wet, extending drying times. Our pros have pinpointed the main reasons for this common issue.
- Overloading: This is a surprisingly frequent problem. Bongani recalls a job where a client was convinced their machine was broken, only to find the drum jam-packed with heavy blankets. The machine’s sensors detected an unbalanced load and refused to spin to prevent damage. A quick redistribution of the load solved the problem.
- Drainage Issues: The machine cannot spin efficiently if it cannot drain the water first. A pro once arrived to find a drain hose completely squashed behind the machine. Blockages in the drain filter from lint, coins, or other debris are also a primary cause.
- Worn Components: In older machines, worn carbon brushes or a snapped drive belt can be the cause. These components prevent the motor from transferring power to the drum.
Beyond the Spin: Other Common Faults
While a "no-spin" issue is prevalent, other problems are just as frustrating.
- Not Draining Water: This is usually a sign of a clogged drain hose or filter. Our experts often find everything from hairpins to R2 coins blocking the pump.
- Unusual Noises: A grinding or clanking sound often means a foreign object, like a bra wire or key, is stuck between the drum and the casing. Loud rumbling sounds often point to worn bearings, a more serious issue that requires a professional.
- Leaking Water: Check the simplest things first, like loose hose connections or a damaged door seal. "In hard water areas like Gauteng, mineral buildup can also cause seals to fail over time," adds Ronald. Excessive detergent can also cause suds to overflow from the detergent drawer.
- Machine Not Turning On: If your machine is unresponsive, first check your home’s distribution board (DB board) for a tripped circuit breaker. If that’s not the issue, it could be a faulty door latch or a more complex problem with the electronic control panel, which requires a qualified technician to diagnose safely. Any work on your machine's wiring must adhere to the SANS 10142-1 regulations.
How a Professional Repair is Conducted
When you call a qualified appliance repair technician, they follow a systematic approach to get your machine working again safely and efficiently.
- Diagnosis: The technician's first step is to diagnose the problem accurately using their experience and diagnostic tools. They will systematically check components to pinpoint the exact fault.
- Quotation: Once identified, the professional provides a detailed quote for the repair, including the cost of parts and labour.
- Repair: With your approval, the technician carries out the repair on-site using high-quality spare parts and the right tools.
- Testing: After the repair, they run a test cycle to ensure the machine is operating as it should and the original problem has been resolved.
The Risk of DIY and the Value of a Professional
While it’s tempting to fix your machine yourself, it can lead to more damage and higher costs, and it poses a serious safety risk.
Maria V., a Kandua Pro from Pretoria, tells a cautionary tale. "A client attempted to fix a leak by replacing an R800 door seal. They accidentally disconnected a sensor wire and over-tightened a clamp, causing a bigger leak. The job ended up costing R2,000 for me to fix the original problem and the new damage."
Hiring a professional ensures the repair is done correctly and safely, adhering to standards like those from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Professionals are trained to handle the dangerous combination of water and high-voltage electricity. A certified repair also protects your appliance's warranty, which a DIY attempt would likely void.
Real Customer Stories
- Lerato from Sandton had a machine that wouldn't drain. "The technician arrived and within minutes found my son’s sock and a R2 coin clogging the filter. He cleared it, checked the pump, and had it running perfectly in under an hour. It was such a relief and a simple, affordable fix."
- Aisha from Claremont in Cape Town was sure her machine's bearings were gone due to a loud rumbling noise. A Kandua technician discovered the noise was caused by the machine being unbalanced on a sloping floor. By adjusting the machine’s feet, the noise disappeared instantly. This saved Aisha an estimated R2,500 for a bearing replacement, a critical saving for a water-efficient machine that needs to run smoothly.
Checklist: Before Your Installer Arrives
To ensure a smooth repair process, follow these simple steps.
- Clear the Area: Make sure the technician has easy access to the front and back of the washing machine.
- Empty the Machine: Remove any laundry and water from the drum if possible.
- Note the Details: Write down the make and model of your machine, and be ready to describe the problem in as much detail as possible.
- Check the Power: Ensure the plug point the machine uses is working by testing it with another small appliance.
- Know Your Water Shut-off: Be aware of where the water tap (stopcock) for the machine is located in case it needs to be turned off quickly.
For more helpful guides, check out our home maintenance tips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Machine Repair
1. How much does a typical washing machine repair cost in South Africa?
A typical repair costs between R650 for a minor fix and R3,500 for a major component replacement. For a detailed breakdown, see our Appliance Repair Cost Guide.
2. Is it worth fixing a washing machine that is more than 10 years old?
It depends. If the repair cost is over 50% of the price of a new, comparable model, it’s often better to replace it. For affordable fixes on a well-maintained machine, a repair is still worthwhile.
3. Why is my washing machine making a loud noise during the spin cycle?
This often indicates worn drum bearings. However, it could also be an unbalanced load or a foreign object stuck in the drum.
4. How can I prevent my washing machine from leaking?
Regularly check your hoses for cracks or loose connections and ensure the door seal is clean and intact. Avoid using too much detergent, which can cause suds to overflow.
5. How long do washing machine repairs typically take?
Most common repairs, like replacing a pump or heating element, can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.
6. Do I need to clean my washing machine’s drain filter?
Yes, absolutely. Cleaning the filter every 3 to 6 months is essential to prevent blockages from lint, coins, and other debris that cause drainage problems.
7. My washing machine is off and won't turn on. What should I check first?
First, check that the plug is working and then check your home’s main distribution board (DB board) to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. If these are fine, you need a professional.
8. Can I use ordinary laundry powder in a high-efficiency (HE) front-loader?
No. HE machines require low-sudsing detergent. Using regular powder can cause excessive suds, leading to poor rinsing and potential damage to the machine.
9. Why is my washing machine shaking and “walking” across the floor?
This is usually a sign that the machine is not level or the load is unbalanced. Use a spirit level to check its stability and adjust the feet accordingly.
10. Is it safe to use my washing machine if it has a small leak?
No. A small leak can cause significant water damage and poses a serious electrical safety risk. Stop using the machine and call a professional immediately.
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?”
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