Appliance Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems & When to Call a Repair Engineer

From washing machines that won't drain to ovens that won't heat — our expert Birmingham engineers explain the most common appliance faults, what causes them, and how to know when it's time to book a repair.

General Troubleshooting Tips for Any Appliance

1. Check the power supply — make sure the appliance is plugged in and the socket is working.

2. Check your fuse box — a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can cut power to an appliance.

3. Reset the appliance — turn it off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, and turn it back on.

4. Check for error codes — most modern appliances display fault codes on their display panel.

5. Check the door/lid — many appliances won't operate if the door or lid isn't fully closed and latched.

Washing Machine Faults

Common washing machine faults include not draining, not spinning, leaking water, and making loud noises. Most of these can be diagnosed and fixed on the first visit. See our washing machine repair service →

Tumble Dryer Faults

If your tumble dryer isn't heating or the drum isn't spinning, the most common causes are a snapped drive belt, a failed heating element, or a blocked lint filter. See our tumble dryer repair service →

Dishwasher Faults

Dishwashers that aren't draining, aren't cleaning properly, or are leaking are among the most common faults we repair. A blocked filter or clogged spray arms are often the culprit. See our dishwasher repair service →

Electric Hob Faults

Electric hob faults include rings not heating, touch controls not responding, and induction hobs not detecting pans. These are all faults our engineers fix regularly across Birmingham. See our electric hob repair service →

Electric Cooker & Oven Faults

Fan ovens that won't heat, grill elements that have failed, and ovens that trip the electrics are all common faults. Our engineers carry spare elements for most major brands. See our electric cooker repair service →

Gas Cooker Faults

Gas cookers that won't ignite, keep clicking, or have uneven flames need to be checked by a professional. Never attempt to repair a gas appliance yourself if you suspect a gas leak. See our gas cooker repair service →

Fridge Freezer Faults

A fridge freezer that isn't cooling, is making strange noises, or has excessive ice build-up needs prompt attention to protect your food. See our fridge freezer repair service →

Is It Worth Repairing or Should I Replace?

• If the repair cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost — repair is usually the better option.

• If the appliance is less than 8 years old — repairing is almost always more cost-effective.

• If the appliance is over 10 years old and has multiple faults — replacement may make more sense.

All Our Appliance Repair Services

For a complete overview of all our services, pricing, and areas covered, read our complete guide to appliance repairs in Birmingham. We cover all major domestic appliances across Birmingham and the West Midlands with same-day service and a 6-month guarantee.