Frequently Asked Questions & Common Problems

PLEASE NOTE – IF YOUR APPLIANCE IS ‘DEAD’ (NO SIGNS OF LIFE, NO LIGHTS) THEN BEFORE YOU CALL ANYONE IT’S WORTH CHECKING WHETHER THE APPLIANCE IS FAULTY OR IF INSTEAD YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR ELECTRICS OR THE SOCKET. IF THE ELECTRICITY TRIPPED, DO ANY SWITCHES ON YOUR RCD NEED FLIPPING BACK? HAVE YOU TRIED PLUGGING SOMETHING ELSE INTO THE SOCKET TO SEE IF THE SOCKET IS WORKING? HAVE YOU CHANGED THE FUSE IN THE PLUG?

IF YOUR APPLIANCE IS SHOWING AN ERROR CODE, MAKE A NOTE OF IT AS THE CODES ARE INVALUABLE AT SPEEDING UP DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS!

Ovens

NO HEAT (OFTEN AFTER TRIPPING THE ELECTRICS)

The most common cause will be if one of the elements has failed. This will need an engineer to fit a new one however do check to see that the clock is set on the oven as many will refuse to heat unless the time I set.

FAN IS NOISY OR NOT SPINNING

Fan motors commonly become noisy or stop. Regular cleaning of the oven will help prevent this. It’s very possible that an engineer can strip everything down, clean and lubricate it for you but, if that doesn’t work, then the motor may need replacing.

Washing Machines/ Washer-Dryers

NOT DRAINING

The first thing to check is that all the filters have been cleaned. Pop a towel on the floor and open/remove the filter at the bottom of the machine. Any water left in the machine will drain out. Make sure that the filer is cleaned. You’d be surprised how many blockages we have to remove due to items being left in clothing pockets! A machine not draining can often be also caused by a blockage in your sink waste pipes if they are plumbed into the same pipes. It may be worth popping some drain cleaner down your kitchen sink to try and dissolve any blockages, especially if you’ve noticed your sink draining slower than usual.

SMELLY

Although bad smells can occur because of drains in the property, most bad smells actually come from the machine itself. It is usually bacteria which builds up around the seal, around the drum and in the detergent drawer. This will be more likely if you use non-biological washing products at low temperatures. Add 1 cup of baking soda around the seal inside the drum. Run the washing machine empty for a few wash cycles. To achieve the best results, use the 90°C setting. This is the easiest way to clean the rubber seal. This goes for the washing machine drum itself as well. Add 1 cup bleach and 1 cup baking soda into the washing powder drawer. You can use 2 cups of vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ water instead if you do not have bleach on hand. When the cycles are completed, put a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water and mix it well. Using a clean cloth, wipe down the rubber seal on all sides with the mixture. Make sure to wipe around and underneath the seal, as well.

NOISY WHEN SPINNING

There are many different banging, grating, screeching, squealing or other types of noises that can come from your washing machine drum when it spins. Different noises often point towards different types of fault. If you’re able to take a video of the noise or record yourself turning the drum by hand and popping it over to us on Whatsapp so that we can see & hear what’s happening, that will help us guide you with the most likely cause for the noise.

DRYER TRIPPING THE ELECTRICS

This is quite common, especially if you rarely or never use the drying functions. It is usually a result of the element going down to earth through not being used and will require the heating element to be replaced.

WATER APPEARING IN THE DRUM EVEN WHEN THE MACHINE HASN’T BEEN USED

This is a sign of a blockage in your plumbing. Water is being forced up into the appliance as it can’t drain away fast enough elsewhere. This will most often need a plumber to investigate.

DRUM NOT TURNING

People often assume that this must mean that the drum has failed and that it will be a very expensive repair. Although this can sometimes be the case, commonly the belt may just need adjusting/replacing or the motor carbon brushes may be worn. Thankfully these parts are not usually very costly. If the drum has failed you will often have heard banging or other worrying noises and the drum ay still try to spin so don’t panic!

CYCLES WON’T START AND/OR ALL LIGHTS FLASHING

This is something we come across regularly and although it can sometimes be the man control board that’s faulty, in a good majority of the time is a result of nothing more than a blockage.

Tumble Dryers

NOT HEATING

This would usually be caused by the heating element which has failed.

DRUM NOT TURNING

This is a common tumble dryer fault which is often easily fixed. The most common causes are the belt or motor.

Fridges/ Freezers

BAD SMELL (OFTEN LIKE PEAR DROPS OR CHEMICALLY SMELLING)

Unfortunately this points to your appliance having a gas leak. It is not harmful but does smell awful! We do not recommend trying to get this fixed. A few places will still offer to repair gas leaks however these types of repairs are expensive and are very prone to failure again. It is best to look at changing the appliance. We can send you a quote for a new machine if needed.

FRIDGE IS TOO WARM BUT FREEZER IS OK

This is a very common fault and is in most cases a sign that your appliance needs to be thoroughly defrosted. Although inconvenient, you will need to turn the power off to the appliance and leave both doors open for a minimum of 48 hours. The freezer will look as though it’s defrosted long before then but the compact ice which causes the problem is in an insulated duct which only melts away very slowly. For 90% of people defrosting will do the job. If after defrosting you’re still having problems, you’ll need to give us a call so that we can investigate further.

NOISY

Hissing and popping noises are normal, it’s just the defrost heater. If possible make sure the appliance is level which may minimise the noise.

ITEMS IN THE FRIDGE ARE FREEZING

Try and ensure that the fridge isn’t over filled and avoid items touching the back wall of the fridge.

OVER-FREEZING

A lot of people don’t realise that they have their fast freeze turned on. This is not supposed to be on all the time. Try switching it off. Ice can build up if the door seals aren’t doing their job properly so these may need changing or hinges adjusted to ensure a good seal.

Dishwashers

NO WATER COMING IN/MOTOR RUNNING ALL THE TIME

This is usually an indication that the anti-flood device has been activated. It’s a safety feature. If the dishwasher detects too much water coming in or that it’s not draining fast enough it shuts off the water and tries to pump away as much as it can to prevent a flood of your kitchen. This is often as a result of a blockage but is generally a quick and easy fix for an engineer which often won’t require any parts to be used.

NOT DRAINING

This is most commonly due to a blockage. To avoid this check that your filters are cleaned regularly and plates are scrapped off before putting them into the dishwasher (Remember, dishwasher tablets are designed to break up & dissolve food remnants only; dishwashers aren’t waste disposals!) If the filters have been checked then a blockage may have worked it’s way into the pump which will require an engineer to find and remove.

WATER APPEARING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MACHINE EVEN WHEN THE MACHINE HASN’T BEEN USED

This is a sign of a blockage in your plumbing. Water is being forced up into the appliance as it can’t drain away fast enough elsewhere. This will most often need a plumber to investigate.

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If you need advice, would like a quote or have any general questions, simply fill out the form below and we will give you a call back as soon as possible.

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