Got a noisy dishwasher or a fridge that won’t chill? You don’t always need a technician. Most household appliances have obvious signs that point to a quick fix. In this guide we walk through the most common problems and show you how to resolve them in minutes.
Common Kitchen Fixes
When your oven won’t heat, the first thing to check is the heating element. Look inside the cavity and see if the element is blackened or broken. If it looks damaged, unplug the oven and replace the element – most stores sell a universal fit for under £20. If the element is fine, test the thermostat with a multimeter. A reading of zero means the thermostat is bad and should be swapped.
Extractor fans that won’t spin are usually clogged. Turn off the power, remove the fan cover, and clean the blades and the motor housing with a damp cloth. Grease buildup can make the motor overheat and shut down. After cleaning, restore power and watch the fan spin smoothly. If it still stalls, the motor may need a new capacitor, a cheap part you can install yourself.
Microwaves that stop heating often have a blown fuse or a faulty door latch. Unplug the unit, locate the fuse (usually behind the outer cover) and check it with a tester. A broken filament means you need a replacement fuse of the same amperage. For door latch issues, listen for a click when closing the door; if you hear none, the latch switch may be misaligned or broken – adjust or replace it to restore heating.
Quick Laundry and Heating Fixes
Washing machines that won’t spin typically have a blocked pump or a worn drive belt. Pull out the machine, access the pump at the back, and clear any lint or debris. If the belt looks cracked, remove it and fit a new one, matching the length exactly. After reassembly, run a short cycle to confirm the drum spins freely.
Hot water heaters that won’t turn on often have a tripped reset button or a faulty thermostat. Open the access panel, press the reset button, and wait for the heater to restart. If it still stays cold, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover and test each terminal for continuity. Replace any faulty thermostat and the water should heat again.
Refrigerators that lose cold often suffer from dirty condenser coils. Pull the fridge away from the wall, locate the coils at the back or underneath, and brush away dust with a coil cleaning brush. Plug the unit back in; the compressor will run more efficiently and temperatures will stabilize.
Each of these fixes takes less than an hour and can save you a call-out fee. Always unplug appliances before working on them, and keep a basic toolkit – screwdrivers, pliers, a multimeter, and a few replacement parts – on hand. With a little patience, most everyday hiccups are easy to resolve.
When a problem feels beyond your comfort zone, don’t hesitate to call a professional. But for the majority of simple issues, the steps above will get your appliances back in shape quickly and cheaply.
Microwave ovens have become a staple in many kitchens, providing convenience and quick cooking options. But what happens when they malfunction? This article explores whether repairing a microwave oven is a task you can tackle at home or if it's time to call in a professional. It covers basic troubleshooting steps, common issues, safety precautions, and tips for keeping your microwave running smoothly.
