Fault finder

Find the fault, check it first.

Choose the appliance and what it is doing. You get the usual causes, what to check yourself before anyone comes out, what a repair usually costs, and a repair-or-replace view if you give its age.

A person unscrewing the filter flap at the bottom of a washing machine, a tray catching water

Your appliance

Job sheet

Fridge or freezer: loud humming or rattling

Check these yourself first

  1. Pull it out an inch from the wall and level it
  2. Check nothing is resting on top or behind
  3. Note whether the noise is constant or comes and goes

The usual causes

  1. A fan catching ice or a loose blade
  2. The fridge not level or touching the wall
  3. A failing compressor
Call-out and diagnosis£59
Usual repair, call-out includedFan £105; compressor faults usually not economic

Add the machine's age above for a repair-or-replace view.

Repair or replace

How we decide.

ApplianceUsual lifeRepair, almost alwaysWeigh it upProbably replace
Washing machineAbout 10 yearsUnder 5 years5 to 7 years8 years and over (new from £380)
Tumble dryerAbout 10 yearsUnder 5 years5 to 7 years8 years and over (new from £360)
DishwasherAbout 10 yearsUnder 5 years5 to 7 years8 years and over (new from £380)
Electric oven or hobAbout 15 yearsUnder 8 years8 to 11 years12 years and over (new from £450)
Fridge or freezerAbout 12 yearsUnder 6 years6 to 9 years10 years and over (new from £420)

A rule of thumb, not a rule. A cheap pump on an old machine is still worth doing; bearings on a five-year-old machine with a sealed drum may not be. We give you the fixed price before we start, and say plainly when we would not spend the money.

Book a repair, or ask first.

Ring and describe the fault: if it is something you can fix yourself, we will talk you through it for nothing. If not, the call-out is £59 and it is included in the fixed repair price when you go ahead.