Home Maintenance Tips You Can Use Right Now

Keeping the things that make daily life easier – like your boiler, oven, dishwasher and fans – in good shape saves you time, money and headaches. You don’t need a degree to do basic checks, but knowing the right steps makes a big difference. Below you’ll find simple guidance for the most common appliances, plus quick signs that tell you when it’s time to call a professional.

Common Appliance Issues and Easy Fixes

Boiler checks: Turn the thermostat up a few degrees and wait 10‑15 minutes. If the pressure gauge stays below 1 bar, the system may need a top‑up or a bleed. Look for any rust on the pipework – that’s a sign of corrosion and should be inspected by a Gas Safe engineer.

Oven not heating: First, make sure the oven is plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If it still won’t heat, the heating element could be faulty. You can spot a broken element by a visible break or a burnt smell. Replacing an element is often a DIY job if you’re comfortable taking the oven off the wall.

Dishwasher smells: Food bits can hide in the filter and spray arm. Pull out the bottom rack, remove the filter, rinse it under hot water and scrub the spray arm holes with a toothpick. Run a short cycle with a cup of white vinegar to clear any mineral buildup.

Washing machine drum noises: Coins, hair ties or small objects can get trapped between the drum and the tub. Open the door, look inside the drum hole, and remove anything you see. If the noise persists, the pump or bearings may need a professional’s eye.

Fan or extractor motor stops: Dust builds up on the motor’s bearings. Turn off the power, unscrew the fan guard, and brush off the dust with a soft brush. A quick spray of compressed air can clear hidden grit. If the motor still hums but doesn’t spin, the bearings are likely worn and the motor should be replaced.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s safer to call an expert:

• Gas‑related work on boilers or any sign of a gas leak.
• Electrical components that spark, burn, or emit a strong odor.
• Repeated repairs on the same part – it may be a sign the whole appliance needs replacement.
• Complex disassembly that requires special tools, like removing a built‑in oven or a wall‑mounted fridge.
• Any issue that makes you feel unsure or uncomfortable – it’s better to be safe.

South Shields Appliance Repair Services has certified technicians for all these cases. We can come out quickly, diagnose the problem, and give you a clear price before any work starts.

Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to avoid big breakdowns. Set a calendar reminder to check your boiler pressure each month, clean oven elements yearly, and run a cleaning cycle on your dishwasher every two months. Small habits add up to big savings.

Got a specific problem you can’t solve? Our blog tag “home maintenance” is packed with step‑by‑step guides for everything from glass hob repairs to fan motor cleaning. Use the tips, try the easy fixes, and call us when you need a professional touch. Your home will run smoother, and you’ll stay in control of your appliances.