Most of us rely on the fridge, oven, dishwasher and hob every day. When they stop working, it feels like the whole house shuts down. The good news is that a lot of problems can be avoided with simple habits, and many fixes don’t need a full service call.
Start by giving each appliance a quick check once a month. For ovens, wipe away spills and clean the heating element as described in our "Oven Troubleshooting" guide. On hobs, scrape off burnt food and look for cracked glass – our "Glass Hob Repair Cost Guide" explains when a crack means replace or repair. Dishwashers benefit from a run of hot water with vinegar to clear limescale; you’ll find cost‑breakdown tips in the "Should you repair your 4‑year‑old dishwasher?" article. Regularly clearing dust from extractor fans and fridge coils also stops bigger failures later.
Even with routine care, some issues need a trained technician. If an oven won’t heat, the heating element may be faulty – see the "Heating Element Replacement Cost" post for price clues. A hob that flickers or stops heating could have a broken element, which our "Electric Hob Element Replacement" guide says is doable for handy folks, but dangerous if the wiring is compromised. When a dishwasher makes loud clunks or leaks, it’s often a pump or motor problem – our "Washing Machine Repairs: The Most Expensive Parts" article outlines why professional help saves time and money.
Another red flag is strange noises or smells. A humming fridge or a burning smell from a hob means the electrical components are under stress. Trying to fix these yourself can be risky; it’s better to call an expert who is Gas Safe certified for gas appliances or qualified for electric work.
Choosing between repair and replacement often comes down to age and cost. Our "Can an Oven Last 20 Years?" piece shows that older ovens may need frequent part swaps, making a new, energy‑efficient model a smarter choice. The same logic applies to hobs – a cracked glass panel can be pricey to replace, and a brand‑new hob will run cooler and safer.
If you’re buying a new appliance, look for energy ratings, warranty length and ease of service. The "Best Brands of Washing Machines" guide helps you spot reliable makers, while the "Should I Get Rid of My Gas Appliances?" article weighs the pros and cons of switching to electric models in 2025.
When you decide to call us, we’ll arrive on time, diagnose the issue, and give you a clear cost estimate before any work starts. Our technicians are local to South Shields, so you won’t wait days for a spare part. We handle everything from oven heating element swaps to dishwasher pump replacements.
Bottom line: regular cleaning, quick checks, and knowing the signs of bigger trouble keep your kitchen running smoothly. When you hit a wall, a professional repair can extend the life of your appliances and save you from costly replacements. Need help? Give us a call and we’ll get your kitchen back in shape.
When your oven won't heat up, it's a pain—especially when dinner plans depend on it. This article digs into the most common reasons ovens fail to heat and how to tackle each problem. From simple fixes like checking the power supply to more advanced issues with heating elements or thermostats, you'll find straightforward advice. I break down what you can DIY and when to call a pro. No jargon, just practical tips to get your oven back in action.