Appliance Repair Examples: What Actually Breaks (And How We Fix It)

Ever stared at a silent washing machine at 2am wondering if you should call a pro or just throw in the towel? We hear you. That's why we're sharing real repair examples from our Taunton garage. No fluff, just what actually breaks and how we fix it fast. Take washing machines. The drum or tub assembly is usually the priciest part to replace – sometimes costing more than half the price of a new machine. But here's the thing: most people don't need a full replacement. We've fixed dozens of machines where the drum was just slightly warped, saving homeowners hundreds. Like when Mrs. Davies' washer started making that awful grinding noise – it turned out to be a loose bolt, not a broken drum. Total fix: 30 minutes, £45.

Boiler Blues: Don't Wait Until Winter

Your boiler's gone cold? Don't panic – but don't wait either. We've seen homeowners try to 'just get by' with a broken boiler for days. Bad idea. You can't safely wait more than 24 hours. Why? Because a broken boiler isn't just about cold showers – it's about carbon monoxide risks. Last week, we fixed a boiler for a Taunton family that had been using a space heater to stay warm. The boiler wasn't just broken – it was leaking gas. We got it sorted in 2 hours, and now they've got heat again.

Water Heaters: When to Flush, When to Replace

Water heaters leak? Sounds scary, but most leaks happen at the tank bottom or fittings – not the whole tank. We've fixed countless water heaters where the leak was just a loose valve, costing £20 to fix. But here's the catch: if your water heater's over 10 years old and leaking, it's usually time to replace. We had a client with a 12-year-old heater that leaked from the tank bottom. Flushing it wouldn't help – the tank was corroded through. We replaced it for £550, and now they've got 10+ years of hot water ahead. Fridge stops cooling? Usually the compressor or thermostat. We've fixed fridges where the compressor was just overheating from dust buildup – a quick clean and new thermostat fixed it for £75. No need to buy a new fridge. The truth is, most appliance problems are simple fixes. You don't need to replace your whole oven when the heating element's gone. You don't need a new washing machine when the drum's just slightly bent. We've seen it all. And the best part? Most repairs take under 2 hours, cost less than a new appliance, and get your home back to normal fast. So next time your appliance acts up, don't jump to replace it. Call us first. We'll tell you exactly what's wrong, how much it'll cost, and if it's worth fixing. Because your time is valuable – and your appliances shouldn't cost you a fortune.