Home appliance repair: call a technician to your home
Tell the technician the error code and the exact model
The most useful thing you can do before calling is to note the exact model (you can see it on the plate inside the door or on the back panel) and the error code on the display. From these two details an experienced technician can often roughly work out the fault before arriving and bring the right spare part. It saves time and money, since a second visit for a part is usually charged separately.
What to put in your request
- what the appliance is — washing machine, fridge, oven, hob, dishwasher, chimney, microwave;
- the model — for example, Bosch WAN28161;
- the fault — does not drain, error E18, does not heat, noisy, leaking, will not switch on;
- type of installation — built-in or freestanding;
- age of the appliance — how many years, or the year of purchase;
- technician visit — at home, or you will bring it to a service centre;
- when — for example, tomorrow before lunch;
- warranty on the repair, city and area, budget.
Example: “Bosch WAN28161 washing machine, 3 years old, freestanding. It does not drain, and the display shows E18. I need a technician tomorrow before lunch, Johannesburg. 3-month warranty on the repair, budget up to R 300.”
Repair or buy new
There is no universal answer, but there are guides. If the fault is simple (a pump, a belt, a sensor, a heating element) and the appliance is not old, repair is usually worth it. If an expensive part has to be replaced, such as a fridge compressor, a control module or the drum of a washing machine, and the appliance is many years old, compare with the price of a new one. Ask the technician to say honestly which is better value, and find out how much the diagnosis costs if you decide against the repair.
How to compare offers
- Is the visit charged separately, and is it deducted from the repair cost?
- Is the price given with spare parts or for labour only?
- Which parts: original, compatible or from a dismantled unit?
- What warranty is given on the work and on the replaced parts?
- Is the technician skilled with your type of appliance, for example a built-in one?
A common mistake is to turn off the water or power and say nothing to the technician about what came before the breakdown: a knock, a power surge, recent repairs. This helps to find the cause. Also do not take apart an appliance that is under warranty yourself, as it may void your warranty.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write a request once, and technicians reply in the chat: a rough price, or what it depends on, arrival time and warranty. The request is checked before it is shown, and you are told what is missing. Technicians see where they stand among the others and often improve their terms, and reviews are shown beside each offer. Only the technician you choose gets your contacts. More in how it works.
There is a separate page for air conditioner and climate equipment repair, and another for audio equipment.
