Washing machine and dishwasher repair: call a technician home
Typical faults you can describe in one sentence
Most calls to a technician about washing machines and dishwashers repeat. Does not drain: often a blocked filter, pump or hose. Leaks: the door seal, a pipe, the gasket, the pump. Does not heat the water: the heating element or the temperature sensor. Drum does not turn: the belt, the motor brushes, the module. Very noisy or vibrating: bearings, shock absorbers, uneven installation. In dishwashers there are also clogged spray arms and a faulty water inlet valve.
Give the symptom and the error code if there is one. It makes the estimate much easier.
What to put in your request
- what the appliance is — washing machine, dishwasher or washer-dryer;
- make and model — for example, Samsung WW70;
- the fault — does not drain, leaks, does not spin, error on the display;
- type — freestanding or built-in, front-load or top-load;
- age of the appliance — how many years;
- technician visit — whether you need a visit at home;
- address or area, when, warranty, budget.
Example: “Samsung WW70 washing machine, 5 years old, front-load. It does not drain and stops at the rinse. I need a technician tomorrow before lunch, Johannesburg. 3-month warranty on the repair, budget up to R 300.”
What to check before calling
There are simple steps that need no skill. Check that the drain filter is not blocked (usually at the bottom behind a small cover; put a tray down, as water will run out), that the drain hose is not kinked, and that the water tap is open. Sometimes the problem goes away after this. But if there is a burning smell, sparks or water near the electrics, unplug the appliance and do not use it until the technician arrives.
How to compare offers
- Are the visit and diagnosis charged separately, and are they deducted from the repair cost?
- Is the price given with spare parts, and which parts: new, original, compatible?
- Does the technician work with built-in appliances, if yours is one? They are harder to pull out.
- What is the warranty on the repair and on the parts?
- Can they come quickly if it is leaking?
A common mistake is to use the machine “a couple more times” after a leak or noise appears. A small defect quickly grows into an expensive repair. Also, if the appliance is old and an expensive part is needed, compare the cost with a new machine.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
It is enough to create a request, and technicians reply in the chat: price, or what it depends on, arrival time and warranty. The request is checked, and you are told what is missing. Technicians see where they stand among the others, so they often improve their terms, and reviews are shown beside the offers. Your phone number stays hidden, and only the technician you choose gets your contacts. More in how it works.
For other appliances, see home appliance repair.
