Some appliances work harder than others, and the ones that run every day are the ones our engineers see most often. Knowing the usual faults, and the warning signs that come before them, can help you act before a small problem becomes an expensive one.

1. Washing machines

The busiest appliance in most homes. The faults we see most are machines that will not drain (usually a blocked pump or filter), will not spin (worn carbon brushes, a failed belt or a speed sensor), door locks that stick, and worn drum bearings. Warning signs: a roaring noise on spin, water left in the drum, or a burning smell.

2. Dishwashers

Drain pumps blocked by glass or food, heating elements that fail through limescale, and leaking door seals are the common culprits. Warning signs: standing water in the base, cloudy glasses that never come clean, or dishes that stay wet and cold.

3. Tumble dryers

Lint is the enemy. Blocked filters and condensers make the dryer run hot and cut out, and drive belts and heating elements wear with use. Warning signs: clothes taking much longer to dry, a squeaking drum, or the dryer stopping mid-cycle.

4. Ovens and cookers

Fan motors, heating elements and thermostats are the parts that fail most. Warning signs: uneven cooking, an oven that takes far longer to heat up, a noisy fan, or the electrics tripping when the oven is switched on.

5. Fridge freezers

Blocked defrost drains, failed door seals and faulty thermostats are common. Warning signs: water pooling under the salad drawers, ice building up in the freezer, or food spoiling quicker than it should.

How to make appliances last longer

• Clean filters regularly: washing machine pump filters, dishwasher filters and dryer lint filters.
• Do not overload washing machines or dryers.
• Use dishwasher salt and descale in hard-water areas.
• Keep fridge door seals clean and check they close fully.

Repair or replace?

An appliance under about eight years old with a single failed part is usually worth repairing. An older machine needing a major part such as a motor, control board or compressor may not be. S&D Ireland both sells and repairs appliances from our store in Ormskirk, so we can give you an honest view either way. See our domestic appliance repair service for prices and booking.