Common Appliance Faults and What They Mean
Most household appliance problems show a few recognisable symptoms. Knowing what they usually point to helps you describe the fault accurately — and tells you when to stop using the appliance for safety.
Published 2026-06-02 · Van Biljoens Appliance Services & Air Conditioning
Refrigerators and freezers
Cooling problems are the most common refrigerator complaint. A fridge that runs but does not cool often has a dirty condenser, a faulty fan, a defrost fault, or a sealed-system issue. Food freezing in the fridge compartment usually points to a thermostat or airflow problem.
Water pooling inside or underneath is frequently a blocked defrost drain. Unusually loud noises can come from the compressor or a failing fan motor.
Washing machines
A machine that will not drain usually has a blocked filter, pump or drain hose. One that fills and washes but will not spin may have a worn belt, a faulty motor, or a door-lock/balance issue. Leaks commonly come from the door seal, hose connections, or the detergent drawer.
Excessive vibration or 'walking' across the floor often means the load is unbalanced or the transit bolts were never removed after installation.
Tumble dryers
A dryer that runs but does not heat typically has a failed heating element or thermostat. Clothes taking too long to dry usually points to a blocked lint filter or vent restricting airflow — this also makes the machine run hot and is a fire risk if ignored.
Clean the lint filter every cycle and keep the vent clear; it is the single most important dryer maintenance task.
Dishwashers
Poor cleaning results often come from blocked spray arms, a clogged filter, or scale build-up rather than a fault. A dishwasher that will not drain usually has a blocked filter or drain hose. Leaks tend to originate at the door seal or hose connections.
Running a maintenance/cleaning cycle and clearing the filter resolves many 'not cleaning properly' complaints.
When to stop using an appliance
Some symptoms are safety issues, not just faults. Switch the appliance off at the wall and have it checked before using it again if you notice any of the following.
When in doubt, isolate the appliance and have it assessed — it is not worth the risk.
- ✓ A burning smell or visible scorching
- ✓ Sparks, tripping the electrical circuit, or a shock from the casing
- ✓ A gas smell from a gas appliance
- ✓ Water near electrical connections
- ✓ The appliance becoming unusually hot to the touch
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Van Biljoens has been supplying and servicing Pretoria since 1956. We are here to help.