3 Pre Repair Tips
Before starting any repair, photograph all wiring and components. If reporting an intermittent fault to an engineer, video it happening on a phone. And right now – before anything goes wrong – photograph the model and serial number from inside the appliance door in case the door ever jams shut and you cannot open it to read the label.
Three practical tips that can save a lot of trouble when dealing with an appliance repair – whether carrying out a DIY repair or waiting for an engineer. Worth reading and acting on now, before a fault occurs.
3 Tips to Know Before Your Appliance Needs a Repair
Tip 1 – Photograph everything before you start
Before removing any part or disconnecting any wires, take photos on a phone. The exact position of wires, the orientation of a component, and how everything fits together looks obvious in the moment – but this information tends to go straight into short-term memory. A distraction, or a delay waiting for a spare part to arrive, and the details are gone.
Wiring questions from people mid-repair who have pulled off connections without photographing them first are extremely common. Avoid the problem entirely by photographing before touching anything.
Tip 2 – Video intermittent faults before the engineer arrives
If an appliance has an intermittent fault – a noise that comes and goes, a leak that only happens sometimes, or an error that appears and then clears – there is a risk that the engineer will not see it on the day. Use a phone to photograph any water on the floor or, better still, video the appliance while it is exhibiting the fault.
Having video evidence means the fault cannot be dismissed as unverifiable, and gives the engineer useful diagnostic information even if the fault does not appear during the visit. See: appliance under guarantee but repair company wants to charge if engineer finds no fault.
Tip 3 – Record the model and serial number now
On washing machines, tumble dryers, and many dishwashers, the rating plate containing the full model number, serial number, and production codes is located on the inside of the door. This information is essential when calling an engineer, ordering a spare part, or registering a guarantee.
The problem: if the fault that develops happens to be a jammed door, the label becomes completely inaccessible. The numbers on the control panel are not sufficient – engineers and spare parts suppliers need the full detail from the rating plate. On some machines the numbers are also printed on the back of the appliance, but pulling a machine out of a tight kitchen space when the door is jammed shut is equally impractical.
Photograph the rating plate label now and store the photo somewhere accessible. See: how to find an appliance model number and washing machine door won’t open.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I photograph wiring before starting a repair?
The exact routing and positions of wires looks obvious when the appliance is open, but this information goes into short-term memory. A distraction or a delay waiting for a spare part is all it takes to lose track of which wire went where. Photographs take seconds and can save hours of frustration – or prevent a wiring error that causes further damage.
What if an engineer says they cannot find an intermittent fault?
If the fault has been captured on video, there is clear evidence to present. This is particularly important if the appliance is under guarantee and the repair company is proposing to charge a call-out fee when no fault can be found. See: appliance under guarantee but repair company wants to charge.
Where is the model number on a washing machine?
Usually on a rating plate sticker on the inside of the door or door frame. Some machines also have the numbers on the back. The label inside the door contains the full model number, serial number, and additional production codes needed by engineers and spare parts suppliers. Photograph it now before it is ever needed. See: how to find an appliance model number.