Kitchen Repairs

Kitchen appliances can fail in ways that aren’t always obvious. Before you panic, here’s a guide for kitchen repairs. From broken elements to faulty wiring, learn how to recognise common faults, understand what might be causing them, and decide what to do next.

What Kitchen Repair Problem Are You Facing?

Figure out what’s wrong to know the next steps.

Ovens

If your oven has suddenly stopped working, the issue could be as simple as a blown fuse. A licensed electrician can usually fix this quickly.

But if the problem is more complex, such as

it might need new parts or a full replacement.

How long should an oven last?

The average lifespan is 10 to 15 years, though a high-end model can serve you for two decades or more. If the oven is older and the repair bill is growing, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade rather than replace individual parts.

Rangehood

If your rangehood fan has stopped working or suddenly become loud, it could be:

What should you do first?

Clean the filters and fan blades thoroughly — built-up grease can cause performance issues. If that doesn’t help, it’s time to get a repair specialist to assess the motor or wiring.

Tip: Check whether your rangehood is still under warranty before booking a repair.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers rely on both water and power — so the problem might be plumbing, electrical, or mechanical. Common issues include:

Leaking dishwasher?

Turn off the water supply immediately to prevent damage to cabinetry or flooring. Water damage from a leaking dishwasher can quickly escalate if left untreated.

How long should a dishwasher last?

About 8–10 years on average, depending on brand and usage. If it’s approaching this age and repair costs are stacking up — especially if parts or labour are expensive — it might be worth comparing the cost of a new appliance.

Repair or Replace?

Can it be fixed, or should it be replaced? Here’s how to work that out.

When Repair Makes Sense

Repair makes sense when:

The appliance is still within its expected lifespan (typically under 10 years).
The issue is minor—like a fuse, seal, switch, or small part failure.
Replacement parts are available and reasonably priced.
You’re happy with the current look, features, and performance.
It’s still covered by warranty or extended protection.

Tip: Check your original product warranty or extended cover. In many cases, parts and labour may be covered—especially for newer appliances.

When It’s Better to Replace

Replacement is better when:

The appliance is 8–10+ years old, or past the brand’s average lifespan.
Multiple components have failed, or repairs are becoming frequent.
Replacement parts are unavailable, discontinued, or costly.
The new version offers better energy efficiency or features.
There’s water damage, mould, or deterioration that goes beyond mechanical faults.

Don’t Forget: Warranties & Insurance

Check your appliance warranty before booking a repair. Many brands offer 2–5 years of coverage, and issues may still be claimable.
Extended warranties from retailers or credit card providers may also apply.
For water leaks, home and contents insurance might cover flooring, cabinetry, or structural damage—especially if the cause is sudden or accidental.

FAQs

How do I know if my kitchen appliance is worth repairing?

It depends on the age of the appliance and the type of fault. If it’s something simple like a worn seal, fuse, or switch—and the appliance is still under 10 years old—it’s usually worth repairing. But if the unit is older, repairs are frequent, or the parts are expensive or discontinued, it’s often better to replace it.

Should I call an electrician, a plumber, or someone else?

Whom you should contact will depend on what the issue is.

For anything power-related (like ovens, cooktops, rangehoods), an electrician is the first point of call.
For leaks or water-related problems (like dishwashers or sinks), it’s best to start with a plumber.
For cabinetry, hinges, or drawer issues, a cabinetmaker or kitchen renovator may be more suitable.

If you’re not sure, we can help you figure out who’s needed. Get in touch with our team for more.

Can I get a replacement part for an older appliance?

Yes—but not always. Appliance parts are often available for up to 8–10 years, depending on the brand. After that, it can become difficult to source specific components, especially for discontinued models.

If the part is no longer available or expensive to replace, you need to look out for alternative solutions, including replacement.

What should I do if my dishwasher or oven starts leaking?

First, turn off the appliance and, if possible, shut off the water supply. Leaks can quickly lead to damage—especially to cabinetry and flooring.

Don’t keep using the appliance to “test” it. Instead, have it inspected as soon as possible. We’ll help assess whether it’s a minor repair or something that requires further work.

Does my warranty or insurance cover kitchen repairs?

It might. Check the documentation or contact the manufacturer to know if your appliance is still under warranty.

Many appliances come with a 2–5 year warranty, and some retailers or card providers offer extended coverage.

If your kitchen has been damaged due to a leak or electrical issue, home and contents insurance may also cover repairs to cabinetry, flooring, or electrical fittings.

Should I still repair something if I’m planning a kitchen renovation soon?

It depends how urgent the issue is.

If a leak or fault could cause damage, it’s best to take care of it straight away—even if you plan to renovate later.

For less urgent issues, we can help you decide whether it’s worth repairing now or if it can be addressed as part of a full renovation. Contact our team today to let us help you better.

Kitchen Repairs

What Kitchen Repair Problem Are You Facing?

Ovens

Rangehood

Dishwashers

Repair or Replace?

When Repair Makes Sense

When It’s Better to Replace

Don’t Forget: Warranties & Insurance

FAQs

How do I know if my kitchen appliance is worth repairing?

Should I call an electrician, a plumber, or someone else?

Can I get a replacement part for an older appliance?

What should I do if my dishwasher or oven starts leaking?

Does my warranty or insurance cover kitchen repairs?

Should I still repair something if I’m planning a kitchen renovation soon?

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