Practical articles to describe a fault clearly, find model details, prepare for a visit and perform safe first checks.
Boiler
What should boiler pressure be?
In many sealed boiler systems, cold pressure is commonly around 1.0–1.5 bar and may rise to roughly 1.2–2.0 bar while heating. The appliance manual takes priority; repeated drops below 1 bar or rises above about 2.5 bar need investigation.
“Pressure keeps dropping” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include system water pressure and leaks, expansion vessel / safety valve, filling valve or hydraulic circuit; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Pressure rising” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include system water pressure and leaks, expansion vessel / safety valve, filling valve or hydraulic circuit; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“No hot water” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Radiators not heating” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Not igniting” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include temporary program/control state, sensor or user-interface input, cable, connector or communication path; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Leaking water” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a hose, seal or connection leak, an overfill or level-control issue, a drain/condensate path problem; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Making noise” on a boiler does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a loose, foreign or rubbing part, fan, pump, motor or bearing assembly, levelling/installation; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Boiler maintenance should verify combustion safety, hydraulic pressure, visible leakage, flue/air path, sensors, pump operation and error history according to the model. Cleaning alone is not a complete maintenance check.
Water dripping from the indoor unit into the room is not normal. Separate it from normal condensate leaving the outdoor end of the drain hose. Drain blockage/slope, the condensate tray, insulation, airflow and icing are the main branches to check.
Air conditioner not cooling: a practical diagnostic guide
“Not cooling” on a air conditioner does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include restricted airflow or dirty filters, a fan/compressor operating problem, sensor, thermostat or control circuitry; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Air conditioner not heating: what should be checked?
“Not heating” on a air conditioner does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Icing up” on a air conditioner does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include program/settings or load conditions, filter, water/airflow or cleaning needs, sensor, temperature or timing control; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Bad smell” on a air conditioner does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include program/settings or load conditions, filter, water/airflow or cleaning needs, sensor, temperature or timing control; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Weak airflow” on a air conditioner does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include filter or airflow restriction, fan motor/blade problems, dirt or icing on heat-exchanger surfaces; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Air-conditioner maintenance should be based on usage, airflow, filter condition, condensate drainage and performance rather than only a calendar date. Heavy seasonal use, dust, odour, weak airflow or water leakage are reasons for earlier inspection.
Washing machine not draining: what should be checked?
“Not draining” on a washing machine does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a blocked filter or drain path, a drain-pump or impeller problem, a kinked/incorrectly routed drain hose; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Not spinning” on a washing machine does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include load imbalance or mechanical obstruction, motor, belt, bearing or drive system, door/lock safety sensing; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Not filling with water” on a washing machine does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include closed or weak water supply, a kinked inlet hose or clogged inlet filter, a water-inlet valve problem; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Washing machine leaking water: how to narrow it down
“Leaking water” on a washing machine does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a hose, seal or connection leak, an overfill or level-control issue, a drain/condensate path problem; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Bad smell” on a washing machine does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include program/settings or load conditions, filter, water/airflow or cleaning needs, sensor, temperature or timing control; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Dishwasher not draining: filter, pump and hose checks
“Not draining” on a dishwasher does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a blocked filter or drain path, a drain-pump or impeller problem, a kinked/incorrectly routed drain hose; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Dishwasher not cleaning well: what changes the result?
“Not cleaning well” on a dishwasher does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include program/settings or load conditions, filter, water/airflow or cleaning needs, sensor, temperature or timing control; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Not drying” on a dishwasher does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Leaking water” on a dishwasher does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a hose, seal or connection leak, an overfill or level-control issue, a drain/condensate path problem; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Refrigerator not cooling: a structured diagnostic guide
“Not cooling” on a refrigerator does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include restricted airflow or dirty filters, a fan/compressor operating problem, sensor, thermostat or control circuitry; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Freezer works but fridge is warm” on a refrigerator does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include restricted airflow or dirty filters, a fan/compressor operating problem, sensor, thermostat or control circuitry; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Runs continuously” on a refrigerator does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include load imbalance or mechanical obstruction, motor, belt, bearing or drive system, door/lock safety sensing; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Excessive icing” on a refrigerator does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include program/settings or load conditions, filter, water/airflow or cleaning needs, sensor, temperature or timing control; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Why is there water inside or under the refrigerator?
“Water collects inside” on a refrigerator does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include temporary program/control state, sensor or user-interface input, cable, connector or communication path; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
“Not drying / takes too long” on a dryer does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
Oven not heating: element, sensor and power checks
“Not heating” on a oven / built-in does not identify one failed part by itself. Common paths include a heater or temperature-sensor problem, insufficient air/water circulation, thermostat or control-board command issues; the exact model, any error code and measured values determine diagnosis.
An appliance error code is a diagnostic clue, not a complete diagnosis. The same-looking code can mean different things across brands, product families or model generations, so the exact model/product code must be checked with the manufacturer reference.
The model/product label is usually on a manufacturer identification plate placed on the body, door frame, side/rear area or another model-specific location. A clear photo of the entire label is more useful than typing only one number.
Repair or replacement: how should the decision be made?
Repair-versus-replacement should be based on safety, fault scope, appliance age/condition, parts availability, repeat-failure history, energy/performance and the total expected cost rather than on one percentage rule.