العربية Book a Repair
Repair notebook

Understand the fault before you call

Guides written from real faults in Riyadh homes and businesses: what you can safely check yourself, and when an appliance needs a technician.

Latest

Built on what people in Saudi Arabia search for most

Water heaters

Water heater on but the water’s cold? Sometimes it’s a small valve, not the heater

If the heater is on and the water comes out cold or lukewarm, or hot water comes out of the cold tap, the heater may be fine: a worn mixer or a check valve that won’t close can let hot and cold water cross between the lines.

Symptom
Heater on but the water is cold or lukewarm, or hot water comes out of the cold tap
Likely cause
A worn mixer or a check valve that won’t close, letting hot and cold cross, or the element, thermostat or safety cut-out
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

8 min read Updated

From the notebook

A new guide after every review

Washing machines

Washer draining before it washes? Often it’s not the machine, it’s where the drain hose ends

When water leaves the washer while it’s still filling, the hose usually sits lower than the water inside and siphons it out. Here’s how to confirm that without opening the machine.

Symptom
Washer fills while water runs out of the hose before washing, or won’t finish the cycle
Likely cause
Siphoning from a drain hose set too low or too deep; sometimes the inlet valve or water level sensor
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

9 min read Updated

Air conditioners

How much does your AC add to the electricity bill? Work it out yourself on the Saudi tariff

Four steps to your AC’s share of the bill: watts from the label, hours run, the tariff tier, and VAT — with a worked example on the official tariff.

Symptom
The bill jumps when the AC is on
Likely cause
Longer running hours, a low set point, a dirty filter or outdoor unit
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

7 min read Updated

Washing machines

Samsung and LG washing machine error codes: what 4C, 5E, dE, IE, OE and UE mean, and what you can check yourself

Most washer codes tell you exactly where the problem is: water not coming in, not going out, the door, or an uneven load. But the same code can mean something else on another brand.

Symptom
The washer stopped and shows a code like 4C, 5E, OE or UE
Likely cause
Usually water inlet, drainage, the door or an uneven load, and the meaning depends on the brand
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

8 min read Updated

Air conditioners

AC running but not cooling? 5 signs that tell you why before you pay for a gas refill

Not every AC that won’t cool is low on gas. Five things you can see and hear yourself narrow it down — and show when it’s a technician’s job.

Symptom
On and blowing air, room stays warm
Likely cause
Dust in the filter or outdoor unit, a capacitor, or a refrigerant leak
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

5 min read Updated

Air conditioners

Split AC dripping water inside or icing up? Usually a blocked drain or filter — and a bucket won’t fix it

Dripping usually means the water can’t find its way outside; icing usually means a clogged filter, and melting ice makes the dripping worse. Where to look, what you can do yourself, and when it’s a technician’s job.

Symptom
Dripping inside the room, or ice on the indoor unit
Likely cause
A blocked drain, a clogged filter causing ice, a bad slope, or low refrigerant
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

7 min read Updated

Fridges

Freezer freezing but the fridge not cooling at the bottom? In no-frost fridges it’s usually ice you can’t see

When the freezer freezes but the fridge is warm, the cold is being made but not delivered. Usually it’s hidden ice behind the freezer panel — here’s how to confirm it yourself.

Symptom
Freezer freezing, fridge warm or weak at the bottom
Likely cause
Ice buildup from a defrost fault, the freezer fan, or a blocked air vent
Who fixes it?
You first, then a technician

8 min read Updated