7 appliance problems that spike after Christmas
Warning signs your appliance needs a repair
After the festive rush, January is one of the busiest times of year for appliance repairs. With extra cooking, guests, washing, and general wear and tear over Christmas, many household appliances start to show signs of strain just weeks later. At Go Assist, our engineers see a clear pattern every January - the same appliance problems cropping up again and again.
If your kitchen or laundry appliances aren’t working as they should, you’re not alone. Here are the seven most common appliance issues we see after Christmas, and what you should do if they happen to you.
1. Dishwashers not draining properly
Heavy use over Christmas often leads to food debris, grease, and fat building up in dishwasher filters and pipes. By January, this can cause poor drainage, standing water, or bad smells.
What to do:
Check and clean the filter if you can, but if the problem persists, it’s best to get it looked at before a blockage turns into a pump failure.
2. Washing machines struggling or breaking down
Extra laundry from guests, bedding, and winter clothes can overload washing machines. Common January faults include machines not spinning, not draining, or making loud banging noises.
What to do:
Avoid using the machine if it’s noisy or not draining properly. Continuing to use it could cause further internal damage.
3. Ovens not heating evenly
Christmas cooking puts ovens under serious pressure. In January, many homeowners notice uneven cooking, longer heating times, or ovens failing to heat altogether.
What to do:
If resetting the oven doesn’t help, the issue may be with the heating element, thermostat, or fan - all of which usually need professional repair.
4. Fridges and freezers losing temperature
Overfilled fridges and freezers during the festive period can restrict airflow and strain components. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures or excessive ice build-up in January.
What to do:
Check door seals and ventilation space. If food isn’t staying cold enough, it’s important to act quickly to avoid spoilage.
5. Tumble dryers taking longer to dry clothes
Wet winter clothes and heavier fabrics mean tumble dryers work harder at this time of year. Blocked filters, lint build-up, or faulty heating elements are common January problems.
What to do:
Clean filters regularly, but if drying times are still unusually long, a repair could restore efficiency and reduce running costs.
6. Appliances tripping the electrics
Increased appliance use over winter can expose electrical faults, causing circuit breakers to trip when appliances are switched on.
What to do:
Stop using the appliance immediately. Electrical faults should always be checked by a qualified engineer for safety reasons.
7. Small leaks turning into bigger problems
Tiny leaks from dishwashers or washing machines are easy to miss over the busy Christmas period. By January, these can worsen and start causing visible water damage.
What to do:
If you notice damp patches, puddles, or unexplained moisture, it’s best to arrange a repair before the damage spreads.
Don't let a January appliance fault get worse
Many post-Christmas appliance problems start small but become more expensive if left unchecked. January is the ideal time to deal with issues early and get your home back to running smoothly.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems above, we're here to help. Our experienced engineers repair all major appliance brands and aim to get things sorted quickly and efficiently.
Book your appliance repair with Go Assist today and let us take the stress out of January appliance breakdowns.
