Your appliance is making a sound it didn't make last week. Some noises are harmless. Others are early warnings of expensive failures. Here's how to tell the difference.

Refrigerator Noises

Clicking Every 5 Minutes (Compressor Relay)

Compressor tries to start, clicks, stops. Repeats. Fix: relay/capacitor KSh 1,000-2,000. Do this soon — the compressor will fail if ignored.

Buzzing or Humming (Normal)

The compressor runs. Normal if it cycles off periodically (e.g., 30 minutes on, 20 minutes off).

Gurgling or Flowing Water (Normal)

Refrigerant flowing. More noticeable on newer fridges. Not a problem.

Loud Pop or Crack (Ice Maker)

Ice dropping into bin. Normal.

Rattling (Loose Component)

Something touching the compressor. Push the fridge gently. If noise changes, something is loose behind the fridge.

Washing Machine Noises

Scraping or Grinding (Drum Bearings)

Deep grinding during spin. Expensive repair (KSh 4,000-8,000). Don't ignore — the drum can seize.

Clicking During Fill (Water Inlet Valve)

Valve opening and closing. Normal unless very loud.

Whining or Squealing (Belt or Motor)

Top-loaders: belt slipping. Replace belt KSh 500-1,000. Front-loaders: motor bearings wearing.

Thumping (Unbalanced Load)

Stop machine, redistribute clothes.

Dishwasher Noises

Grinding (Spray Arm Striking Dishes)

Reach in, spin spray arm by hand. It should spin freely. If not, rearrange dishes.

Water Splashing (Normal)

That's the dishwasher working.

"I heard clicking from my fridge every 5 minutes. Repair Ready told me it was the compressor relay. Fixed it for KSh 1,500 before the compressor died. Saved KSh 15,000." — Jane, Westlands

📞 Call 0707 790 099 and let us hear the noise over the phone (or describe it). We'll tell you if it's urgent or can wait.