Understanding Appliance Repair Guarantees: What You Need to Know

What you need to know

When your essential appliance breaks down, you want a fast, reliable fix. But what if it breaks again soon after? Many Durban homeowners and renters have faced repairs that didn’t last, causing frustration and extra costs. Knowing your repairer’s guarantee gives you peace of mind that the job will hold.

Why Guarantees Matter: Your Peace of Mind

When your fridge or washing machine breaks, life quickly gets stressful. A dependable  repair service should not only fix the problem but also provide a guarantee. Guarantees protect your money, give peace of mind, and show the repairer stands by their work.

warranty vs guarentee

A warranty covers new products, protecting you from manufacturing defects—like a fridge breaking in its first year. A guarantee covers repair work and parts installed, ensuring the fix lasts. In short: manufacturers warranty products, repairers guarantee repairs.

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and Your Rights in South Africa

• Consumer Rights: The South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA) protects consumers and sets standards for appliance repairs.

• Section 56 – Implied Warranty of Quality:

  • Goods must be suitable for their purpose, free of defects, and durable.

  • If goods fail within 6 months, you can demand a repair, replacement, or refund.

• Section 57 – Repairs & Services:

  • Every new or reconditioned part installed during a repair is warranted.

  • The labour to install it is also covered.

  • This warranty lasts a minimum of 3 months by law.

• Extended Guarantees: Reputable repairers may offer longer guarantees—always confirm before booking.

• Exclusions: Misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear voids the warranty.

• Key Takeaway: Any repair in Durban comes with at least a 3-month guarantee under the CPA.

What Does an Appliance Repair Guarantee Actually Cover?

Not all guarantees are created equal. You need to understand the specifics of what your repair guarantee covers. This avoids future misunderstandings.

Generally, a repair guarantee covers the specific issue that was repaired and any new parts installed to fix that issue.

• Same Fault Recurrence: If your washing machine had a drainage problem, and the technician fixed it, the guarantee covers that drainage problem should it reoccur. If a week later the motor breaks, that’s a different issue. The original guarantee would not cover a new, unrelated fault.
• Parts Failure: If the technician replaced a faulty pump in your dishwasher, the guarantee covers that new pump. Should the pump itself fail within the guarantee period, the repairer replaces it free of charge.
• Workmanship: The guarantee also covers the quality of the repairer’s work. If the repair fails because the technician made an error during the repair, the guarantee should cover the necessary rework.

What a guarantee typically doesn’t cover

• New, Unrelated Faults: As mentioned, a guarantee does not cover new problems that arise. Your fridge might develop a thermostat issue after a compressor repair. This is a separate problem.

• Damage from Misuse or Abuse: If you overload your washing machine or drop your tumble dryer, the guarantee becomes void. Always use your appliance as intended.

• Wear and Tear: Normal degradation of parts over time falls outside guarantee coverage. Components naturally age.

• External Factors: They don’t involve Power surges, water damage, pest infestations, or other external events usually void guarantees. Protect your appliances.

• Repairs by Others: If another technician fiddles  with the appliance after the initial repair, the original guarantee generally becomes invalid.