However, due to modern technical advances, mechanical timers are being replaced by electronic control devices, so you can't see at what point the programme is. Although some have a programme timer LED display, make a note of the time the ball valve inspection checklist display has when the fault occurs (or anything in the display for that matter) and also the programme you are using. Some of them cough up error codes on its LED display, these can be listed, to a limited degree in the operators handbook but they are not usually very comprehensive. The only thing you can do here (again first make a note of which programme the machine went wrong on) is to start a programme again, this time though try a 'Quick' or the shortest wash programme there is on a washing machine, if its a dishwasher again try a 'Quick' programme if its got one. Don't try the 'Rinse' programme because that doesn't heat the water and it might be a heating fault. Time how long into the cycle it goes before it stops or goes wrong or sometimes if it doesn't go wrong at all. To an engineer this can help to eliminate a few things. If you think it may be the water is not going into the machine on a washing machine or dishwasher, just loosen off the the hose connection into the back of the machine (don't disconnect it completely) and see if the water is coming through. Unfortunately, it does require heaving the the machine factory auditing out to get at the back to do this. If it isn't check the shut off valve hasn't been turned off. Surprisingly, and not altogether uncommon, the valve to the machine can be turned off, for instance if you have just had a plumber round to do a job (or hubby), perhaps some work under the sink and his forgotten to turn the tap back on again.
If you have done all this, you've done two things. You have eliminated any possibility that there was something very simple and you can possibly fix it yourself, which has saved you an engineers call. And also the possibility if it turns out not to be the machine competitive prices for inspection and its a house wiring problem, no power from the mains socket for instance, in which case you call an electrician. Or if its a water problem you call a plumber. And secondly, if you do call one you can explain to the engineer your diagnosis, and he'll make you a cup of tea!
Or indeed if your not that energetic, just call someone out anyway, lay back and let me do it. Contact me on my website at to find out what I charge and if I'm in your area. Then ring, fax or e-mail me to arrange a call and you can tell me, armed with all the dimension test report information I've given you, exactly what the fault is!
After being made redundant in 1992 after 13 years as a computer engineer, I decided I'd try going self-employed (I could make myself redundant then, save somebody else telling me!) I turned to training myself up on running a small business and becoming a Domestic Appliance engineer.