How Long Does a Repair Usually Take?

If your boiler has stopped, your oven isn’t heating, or a fan has gone quiet, you probably wonder how long the fix will take. Knowing the average repair time helps you plan your day and decide whether to wait or replace.

Typical Times for Common Appliances

Boiler: Most boiler repairs are done in under two hours if the issue is simple – like a faulty thermostat or a stuck pump. Complex jobs, such as a heat‑exchanger replacement, can stretch to a full day.

Water heater: A basic reset or a minor part swap (like a heating element) usually takes 30‑90 minutes. Flushing a sediment‑filled tank can take up to two hours, while a full unit replacement often needs a full workday.

Kitchen extractor fan: Cleaning a greasy fan or fixing a loose wire often finishes in 45 minutes. If the motor needs replacing, expect about an hour and a half.

Oven: Swapping a heating element or fixing a thermostat is typically done in an hour. A major control board issue can push the job to 2‑3 hours.

Freezer or fridge: Simple condenser coil cleaning takes under an hour. Replacing a broken compressor or sealed system can need a full day.

Washing machine: Replacing a pump or seal usually wraps up in an hour. More involved electronic failures can take 2‑3 hours.

What Affects Repair Time?

Age of the appliance matters. Older units often have worn parts that are harder to find, adding days for shipping. Availability of the right part is the next big factor – if a technician has it on the van, the job finishes faster.

Season also plays a role. Summer heat‑pump repairs can be delayed because technicians are busy with cooling calls. Winter boiler emergencies are prioritized, but the high demand sometimes means a short wait for an appointment.

Complexity of the fault matters too. A clear, single‑point issue (like a blown fuse) is quick. Multiple symptoms often hide a bigger problem, which takes more diagnosing time.

Finally, homeowner preparation helps. Clear the area around the appliance, turn off power or gas safely, and have any warranty info ready. When the tech arrives prepared, the clock starts ticking in their favor.

Bottom line: most everyday repairs finish within a couple of hours, but major replacements or hard‑to‑find parts can stretch to a full day or more. If you need a fast fix, ask your engineer about part availability up front and keep the workspace tidy.