Book a Repair
Is it worth considering a repair?
Below is a list of common items we see. Please check to see if there is an easy fix you can do yourself on your item to save having to bring it in.
Please note some items are more challenging for us to fix, such as microwaves, so it may not be worth booking it in.
We are, however, always happy to look at items or provide advice on these items, but please bear in mind that we are unlikely to fix them.
Clothing repairs
Please ensure any clothing items are clean.
| Item | Advice |
| Zip needs replacing | Please remove the old zip and bring the new zip you would like to have inserted |
| Leather handbags and other leather goods | We don’t have the sewing equipment to repair leather items which need sewing |
Equipment/appliances
| Item | What does it not do? | Most probable causes | Chances of a successful repair |
| Appliances powered with rechargeable batteries | Does not run for very long, if at all | Batteries unable to hold their charge | HIGH with replacement batteries (but consider their cost) |
| CD/DVD Player | Doesn’t detect a disc | Dirty lens
Failed laser |
HIGH if the lens can be cleaned
NONE if the laser has failed |
| Christmas lights | Some don’t light up | Broken lamps
Broken wires |
HIGH with replacement lamps – but very time consuming to find the offending lamps
HIGH with broken wires |
| Food mixer | Won’t run | Broken plastic interlock | HIGH with a replacement part |
| Hairdryer | Works intermittently | Broken mains cable | HIGH most cables can be repaired or replaced |
| Lawnmower | Works intermittently | Broken mains cable | HIGH most cables can be repaired or replaced |
| Microwaves | The chances of repairing microwaves are very slim. These usually exhibit electronic component failures. We do not carry a range of components or the more sophisticated tools required to make an accurate diagnosis. But we’re happy to provide advice – please put as much information as possible on the booking form and we can advise whether or not we think it’s worth bringing in. |
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| Mobile devices | Don’t charge | Broken cable or broken charger | HIGH with replacement cable or charger |
| Mobile devices | Cracked/broken screens | We are unable to repair/replace mobile phone screens at the Repair Cafe. We do not have replacement screens as there are so many phones and screen types. There are plenty of High Street shops who can do this. | |
| Paper shredder | Fails to run | Cutters jammed with paper | HIGH when jammed paper is removed |
| Printer | The chances of repairing printers are very slim. These usually exhibit electronic component failures. We do not carry a range of components or the more sophisticated tools required to make an accurate diagnosis. There are a couple of exceptions as outlined below. If in doubt, complete the booking form with as much information as possible and we can get back to you with whether we think it’s worth bringing in |
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| Printer | Nothing printed | Dried up print head | HIGH with replacement cartridge
LOW with replacement ink tank |
| Printer | Powers up, but just shows an error code. Nothing printed. | Mechanism jammed
Waste ink tank full |
HIGH if the mechanism can be unjammed
LOW if the waste ink tank is full. |
| Table lamp | No light | Broken switch
Broken cable Broken lampholder |
HIGH with replacement parts |
| Toaster | Won’t stay down | Dirty electrical contacts, broken element | HIGH if dirty contacts
NONE if broken element |
| TVs | The chances of repairing TVs are very slim. These usually exhibit electronic component failures. We do not carry a range of components or the more sophisticated tools required to make an accurate diagnosis. But we’re happy to provide advice – please put as much information as possible on the booking form and we can advise whether or not we think it’s worth bringing in. |
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| Vacuum cleaner | Doesn’t suck very well | Blocked filters | HIGH with replacement filters |
| Vacuum cleaner | Won’t run after producing a burning smell | Motor has failed | NONE motor is 90% of the cost of a new cleaner |
| Vacuum cleaner | Works intermittently | Broken mains cable | HIGH most cables can be repaired or replaced |
Completing the booking form is essential, due to our restricted capacity (covid restrictions) only 1 item per customer per booking. The most important aspect is what the problem is and what you have done to try and rectify it. An email confirming the next Repair Cafe date and your appointment will be sent to you. We look forward to seeing you at the Repair Cafe.
If you do not want to book an appointment but want to connect with us or speak to one of our repairers, you can find our contact details here.
Strict covid precautions have to be adhered to:
- Booking form must be completed and arrival time agreed prior to the repair café day
- Face masks essential for everyone
- Everyone to use hand sanitiser at entrance
- Fixed pre-booked appointment time 30-minute slots – time to repair and clean between customers
- 1 person per repair allowed in the building
- 1 person for refills allowed in the building at one time
- Energy advice and switching can be offered online or at a specific time by prior booking
- No refreshments
- Customers must stay in porch or outside until their appointment time
- Repair tables will be at least 2m apart
- One-way system will be in place
- Sanitiser wipes for cleaning surfaces
