How to book a maintenance visit or fault callout
To book a service, send your equipment details, your location and a short note on the fault to quotes@afchain.co.za. Include the type of unit, the model if you have it, and whether the issue is urgent or part of planned upkeep. We work from Silverton, Pretoria and support kitchens across Pretoria Central, Centurion, Midrand, Kempton Park, Boksburg and Randburg.
For faster planning, tell us if the machine is single phase or three phase, whether it is fitted near a prep line or under extraction, and if there are any access limits. This helps us arrive with the right parts and tools, and cuts down on repeat visits. If the equipment has already tripped power after load-shedding or a power surge, mention that too.
- Equipment type and quantity
- Physical address and suburb
- Fault description or service need
- Preferred date and business hours
- Any photos, if available
What we service in kitchens and food prep areas
We handle supported catering equipment used in hotels, canteens, takeaways, coffee counters and school kitchens. That includes fryers, toasters, mixers, microwaves, chafing dishes and selected used equipment that needs inspection, cleaning or reconfiguration. If a unit is showing signs of poor heating, uneven timing, tripping, or noisy operation, it is worth booking before the fault becomes bigger.
For Pretoria and Gauteng kitchens, we often see issues linked to grease build-up, blocked airflow, worn switches and damaged heating elements. Coastal humidity is not the main concern inland, but dust, steam and daily wash-downs can still affect controls and wiring. Small faults left too long can turn into full stoppages, so it is better to log them early.
- Heating faults and temperature problems
- Electrical trips and intermittent power issues
- Mechanical wear, loose fittings and broken handles
- Cleaning-related damage and safety checks
What happens after your service request is logged
Once we receive your request, Nadia Petersen in quotes and procurement checks the details and routes it for the right response. Sibusiso Dlamini coordinates service calls, while Kagiso Molefe handles installation and workshop related work where needed. If the job needs a workshop repair, Tshepo Mokoena oversees that process and keeps the unit moving through the right steps.
Depending on the fault, we may first confirm the symptoms by phone and then schedule a site assessment. If the equipment can be repaired on site, we will advise the likely cause and any parts needed. If it must come in for workshop refurbishment, we will explain the next step clearly, with no guesswork for your team.
- Request received and logged
- Fault reviewed and callout plan confirmed
- Site visit or workshop intake arranged
- Repair, testing and handover completed
Preparing your kitchen for the technician
Good preparation saves time on the day. Please switch off the equipment if it is safe to do so, clear access around the unit, and make sure someone on site can show us the problem area. If a fryer or toaster is built into a tight counter run, or a mixer is fixed near a prep wall, let us know before the visit. That way we can plan the right access and avoid disruption to your service.
If your kitchen is in a busy area like Pretoria Central, Centurion or Midrand, parking and delivery access can affect timing. Security gates, basement bays and shared loading areas can also slow entry. A quick note on these details helps us work around municipal rules, site procedures and trading hours without wasting your time.
- Clear a working area around the unit
- Have the fault history ready if there is one
- Share parking, gate and loading bay details
- Keep a contact person available on site
Servicing that helps prevent repeat breakdowns
Preventive servicing is often the better option when equipment is still running but not performing well. We can check wear points, test controls, clean key components and advise what should be replaced before a breakdown stops your kitchen. This is useful for operations that rely on steady breakfast trade, lunch service or bulk production, where even one failed heater or motor can throw the day off.
Regular servicing also helps when you are using second-hand units or older equipment that has already seen heavy use. In some cases a small adjustment, a proper clean and the right part will give the machine a further run, which is better value than waiting for a full failure. We also handle kitchen reconfiguration when the layout no longer suits your workflow.
We do not promise miracles, but we do give practical advice on whether to repair, service, replace or move the unit to another position.
Quotes, handover training and follow-up support
After inspection or repair, we can issue a quotation for extra work, parts or related equipment if needed. If the job includes a new installation, delivery and positioning, or a change in the way the kitchen is arranged, we can complete handover training so your staff know how to use the unit safely. This is especially useful where shift teams change often and equipment gets used by different operators through the week.
We keep support straightforward: the aim is to get the equipment working properly and leave you with clear instructions. If a problem returns, send us the details, the date and any error symptoms so we can trace it properly. We work with businesses across Pretoria and Gauteng that need honest service and a proper paper trail.
- Quotation issued for approved work
- Handover training for operators and supervisors
- Service notes kept for future callouts
- Follow-up support for recurring faults
