How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?

It is estimated that the average household of four creates around 8-10 loads of laundry per week. When the washing machine doesn’t work as it should it can wreak havoc on everyday living. Don’t spend your free time worrying about what is wrong with your washing machine; instead have a qualified appliance repair technician assess, diagnose, and resolve your washer woes. The overall cost to repair a washing machine averages $150 for fixing a bad seal or faulty water level switch, both common problems.

Cost factors

When approximating the cost of repairing your washing machine, a lot of elements influence what you pay. Some things that make a difference in the repair bill for your machine include:

• Brand. The brand of your washing machine will influence the repair costs, as well as whether it makes more sense to replace at this time. For example, LG and Samsung appliance models are currently more expensive to repair and replace as tariffs have been placed on their machines and parts.
• Type of washer. The type of washer is another factor that directly impacts repair costs. For instance, high efficiency front-loaders with lots of features can be very pricey to repair, and parts may be expensive and difficult to find. Top-loaders seem to be the most inexpensive, with many repairs costing under $100, including the service visit. The simpler the washing machine, usually the easier it is to repair and restore. Front-loading machines are also prone to issues related to seals, which can run around $150 to diagnose and replace with an appliance repair professional.
• Availability of parts. Speaking of parts, the availability of what your technician needs to repair your washing machine also plays a part in the cost. A washer is considered “old” after ten years and some replacement parts may become obsolete. Furthermore, you may spend more to have specific parts shipped or mailed to your appliance repair tech’s door.
• Access to your appliance. If your machine is in a difficult, inaccessible spot, the cost to repair will climb. Something that normally only requires a switch reset or easy fix for $80 may end up costing you $120 or more. Some other factors include where you live and how easy will it be for the technician to find you to repair your machine at home. Many professionals and trades-people charge by the mile to visit the home and then begin their hourly rate from when they walk in your door.
• Gas vs electric. Gas-powered washing machines promise lower monthly utility costs, but are they actually cheaper to repair or replace? Repair costs are similar, however if you are looking at replacing your electric model and converting to a gas appliance, it can cost around $700 to install versus converting from gas to an electric washing machine for $350.
• If plumbing is needed. If you have plumbing issues that are impacting the performance of your washing machine, you may need to address that with a professional plumber. Plumbers charge $45-$65 per hour before figuring in the cost of any parts, tools, or fixtures. From a clogged pipe or hose, to serious plumbing issues like a crack in the line to your septic system, a professional and skilled plumber evaluates the situation and provides an estimate during the service call to diagnose the problem.
• Cost of appliance repair service. If your washing machine issue is not related to your home’s plumbing, you can call an appliance repair technician for a diagnostic fee and house call charge of $50-$80, and then expect to pay around $80-$100 per hour for repair services. Certain factors like time of day, emergency calls, and the complexity of your situation will also affect the cost.
• Your flexibility. How flexible are you? If you don’t need a technician at your home in the middle of the night or during a busy weekend, you may find that non-emergency repair service provision is cheaper. It may be even further less expensive if you are able to bring your appliance to a repair site. Talk to your appliance repair provider to learn more.

Common problems

The most common conundrum related to washing machines has to do with leaks, or with the washing machine not spinning out properly. It makes sense to call a professional to assess the situation instead of delaying response and risking pricey property damage due to water. These are some common washing machine problems:

Labor

In the long run, it is faster and less costly to call a professional when the washing machine doesn’t work, instead of attempting to fix it independently. Trained appliance repair technicians are skilled with the ability to identify the problem much faster than a layman, which means your washing machine will be fixed quick.

Plumbers do not typically repair washing machines, although if the issue stems from a plumbing-related problem, be prepared to spend between $45 and $65 per hour for a professional to visit your home. This may be in addition to plumbing parts, which may be small rubber seals for under $1 each or more expensive repairs such as cracked sewer pipes ² or broken water mains.

In most cases, an appliance repair technician will charge $50-$80 to come out and diagnose the problem. Many will require payment upon provision of services, although you can ask about payment arrangements or billing when scheduling repairs. After diagnosing the issue, the technician will charge an hourly fee for labor, typically around $80-$100 per hour, as well as the cost for any parts needed. It is rare for a service professional to charge a flat fee for a washing machine repair, unless it is a very simple fix like leveling ³ out the feet on your machine.

Maintenance

Most of the maintenance involved in preserving a washing machine is preventative measures that the user can take. These are tips to protect and extend the life of your washing machine. Also, always read and reference your owner’s manual and any manufacturer’s recommendations for using your washing machine, as it can make a big difference in the lifespan of your appliance.

• Don’t overload your machine.
• Use the proper settings for every load of laundry.
• Use less detergent. Too much detergent can wreak havoc on your machine’s spin cycle.
• Position the machine in a level, stable position, so that it is not jumping, vibrating, or bouncing around at all.

Repair vs replace

Consumers may ask themselves the question: “is my washing machine worth repairing?” Retailers indicate that a new washing machine should last ten years. How old is your machine? It may be time to cut your losses and upgrade your laundry room appliances.

A good rule of thumb to use when making the decision between replacement and repair is whether the cost to fix your machine is over half the cost to buy a new, comparable machine. Also, ask yourself if this is a good time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Your home and store warranty may also make this decision easier, as many warranties will cover the costs of labor and repairs to fix your machine, making the choice to repair a pragmatic one.

If you do decide to dispose of your washing machine, you’ll need to know that some cities accept scrap metal to salvage at no cost to residents, but other municipalities will charge a fee to haul off a non-working washing machine. The average cost of getting these accepted at transfer stations is $60, plus transport fees, depending on where you live. You will likely be expected to load and unload your appliances independently when dropping them off at these sites, so bring some assistance.

A new washing machine without all the bells and whistles costs around $350. Machines with more features, such as multiple cycles and larger capacity, can fetch around $450 new. If you are looking for a high-end top loading washing machine, expect to pay around $650, on average. High-efficiency washing machines are the most expensive, typically running from $800-$1,300, depending on the brand. The top of the line, Energy Star rated front loader can cost over $2,000.

Additional considerations and costs

A broken washing machine can bring everyday living to a halt. Consider the following tips for smooth repair of your appliance:

• Before you call an appliance repair tech, check your washing machine purchase agreement or any home warranty that you may have. This should outline the process for getting your washing machine repaired or, if necessary, replaced.
• Always make sure that whoever works on your appliances is qualified to do so. While there are no special permits needed for minor washing machine repairs, if you plan to dig up water lines, you will certainly need permission and permits from your municipality.
• This is not the best project for the DIYer. Since your washing machine repair could have plumbing implications, it is best to hire a professional technician for the job.
• Review store warranties to find if they cover the cost of labor or parts to repair your machine.
• A recent survey found that nearly one-third of all newly purchased washing machines develop issues or break within five years.
• Ask about a cost breakdown when technician visits. Don’t make assumptions.
• Brief the appliance repair technician of the issue when contacting them. This could save time and energy later if the individual is unable to make the repairs needed.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means

² Sewer pipes: Principal pipe in a sewage system