When your washer starts to make strange noises or just stops working, the first thought that pops up in our heads is about the repair cost. As an owner of a broken machine, you should be aware of the expenses that will be coming your way if you choose to fix your washing machine. This guide will tell you all about it and help you make a better, well-informed decision about whether you should repair or replace your appliance.
Fixing Costs at a Glance
- Water Pump Replacement: $100-$275
- Control Board Repair: $200-$450
- Motor Replacement: $150-$500
- Drum Repair: $200-$600
- Transmission Repair: $350-$800
- Average Service Call: $50-$100
Keep reading to learn when to repair vs. replace!
Common Washing Machine Issues
These appliances have a lot of parts that can malfunction over time. The cost to fix washing machine varies a lot depending on which part needs attention.
Water Pump Issues
This circulates water throughout your machine and drains it after the cycle completes. Wondering why there’s water on your floor? A failing pump is usually the culprit. When it fails, you will see leaking or that clothes are soaking wet after the spin cycle. Repairing or replacing this important wash machine part usually costs between $100 and $275, including labour.
Control Board Problems
It serves as the brain of modern washing machines. So, when it doesn’t work, your washer might not start, stop mid-cycle, or show error codes. This smooth part controls everything from water temperature to spin speed. Replacing a damaged control board is on the higher end of washing machine repair prices, that is from $200 to $450.
Drum or Tub Damage
This holds your clothes during the wash cycle. Cracks, holes, or bearing failures in this part can lead to leaks and unusual noises. Hear a loud grinding or banging during the spin cycle? Your drum bearings may be failing. Fixing drum issues usually ranks in the most expensive washing machine repairs with costs ranging from $200 for minor repairs to $600 for complete drum replacement.
Motor Failures
It powers your washer’s operation. When it burns out, your machine won’t spin properly. Motors usually last 10-15 years but can fail earlier with heavy use. The cost to repair the machine motor ranges between $150 and $500, depending on your appliance’s make and model.
Belt Issues
They connect the motor to the drum, enabling the spinning action. When these belts wear out or break, your appliance won’t spin. Fortunately, belt replacement ranks among the more affordable washer repair costs, between $50 and $150.
Seal and Gasket Replacements
These parts help water from leaking when working. When these parts worsen, you will notice water pooling around your machine. These rubber parts naturally decay over time, especially with frequent hot water use. Replacing these wash machine parts usually costs between $80 and $200.
Related: Complete List of LG Dishwasher Error Codes and Quick Fixes
The Most Expensive Washing Machine Repairs
Certain machine issues continuously rank among the costliest to fix:
Transmission Problems
This transfers power from the motor to the drum. When it fails, your machine won’t spin properly. Transmission repairs on high-end washing machines can cost nearly as much as a new budget model. Replacing complex parts usually cost between $350 and $800, making it one of the most expensive washing machine repairs.
Electronic Control System Failures
Modern washing machines rely on smooth electronic systems. When these parts fail, particularly in smart or high-end models, the cost to fix a washing machine can range from $300-$600 or more. Digital displays, Wi-Fi connectivity, and advanced cycle options all depend on these intricate systems.
Structural Damage
A lot of harm to the machine’s frame or cabinet usually indicates the need for replacement rather than repair. When a fix is possible, costs typically exceed $400. Structural problems often cause cascade failures in other parts, making them among the most expensive washing machine repairs.
Factors Affecting Washing Machine Fixing Prices
There are a lot of things that influence how much you’ll pay to restore your appliance:
Machine Type and Brand
Front-loading washers generally cost more to repair than top-loaders due to their complicated design. The most expensive washing machine repairs usually include big European brands like Miele, Bosch, and LG have branded parts. These cost more to replace than for other budget-friendly companies.
Age of the Appliance
Older machines may need more extensive repairs as multiple parts wear out at the same time. Washer repair prices increase dramatically after the 7-year mark. With this, parts for discontinued models can be harder to source, increasing the cost to fix a washing machine that is older.
Warranty Coverage
If your washer is still in warranty, repairs could be at least partially covered. Most washing machine manufacturers cover products for between one and five years, but higher-end companies have longer guarantees for certain parts.
Service Call Fees
Many repair companies charge a diagnostic fee of $50-$100 simply to examine your machine. This fee is usually applied toward the total washing machine repair price if you proceed with repairs through their service.
Geographic Location
Labour rates vary a lot by region. Urban areas usually command higher service rates than rural locations, affecting your total repair bill.
Related: Preventing Rust and Fingerprints on Stainless Steel Appliances: Maintenance Tips
DIY vs. Professional Repair: What’s Worth Fixing Yourself?
Not all washing machine problems need professional help. Some repairs are surprisingly simple and safe to handle yourself.
DIY-Friendly Repairs
- Replacing a washer belt: $20-30 for parts (vs. $50-150 professionally)
- Cleaning the drain pump filter: Free (vs. $50-100 service call)
- Replacing the door seal: $25-50 for parts (vs.$80-200 professionally)
- Fixing a clogged drain hose: free to $20 (vs. $80-150 professionally)
Call a Technician
- Electrical issues: Risk of shock or fire
- Drum and bearing problems: Requires specialized tools and expertise
- Motor or transmission repairs: Complex disassembly needed
- Electronic control board issues: Requires technical knowledge
Pro Tip: Many manufacturers provide free repair guides online. Search “[your washer model] repair manual” before deciding to call for help.
Whether to Repair vs. Replace Your Washing Machine
Sometimes you might think that fixing your appliance makes financial sense. Consider these guidelines:
The 50% Rule
A common recommendation is to replace your washing machine if repairs would cost more than half of the price of a new machine. With new ones ranging from $350 to $2,000+, you should think about changing when repair prices go beyond $175-$1,000, depending on your appliance’s original quality.
Age Considerations
Most washing machines last 10-15 years. If your washer is over 8 years old and needs a repair that is more than $300, then replacing is a smarter choice. When an older machine needs a lot of repairs, changing it usually makes more sense than continuing to invest in an appliance that is nearing its end.
Efficiency Improvements
Newer machines offer good energy and water efficiency improvements over older models. A new Energy Star washer can save $35-50 per year on utility bills as compared to a 10-year-old model. Even if your repair costs fall below the 50% threshold, the long-term savings from reduced electricity bills might justify the new purchase.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Vacuum Cleaners for Home: Wet and Dry Edition
Comparing Repair Costs by Machine Type
| Repair Type | Top-Loading Cost | Front-Loading Cost | Common Symptoms |
| Water Pump | $100-$200 | $150-$275 | Leaking, wet clothes after spin |
| Control Board | $150-$350 | $250-$450 | Error codes, cycle stops mid-way |
| Drum Repair | $150-$400 | $300-$600 | Loud noises, cracks, leaking |
| Motor | $150-$400 | $200-$500 | Won’t spin, unusual noises |
| Transmission | $300-$600 | $400-$800 | Won’t agitate, loud grinding |
Conclusion
The decision to repair or replace depends on a lot of things, according to your situation. For newer, high-end machines, even the most expensive washing machine fixes might be justified. For older, basic models, even a little higher repair costs might tell you that it is time for an upgrade. Remember: A well-maintained washing machine can last 15+ years. Regular preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs or early replacement.
If you need any kind of help with your appliance, simply call Barton Appliance Repair!
