When a washing machine's control board fails, the appliance becomes the appliance equivalent of a brick—either completely unresponsive or behaving erratically.
Replacing a washing machine control board is typically worth it if the repair costs less than $250 and your machine is under 5 years old. However, if the board costs more than $300 or your appliance is older than 7 years, the money is often better spent toward a new unit.
For a 7-year-old washing machine, a repair is usually worth it if the repair cost is less than half the price of a new machine and your washer is generally in good shape. However, if the fix involves a major component like the motor or tub bearing, replacing it is often the more cost-effective choice.
Average Lifespan of a Washing Machine
Typically, washing machines can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but this can vary significantly between top-load and front-load models. Understanding the differences helps maintain each appliance better.
As a general rule, you should repair your washing machine if it is less than 5 to 8 years old and the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a new machine. If your machine is older than 10 years or requires back-to-back, costly repairs, replacing it is usually the better investment.
Speed Queen is the longest-lasting washing machine brand, boasting an industry-leading lifespan of 20 to 25 years. They use commercial-grade metal parts and industrial motors. For heavy use, Miele and LG are also top-tier choices.
Most Common Washing Machine Faults
Whirlpool top-load washers (often sold under the Kenmore, Maytag, and Amana brands) are widely considered the easiest and cheapest washers to repair. Featuring a highly standardized, traditional mechanical and simple electronic design, nearly all components are easily accessible and replacement parts are inexpensive.
Testing if a control board is bad involves a few logical diagnostic steps: checking for physical damage, observing diagnostic LED codes, and using a multimeter to verify that incoming power is present and that the outgoing voltage to components is working.
The most expensive washing machine parts to replace are usually the drum and bearings, followed closely by the motor and control board. While some repairs are worth doing, in many cases replacement is the better long-term investment—especially if your machine is older and less efficient.
The Most Common Washer Repair Problems and When To Call A Pro
If you've noticed your washer shaking a lot, the problem could be an overloaded tub, improper installation or leveling issues. During spin cycles, shaking can usually be attributed to an unbalanced washer.
Resetting a washing machine control board typically takes just a few minutes. The most effective universal method is performing a hard power cycle by unplugging the unit (or shutting off the circuit breaker) for 5 minutes, followed by a manual diagnostic reset.
Before any repair work starts, you will usually pay a call-out fee for a washing machine technician to attend. The initial call-out charge will vary depending on your region, but on average, expect to pay around £60. Subsequent hourly rates for labour tend to be lower at around £50 per hour.
Top 10 Washing Machine Companies and Brands 2026
Additionally, older washing machines may have costly or hard-to-find parts, which makes repairs expensive. If a washer no longer performs effectively or repair costs exceed half its value, a replacement can be more economical.
Here's a look at the ten most common washing machine problems, along with solutions to remedy the situation.
Whether to fix a 7-year-old washing machine depends on the repair cost vs. the "50% rule." Generally, if the repair costs more than half the price of a new machine, replacement is smarter. For a 7-year-old unit, you should only proceed if the repair is under $150 to $200.
The average lifespan of a washing machine is 10 to 15 years. While some models can last longer with proper care, most manufacturers design them for about a decade of use. Top-loading washers often last 11-14 years, while front-loaders typically last 10-13 years.
The top three washing machines for 2026 are the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washer (WM6700HBA), Speed Queen TC5, and Samsung 5.4 cu. ft. Top Load Washer (WA54CG7150AD). These machines are highly rated for their reliability, cleaning performance, and smart technology features.
Neither brand is universally "better." Bosch is generally superior for longevity, quiet operation, and premium European styling. LG often wins on cutting-edge smart technology, innovative features, and price-to-performance value.
When shopping for washers and dryers, appliance experts currently advise avoiding Samsung, Frigidaire, and certain low-end or off-brand units (such as Insignia, Criterion, or Midea). These brands suffer from poor repair accessibility, systemic control board failures, and higher-than-average user complaints.