As with any complex machine, a washing machine has many different working parts, and consequently, many ways to break down. The average cost of a washing machine repair is $180, although it ranges between $125 and $450.
If repairs are minor and the machine has been reliable, a repair could be justified. However, if major components have failed or repairs are costly, replacing the washer may be the wiser choice.
Average Washing Machine Repair Cost: $300
The appliance repair cost for washing machines falls between $150 to $400 depending on the type of repair and manufacturer. Washing machines can be hard to repair because they hook up to the water supply, drains, and electric system of your house.
Fixing a 10-year-old washing machine is worth it if: Repair costs are less than 50% of a new washer. It's been reliable and parts are available. The issue is minor, like replacing a belt or hose.
What is the Scrap Value of a Washing Machine? The scrap value of a washing machine greatly depends on current market prices for metals, and the actual weight of the washing machine. On average, you should expect to receive around $10 to $20 for a standard washing machine.
Even if your washing machine or dryer has run its course, these bulky items are full of valuable metal potentially worth a decent amount of money at the scrap yard.
Really they're worth next to nothing for scrap steel. The most financially profitable way to scrap any appliance is to take parts off it it that still work and sell them as used parts on eBay. After that, send the hull to the scrapper.
A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.
Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.
The average lifespan of a washing machine varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and usage, typically ranging from 7 and 13 years. Proper maintenance and cleaning can extend its longevity and improve its efficiency.
While some common washer issues — noisy operation, overflow, shaking and moving, or failure to start can be DIY fixes. If the problem is more complicated than anticipated and your self-repairs aren't working, it's time to call an experienced professional to service your washing machine.
Repair Cost by Washer Type
Top-load washers, which are common in many households, may require repairs in the range of $50 to $300. Front-load washers and integrated models, often considered more advanced, can be pricier to repair, with costs typically ranging from $100 to $400.
If the drain has a clog, you need to contact a plumber to check the drain hose and pipe. If there is not a clog in your drain hose, then the problem is the pump inside of your washing machine and you will need to contact an appliance repair person to have the pump repaired or, replaced.
While, in most cases, it's better to replace an older washing machine, if the repairs are simple, then they may be more cost-effective. If you're repairing only a simple issue with your washing machine, then it might not cost you very much. It's worth contacting an electrician to take a look at the issue.
It's more than six years old
Once your machine is more than six years old, a major failure usually means you'll need to buy a new one because any repairs will be expensive. And with older appliances you'll need to weigh up the risk that, after paying to fix one problem, something else may break.
The duration of a typical washing machine repair depends on the complexity of the problem. Simple issues, such as a clogged drain or replacing a door seal, may take around 30 minutes to an hour. More complex repairs, like fixing the control board or motor replacement, can take between 1 to 3 hours.
Factors to Consider
If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.
There are a number of root causes for common washing machine breakages. If your washing machines are constantly breaking down, it's worth checking that they're fully installed, that your water supply isn't too hard, and that you're not overloading them with clothes or detergent!
Consumer Reports recommends replacing any appliance that's more than eight years old, unless it's a high-end model and has a particular appeal to you. Others suggest replacing any top-loading washer manufactured in 1999 or earlier.
The coin trap is a plastic tray with holes in it that lets water go to the drain but catches coins and other small items before they can come in contact with the drain impeller. Other models of washers will have a rectangular lower panel that spans the entire width of the front panel below the washer door.
We have now heard of these explosions happening to 14 different models made by Indesit and its sister company, Hotpoint. There was a link to the BBC site, but it's been removed, but there are plenty of appliance recall and accidents online. Google “exploding washing machine” and you will see.
Additional Costs
Once you determine what the problem is, it's time to find who fixes washing machines. Depending on the labor, the average cost to repair a washing machine usually ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, with additional service fees of $50 to $100.
Though not a universal practice, some appliance dealers accept trade-ins, similar to trading in a vehicle when purchasing a new one. It's usually smaller, local dealers who engage in the practice.