A washing machine that clicks and won't spin is usually caused by a faulty lid/door lock, a broken motor coupler, a clogged drain pump, or an unbalanced load.
If your appliance is relatively new, and the cost of bearing replacement is reasonable, it can be a worthwhile investment to restore optimal functionality. On the other hand, if fixing the bearings costs much less than buying a new washer, it's definitely worth considering the repair option.
Repair Costs by Problem
Washer Not Draining: ~ $100–$250. Washer Not Spinning: ~ $100–$300. Washer Shaking (Unbalanced): ~ $50–$150.
Discover possible reasons for a washer that won't spin below.
Washing Machine Lifespan
The average life of a washing machine ranges from 10 to 13 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance.
Understanding Common Signs of Washing Machine Pump Issues
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.
Humming: A humming noise while driving can be caused by several issues, but a wheel bearing or CV joint is one of the more likely (and problematic) issues. Squealing & Growling: The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing, and growling noises.
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.
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.
If you have a full drum that won't spin, unfortunately, your only option is to remove some of the wet clothes and try again. Try splitting the load size in two and running a spin cycle. If it works as expected, you can be confident that the issue was with the size of your wash load.
Most washing machines don’t have a physical dedicated "reset" button. Instead, you can reset the machine’s internal computer by performing a simple power cycle or using a specific button/dial combination based on your brand.
Electric heating systems and tumble dryers tend to be the most expensive electrical items to run because they use large amounts of power over extended periods. Other high-cost appliances include electric ovens and immersion heaters.
Regular maintenance keeps the machines in a running condition and also increases the lifespan of the same. What's more? You can save significant amounts of money by encouraging regular washing machine servicing.
Replacing a washing machine drum bearing costs between $150 and $600+ in total, depending on your machine's make, model, and the extent of the damage. The bearings themselves are generally inexpensive (about $30 to $50), but the repair requires almost completely disassembling the machine, which drives up labor costs.
The average lifespan of a washing machine is 10 to 13 years. However, this varies by type; simpler top-load models often last around 14 years, while more complex front-load models average about 11 years.
If your washing machine won't drain the excess water, that means you've either got a blockage or the pump is broken. You can check which is more likely by listening to the machine during a cycle. If you can hear the pump running but the water isn't draining, then it's a blockage.
For the least amount of mechanical issues, Speed Queen is universally praised as the most reliable brand due to its heavy-duty, commercial-grade build. For modern, feature-rich machines, LG consistently ranks at the top for front-load reliability, and Whirlpool/GE are top choices for traditional top-loaders.
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.
Here are the seven most common warning signs that your washing machine needs professional attention, along with practical advice on what to do about each one.
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.