How Much Does Washing Machine Repair Cost?

Per week, you could find yourself washing a single or multiple loads of laundry. How much you wash depends on your household size and your general lifestyle. When your washing machine stops working like it should or breaks down completely, this can throw your whole routine into disarray. You may even find yourself going out to a coin laundromat to try and keep up with the clothes that are piling up, and this can be very hard to fit into your schedule. This is why it’s so important to know your average washing machine repair costs, and it can fluctuate depending on a large range of factors. 

Each situation is unique when it comes to your washing machine repair cost, and this is why one person’s estimate may be much lower than another person’s estimate. Luckily, most washing machine repair costs stay in the double or triple digits, and this can make it a little easier to arrange a repair appointment, find the problem, get the parts, and get the machine up and running again. You also have to consider your space because some smaller laundry rooms can present a problem when it comes to getting to your unit, and this can impact your washing machine repair costs. 

On average, your washing machine repair costs range from $150 to $300. Most people find themselves paying around $200 for fixing something like a bad seal, and this is a very common problem. A damaged hose has one of the lowest washing machine repair costs tacked on at $100, and things like transmission issues or parts and labor to replace your agitator will run upwards of $375. You have to consider labor too because most labor costs will range from $50.00 to $150 an hour, and this can quickly add up if you were to run into problems or get stuck. 

However, if your machine is over a decade old, costs a few thousand dollars new, or it runs on natural gas, your washing machine repair costs can quickly go up. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about finding out your washing machine repair costs, and you can use it to see where you fall on the price spectrum. The goal is to give you a solid idea of your washing machine repair cost possibilities so you can get your machine up and running as quickly as possible when it breaks down. 

Fixing your washing machine doesn’t have to be an expensive process, and many people are pleasantly surprised at how quick you can get it running again. It’s a good idea to have a professional come in and take a look though to make sure it’s done right. Washing Machine by troykelly / CC BY 2.0

Repair Types and Cost Estimates

The type of repair your washing machine needs will dictate your washing machine repair costs. If it’s a smaller part that the technician can easily swap out, your costs will be lower than one that requires the technician to disassemble and reassemble the machine. The following parts are some of the most common that will need repairs over the life of your machine: 

Belt

The belt on your washing machine is the part that allows the washer to go into the spin cycle when it cleans your clothing or face masks. If the belt tears or gets burned, you’ll have to have a technician come out and install a new one. Your washing machine repair costs for a new belt will range from $180 to $275. 

Bearings

There are typically two different bearings inside of the machine, and this goes for all models. The placement of hte bearings depends on the model you have. Top-load units have their bearings near the machine’s front. Front-load washing machines have the bearings in the rear. Your average washing machine repair cost for this part ranges from $150 to $250. 

Coupling

If you’ve ever switched on your washing machine and heard the motor run but the machine refuses to spin, it’s most likely a problem with your coupling. This is a very common fix, and this makes the price points a bit lower on most units. Your washing machine repair cost will range from $80.00 to $100. 

Door

Fixing the unit’s door is a very common repair, especially around the hinges. If the door won’t latch correctly, your new cycle won’t start. The most expensive part of this repair is the replacement door cost because the installation is usually pretty fast and easy. The washing machine repair cost for this part, including the door itself, ranges from $150 to $275. 

Door Lock

While you can get by with a broken lock on your exterior door, you can’t with it on your washing machine. If the lock fails, the lid won’t lock secure during the wash cycle. The machine might even come with a fail-safe built in that stops the machine from running if the lock won’t engage. This is popular in newer models. To replace this lock, you’ll spend between $110 and $200. 

Drain Hose

If the drain hose on your unit fails, you’ll most likely end up with a leak around the unit. You want to address any leaks you see immediately before the hole gets bigger and you end up with a huge amount of water on your floor. To replace your drainage hose, your washing machine repair costs will range from $75.00 to $125. 

Drum

If something happens and the drum fails, this is one of the more expensive repairs to deal with. The drum will only have to be replaced if the tub has a manufacturer defect or if it gets damaged. This will drive your washing machine repair costs by between $350 and $550. It can be higher if the technician runs into other problems. 

Drum Bearings

No matter if you use your washing machine once a week or once a day, the bearings will eventually wear down. They last around 10 years on average before they fail. If you have an older machine, it might not be worth fixing them if it’s time to get an upgrade and this cost doesn’t fall under your manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll pay it out of your pocket. Your washing machine repair cost starts at $175 and goes up to $200. 

Inlet Valve

The inlet valve on your unit connects the hoses that fill the tub with water when you switch it on. If the inlet valve isn’t working correctly, there will only be a small amount of water or no water at all in the tub. Your washing machine repair cost for this part runs between $75.00 and $125. 

Lid Switch

The switch on your washing machine lid tells the unit that it’s closed, locked, and ready to go. If the switch breaks, the washer most likely isn’t recognizing that the lid is closed, and it won’t start a new wash cycle. Replacing the switch will cause your washing machine repair costs to go up by $100 or $150. 

Pump

If you have a problem with your pump, you’ll typically have a technician come out for repairs when the tub doesn’t drain or you note active leaks. If the pump currently doesn’t work, it’s usually an easy fix for a technician. It also extends your appliance’s lifespan. Your average washing machine repair cost will vary from $300 to $400 for this part. 

Pressure Switch 

The pressure switches on your washing machines will control the water levels inside of your unit. If the pressure switch fails to work, you may notice that your machine suddenly fails to start. Your washing machine repair cost for this part ranges from $100 to $175. 

Rubber Gasket

The rubber gaskets on your washing machine work to stop moisture from escaping as the machine runs. They can also prevent mold growth, and this is healthier overall. Repairing a seal is the same thing as replacing a gasket to create a watertight machine. If the seal gets damaged and you have to replace the gasket, your washing machine repair costs will start at $200 and go up to $300. 

Shock Absorber 

Your washing machine may shake or vibrate loudly when it runs, and this is usually a sign that you have a problem with the shock absorber. This part is also called a strut, and it works to prevent the clothing from banging against the frame when the machine switches to the spin cycle. When you fix the unit, it’s always better to replace both shocks at one time, and your washing machine repair cost will start at $100 and go up to $250. 

Transmission 

The transmission is the part that pushes your washing machine through each different cycle when you run it. If you notice that your appliance is starting to stick on one particular cycle, this could be a sign that the transmission is going. The average washing machine repair cost for this part ranges from $200 to $350. 

Valve

There is a shutoff valve in your washing machine that controls the water supply. The most common problem with this part is that it’s prone to leaks. If you need to repair this valve, you’ll typically have to install new bushings. The average washing machine repair cost for this part falls between $100 and $225. 

Some parts on your washing machine are much more prone to damage than others, and some are much more difficult to reach. This can cause your washing machine repair costs to fluctuate very quickly. Washing Machine Repair by sjr60 / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Washing Machine Type and Repair Prices

What kind of washing machine do you own? Your answer will impact how much you spend on your washing machine repair costs. Semi-automatic and portable models have a lower upfront cost to buy it. They’re also the least expensive models to fix most of the time. However, it can be a challenge to find a technician with experience working on models that are less popular. The following short list showcases the average washing machine repair costs by model type. 

Front-Load

This type of washing machine has a design that allows you to put your clothes inside the tub from the machine’s face. It’s a very high-efficiency design that doesn’t use as much water each time you run a wash cycle. The biggest issues for these types of washers are water leaks because of faulty hoses and belts that go bad and refuse to spin. Your washing machine repair cost for this type of machine will cost between $200 and $300. This includes labor and parts. 

Integrated

If you have an integrated machine, it’s great for small areas because it gets built right into a closet or it sits behind a doorway in your cupboard. A lot of people pick out this washer and dryer so it matches the rest of the room’s design, and most models are front-facing. 

This means that they have problems in the same areas as a traditional front-load machine will. You’ll also pay a higher price if it’s difficult to get to the machine that needs repairs, so your washing machine repair costs can start at $250 and go up to $350. Your technician might need to remove cabinets to get to the unit. 

Portable

You can move your portable washing machines around your home as you need, and these are generally smaller units. This type of washer connects straight to your faucet, and this opens the door for connections issues that could impact the water supply. The timer can also stop working properly, and this can cause inaccurate wash cycles. On average, your washing machine repair cost for this model ranges from $80.00 to $150, and this includes labor. 

Semi-Automatic

You’ll get two tubs for washing and drying with this style washing machine. After the clothing spins out in the first tub, you’ll have to swap them over to the second tub to make drying easy. The most common problems for this type of machine include drain issues that are caused by a faulty control module. If the water fills and drains at the same time, you might need to replace a valve. The average washing machine repair cost for this model with parts and labor ranges between $100 and $200. 

Top-Load

You can get fully automatic washing machine models that come as top-loaders. This is the most common type of machine used throughout the United States. This type of appliance can have a faulty door switch that stops the washer from starting a new cycle. The drain pump is also prone to damage, and this means that the water won’t drain when it goes into the spin cycle. The washing machine repair cost for this model starts at $150 and goes up to $250. 

Problem Type and Washing Machine Repair Costs

There are several common problems that people experience when they’re considering their washing machine repair costs. The inability to spin properly and leaks are the two biggest issues, and leaking can cause damage to your flooring. This is why you want to call a professional right away, and the average costs are: 

Leaks

No matter if you have carpet, tile, cement, laminate, or hardwood flooring, leaking can cause issues. The water can leak from under the unit or from a hose. In many cases, the technicians will have to replace a pump or hose to make the leaks stop. A shutoff nozzle or a washer valve are usually the root cause of leaks, and you’re washing machine repair cost will run between $75.00 and $200 to stop the leak. 

Making a Loud Banging Noise During the Spin Cycle

If you notice that your washer makes a vibrating noise that is very loud once the spin cycle kicks in, bad drum bearings are usually to blame. The drum bearings are in the back of the washer, and they attach directly to the center of the drum. They usually fail to due heavy load strain, and they help ensure that your spin cycle goes smoothly. Damage to your shock absorbers can also be the cause, and the average repair costs for this issue run from $100 to $200. 

Shaking 

If you level your washing machine, switch it on, and it still shakes when it runs, it’s a good idea to contact a technician. When a washing machine starts to shake uncontrollably, the shocks or agitator could be the cause too. Your washing machine repair costs to address the shaking could run from $150 to $550. 

Unbalanced

If you have an unbalanced machine, fixing it usually involves making sure you level the unit correctly. A second issue that could cause the unit to get unbalanced is a problem with the drum. In order to fix this problem, you can find yourself paying anywhere from $150 to $400. 

Won’t Drain

If you open your washing machine’s lid and you see clothing sitting in dirty water, this means that it didn’t go through the drain and spin cycles. There are several potential reasons why this could happen, including clogged hoses, broken pumps, and malfunctioning switches and valves. The costs will range between $150 and $300 on average to address it. 

Won’t Open

The biggest reason why you can’t get the lid of your appliance open is because of a faulty door lock. This could indicate a problem with your control board. Maybe it didn’t get the signal that the final cycle ended. Before you call in a technician, double-check and make sure that there aren’t any clothes causing a jam. To fix a locked washing machine, you’ll pay between $90.00 and $200. 

Won’t Spin

A lot of the common issues with your washing machines come up when you go through the spin cycle. A problem with the agitator or a broken pump can stop the washer from spinning out. To fix any parts that are interrupting your washer’s natural cycles, you’ll pay out between $150 and $500. 

Won’t Start

If your washing machine doesn’t start, check the fuses and power supply in the house. If they’re still working, contact your local appliance repair company to help diagnose the problem. A few possible reasons why you can’t get your washer to start include problems with the control board, motor, belt, or door locks. You’ll pay between $200 and $400 to fix this problem on average. 

Depending on the problem you have with your machine, it could help pinpoint what needs to be repaired. This could speed up the whole process for you, and the technician will spend less time diagnosing it and ordering parts. Prying loose the front panel by rmkoske / CC BY-SA 2.0

Brand and Washing Machine Repair Costs

The brand of washing machine you pick out will also influence your total costs to fix it. Discount brands like GE and Kenmore are usually less expensive to fix than high-end picks like Bosch are. The model type will also play a role in your costs. If your washer has a self-cleaning option or steam clean, they could be more expensive. With parts and labor included, your washing machine repair costs for the most popular brands fall between $100 and $800. 

• Bosch – $300 to $550

• Frigidaire – $200 to $300

• GE – $125 to $400

• LG – $200 to $300

• Kenmore – $100 to $300

• Maytag – $150 to $350

• Samsung – $200 to $350

• Speed Queen – $300 to $600

• Whirlpool – $250 to $500

Labor Costs

It’s usually a better idea to call in a professional, and it can be less costly. When your washing machine quits working, you shouldn’t try to fix it by yourself. Instead, get a trained appliance technician to come out and identify what is wrong. They’re quicker at pinpointing the exact issue much faster than general contractors, and this can speed up the repair process. 

A plumber won’t typically fix a washing machine for you. If the issue has ties to a plumbing related problem like clogged drains, you could spend upwards of $50.00 to $200 an hour for a professional to come to your home. In most areas, the average costs fall around $120 an hour. This cost does not include any potential plumbing parts needed to fix the issue, and it can range from $1.00 rubber gaskets up to broken water mains or cracked sewer piping. 

In many instances, your technician will charge between $50.00 and $100 to come out and figure out what is wrong with your appliance. You might find out that they choose to waive this diagnosis fee if you use the same company for the repairs. Many companies will require payment when they perform the services, but some do still allow for billing or payment arrangements. You can ask about them when the technician gets to the home. 

Once they diagnose your problem, the technician usually charges an hourly fee to cover the labor costs. This ranges froM $100 to $250 an hour, and you’ll add on for any parts needed. It’s very rare for an appliance technician or company to charge a flat free to repair your washing machine unless it’s something really simple like leveling it out. 

Where to Find Washing Machine Repair Technicians Near You

When it comes time to repair your washing machine, you’ll want to start with local companies to ensure you get the best rates. It can also speed up your repair process because they won’t have to travel huge distances to get the parts and come back to you. You can start looking here:

• Washing Machine Service Pros

Frequently Asked Questions 

Many people have a lot of questions when something breaks down on their washing machines, and the following questions are some of the most common ones.  IMG_1575.JPG by Aaron Thul / CC BY-NC 2.0

1. Who can repair your washing machine?

You have a few choices when you’re looking for someone to perform these repairs. Most people choose to go with appliance repair companies because they cost less than it would to hire a plumber. Check your warranty and see who you’re able to use without voiding it before you contact anyone.

2. How long does a washing machine last?

Most manufacturers will put a 10-year lifespan on their washing machines. However, the performance levels start to decline after five years, depending on the type and brand you own. How much you use it will also dictate how long it lasts because heavy use tends to wear out faster. 

3. Should you DIY washing machine repairs?

Generally speaking, you won’t want to DIY washing machine repairs. Many repairs have warranty coverage through the manufacturer or through your home warranty, and doing it yourself can void them. It’s usually relatively inexpensive to fix this appliance, so it’s best left to the professionals. 

Bottom Line 

Your washing machine repair costs can fluctuate, depending on the root cause of the issue, type of washer, brand, and how accessible it is. Whether or not you have a warranty also plays in, as does the cost of parts. This quick guide will help you put together a rough estimate so you have a price point in mind when you start calling around. Get a technician out and get your washing machine back up and running quickly.