How much does washing machine repair cost?
How much does washing machine repair cost?
$100 – $400 average cost to repair a washer
Washing machine repair cost
Washing machine repair costs $100 to $400 on average. Washer repair costs $50 to $125 per hour with minimum service fees of $70 to $130. Washing machine transmission repair costs $200 to $600. The cost to fix a washing machine depends on the damages, brand, and warranty.
| Replacement parts | Average total cost to repair |
|---|---|
| Bearing | $100 – $250 |
| Pump | $150 – $350 |
| Transmission | $200 – $600 |
| Door lock or lid switch | $100 – $300 |
| Belt | $100 – $200 |
| Water inlet valve | $100 – $300 |
| Control board | $350 – $550 |
| Clutch | $200 – $300 |
| Rubber seal / gasket | $275 – $600 |
| Shock absorber | $100 – $350 |
| Drum replacement | $350 – $800 |
| Spider arm | $350 – $900 |
| Carbon brushes | $100 – $200 |
| Timer | $150 – $300 |
| Motor | $300 – $700 |
| Drain hose | $100 – $200 |
| Coupling | $100 – $250 |
| Pressure switch | $100 – $250 |
Average cost of washing machine repair
The average cost of washing machine repair is $100 to $400.
Appliance repair costs $50 to $125 per hour on average.
| National Average Cost | $200 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $70 |
| Maximum Cost | $900 |
| Average Range | $100 to $400 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost factors for washing machine repair include:
Brand – Budget brands such as Hotpoint and GE are cheaper to repair than brands like Samsung or LG.
Generic vs. OEM – Original manufacturer parts are the most expensive while generic parts sell at discounted rates.
Assembly vs. part only – Buying a single part is cheaper than a complete assembly kit of parts.
Washer type – Front-load washer repairs are typically more expensive than top-load repairs.
Travel distance – Technicians charge extra travel fees for repairs outside of their normal service area.
Accessibility – Labor costs increase for washers installed in tight spaces or difficult working conditions.
Faulty connections – Damaged pipes and electrical lines require specialists:
A plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour.
An electrician costs $40 to $100 per hour.
Repair complications – An extra hour of labor typically applies for washers full of undrained water, objects lodged in the tub, or intensive cleaning.
Washer repair cost by part
Washing machine bearing replacement cost
Replacing drum bearings on a washing machine costs $100 to $250 on average. Replacement of the washer outer-tub assembly and bearings costs $600 to $800+ depending on the extent of the damages. Washer bearings support the tub to make it spin smoothly.
A bad bearing causes the washer to make loud, crashing noises.
Bearings break from uneven washer legs and internal corrosion.
Washing machine pump replacement cost
Washing machine pump repair costs $150 to $350 on average to replace the drain pump. A new pump for a washing machine costs $20 to $100 for the part alone. The drain pump removes water from the tub during the drain cycle.
A broken drain pump causes leaks, drain blockage, or loud noises.
Foreign objects stuck in the drain are a common cause of pump damage.
Washer transmission repair cost
Washing machine transmission repair costs $200 to $600 on average to replace the transmission assembly. A washer transmission costs $100 to $300 for the part alone. The transmission controls the spinning speed of the inner-washer tub.
Transmission failure causes grinding noises or stops the tub from spinning.
Restoring old transmissions with cleaning and a new gasket is possible on some models to avoid replacement costs.
Washer door lock or lid switch repair cost
Washer lid switch repair costs $100 to $300 on average to replace the lid-lock and switch assembly. The door latch costs $20 to $130 for the part alone, depending on the model. Most washing machine door-lock repairs take 20 to 30 minutes.
Top-load washers run without spinning or draining when the lid switch breaks.
Front-load washers won’t run with a broken door lock.
Washer belt replacement cost
Washing machine belt replacement costs $100 to $200 on average. The washer belt costs $5 to $30 for the part alone. Replacing the belt takes 20 to 60 minutes. Additional repairs are necessary if a broken belt causes the drum to scratch the machine's interior.
A drive belt moves the drum during operation.
Broken washer belts cause the washer to stop agitating or spinning.
Worn or loose belts smell like burning rubber.
Washing machine valve replacement cost
Washing machine valve replacement costs $100 to $300 on average. The water inlet valve costs $20 to $100 for the part alone. A failed valve blocks water flow to the machine or causes leaks.
Washing machine control board repair cost
Washing machine control board repair costs $350 to $550 on average. A control board costs $100 to $300 for the part alone. A circuit-control board manages the power supply to many washer components. Replacements take less than 30 minutes.
Washing machine clutch repair cost
Washing machine clutch repair costs $200 to $300 on average to replace the clutch on a top-load washer. The clutch costs $15 to $70 for the part alone, depending on the type. Most clutch replacements take 30 to 60 minutes.
The clutch causes the spinning drum to start moving.
Signs of a damaged clutch include the inside spinning when empty or not spinning when full.
Cost to replace rubber seal on front-load washer
The cost to replace the rubber seal in a front-load washer is $275 to $600 on average, depending on the brand. This door-gasket seal is essential to prevent leaks, and it attracts mold growth without regular cleaning. Most replacements take 1 to 2 hours.
Washing machine shock absorber repair cost
Washing machine shock absorber repair costs $100 to $350 on average to replace the full set of suspension rods. These suspension dampers stabilize the drum to stop it from hitting the frame while spinning.
Failed shock absorbers cause washer vibrations and loud knocking sounds.
Washing machines have 2 to 4 shock absorbers, depending on the model.
Washing machine drum repair cost
Washing machine drum replacement costs $350 to $800 on average, depending on the washer brand. The drum costs $100 to $600 on average for the part alone. An extra-loud washer that isn’t draining or spinning properly typically has drum issues.
The inner drum, also called a “spin basket” or “tub,” has perforated holes to allow water to exit the machine.
The outer drum is the watertight container that causes water leaks when cracked.
Washer spider arm replacement cost
Washer spider arm replacement costs $350 to $900 on average. The spider arm support and bolts cost $100 to $350 for the parts alone. This spider drum support holds the inner drum in place. Most replacements take 1 to 2 hours.
Broken spider arms typically cause loud banging noises while the washer runs.
Continued use after the spider arm breaks will damage the outer tub.
Replace carbon brushes on a washing machine cost
The cost to replace carbon brushes on a washing machine is $100 to $200 on average, depending on the model. Carbon brushes help power the washer’s motor, and faulty brushes stop the machine from spinning. A replacement takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Not all washing machines have carbon brushes connected to their motors. Carbon brushes are common on washers made outside the United States.
Timer for a washing machine cost
A timer for a washing machine costs $150 to $300 on average to replace, depending on the washer brand. Faulty timers interrupt or skip washer cycles. Most repairs take 20 to 30 minutes.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a washing machine?
Repairing a washer costs $100 to $400 on average while a new washing machine costs $700 to $1,300. Replacing a washing machine is cheaper if the unit is 7 to 10 years old and needs frequent repairs.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Repair with replacement parts | $100 – $400 |
| New washer unit | $700 – $1,300 |
Is it worth repairing a washer?
Repairing a washer is worth it when:
The washer is less than 7 years old.
Fixing it costs less than 50% of a new washer.
The warranty is still valid.
Washing machine repair FAQs
What are signs my washer needs repair?
Signs that your washer needs repair are:
Loud or unusual noises while running
Failure to clean clothes
Water leaks
Drum not filling with water
Mildew smell
Excessive vibration
Water not draining after a load finishes
Circuit breaker tripping when you switch the washer on
Failure to spin during operation
Error codes
How long does a washing machine last?
A washing machine lasts 8 to 13 years on average, depending on the brand, usage frequency, and the amount of regular maintenance.
To make a washing machine last longer:
Don’t overfill the washer.
Keep the machine level.
Use the correct amount of detergent.
Don’t leave wet clothes inside for long periods after a cycle finishes.
Follow all user-manual maintenance instructions.
Who fixes washing machines?
Contractors who fix washing machines include:
Appliance-repair technicians
A plumber to fix piping leaks from connections to the washer
An electrician to repair faulty wiring
Appliance specialists referred by home improvement stores
Getting washing machine repair estimates
Before hiring an appliance repairer near you, be sure to:
Compare 3 detailed quotes from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Only hire companies with a license, surety bonds, and insurance.
Make sure technicians have NASTeC certification.
Read reviews on Google and HomeGuide and ask for references.
Get a signed copy of the contract before repairs begin.
Beware of the lowest prices that typically signal low-quality work.
Do not pay in full until the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been repairing washers?
Do you have certifications to work on my appliance brand?
How long will this repair take?
Should I do anything to prepare for your arrival?
Will my appliance warranty cover this repair?