Washing machine repair costs $100 to $400, depending on the damage, brand, and warranty. Small repairs like belts and timers cost less than major repairs like replacing a motor or drum. Washing repair costs an average of $50 to $125 per hour with minimum service fees of $70 to $130, that cover the first hour of the visit.

Brands such as Hotpoint and GE are cheaper to repair than higher-end brands like Samsung or LG. Using generic replacement parts is cheaper than using original manufacturer parts. Basic top-load washers are cheaper to repair than the newer front-load washers with more electronic parts.

Most often it is cheaper to repair a washing machine than to replace, unless the appliance is old and needs multiple replacement parts. A good rule of thumb is to fix the machine as long as the repair costs are less than half the cost of a new appliance.

A new washing machine costs $700 to $1,300 and should last 10 years. If you elect to replace the washing machine, it will likely no longer match the dryer since styles change every few years. Buying a matching washer & dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.

If your washer is still under warranty, you will likely pay nothing for the repair but may have to pay for a service call costing $70 to $130. Most washing machine warranties cover parts and labor for one year from the date of purchase.

Check the manufacturer website for warranty information. If you cannot find proof of purchase or know the purchase date, the manufacturer can find the warranty status by looking up the model number. The model number is usually located on the inside of the door or on a side panel.

There are several options for people who repair washing machines, including:

• Washing machine manufacturer – If the appliance is under warranty, always contact the manufacturer who will send an authorized repair technician.
• A local appliance repair company – Search HomeGuide for a list of reliable and affordable appliance repair companies near you.
• A handyman – For small budgets and minor repairs, a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour.
• A plumber – While technically a plumber can fix the washing machine's water supply or drainage, they are not trained to repair the machine's electrical or mechanical components.

A professional appliance repairman should be willing and able to answer all of your questions. Have your washer make and model number handy and give them a detailed description of the trouble so you can gauge their knowledge during that initial phone call. Don't forget to ask these important questions:

• How long have you been repairing washing machines?
• Do you have certifications to work on my appliance brand?
• How long will the repair take? Can you do the repairs on your initial visit?
• Will my appliance warranty cover this repair?

There are numerous qualified appliance repair specialists on HomeGuide.com. Be sure to follow these guidelines to narrow down the list of service technicians near you:

• Contact the manufacturer for a list of authorized repair technicians, especially if the appliance is still under warranty.
• Look for licensed and insured repair technicians with at least 5 years of appliance repair experience.
• Get several estimates to compare and don't settle for the lowest quote which may indicate poor workmanship.
• Check the technician's online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.