Appliance Repair Cost

We rely on household appliances every day, from cooking and keeping food fresh to washing and drying clothes. When a washing machine breaks down, an oven stops working, or a fridge freezer won’t stay cold, it can disrupt the whole household.

Repairing a faulty appliance with a new element is often a better option, cheaper and faster than replacing it, especially if the fault is minor or the appliance is still in good condition.

In this guide, we break down average repair costs for your domestic appliance, explain what affects the price, and help you decide whether repair or replacement is a better option for you in the long run.

If your appliance isn’t working properly, you can compare free, no-obligation quotes from local appliance repair specialists through MyJobQuote.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair an Appliance?

The average cost of appliance repair in the UK is between £100 and £400. Minor faults are usually at the lower end of the scale, while more complex repairs can cost more.

For example, replacing a washing machine pump usually costs between £90 and £130. If the appliance needs a new motor, the cost may rise to between £150 and £300.

Appliance Repair Prices

Is it Cheaper to Repair or Replace an Appliance?

Appliance repair costs are usually less if the fault is minor, the parts are easy to source, and the appliance is still within its expected lifespan. Repair services that cost less than £150 are often worth considering.

As a general guide, many repair professionals use the 50% rule. If the repair costs more than half the price of a similar new appliance, replacing it with a new one may be better value in the long run.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Appliance Repair

Labour for domestic appliance repair costs are usually charged at an hourly rate, a fixed repair price, or a call-out fee. Most appliance repairs take between 1 hour and 3 hours to complete.

Labour charges can be higher in London and the Southeast. Emergency, weekend, or same-day repairs will also usually cost more than standard appointments.

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Supply Costs for Appliance Repair

When an appliance needs a new part, the cost will often depend on the brand, the availability, and whether it is an original part or an aftermarket part. Sometimes the labour charges for small fixes will be equal to or more than the part itself. Whereas Parts for larger repairs often cost more than labour charges.

Electric Oven Repair Cost

The cost to repair an electric oven is usually between £50 and £150 for simple repairs. More complex issues, such as a broken control board, can cost between £150 and £300.

Common electric oven faults include broken thermostats, damaged door seals, faulty heating elements, and broken fan motors. Gas oven repair is different and must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Hob Repair Cost

Replacing a gas burner on a hob is a common repair. Induction hobs sometimes have problems with sensors. The average cost of repairing a hob is between £100 and £200. Gas hobs and ovens might have higher labour charges because they can only be repaired by a Gas Safe engineer.

Cooker Hood Repair Cost

A repair to a cooker hood is often due to broken buttons. Another common problem is the motor not working properly, preventing the steam and grease from being extracted. Average repair costs range from £70 to £250. Switches and buttons are relatively cheap to replace. A new motor will cost significantly more.

Fridge/Freezer Repair Cost

Damaged door seals are a common problem in a fridge or freezer because, over time, the rubber hardens and cracks. The cost of a new seal will depend on the size of the fridge or freezer, but on average, you can expect to pay between £80 and £225 for this type of fridge repair.

Other problems include the fridge or freezer failing to cool or freeze properly. In this case, you would need a new thermostat, which will cost on average between £100 and £280. Most problems with fridges and freezers will cost between £80 and £400.

Dishwasher Repair Cost

A typical dishwasher repair costs on average between £100 and £300. Common problems include heating faults, water not draining, and dishes not being cleaned properly.

A new heating element is likely to cost between £125 and £260. A new pump on average costs between £100 and £260 and a new motor will cost between £150 and £325. If you have water leaking from your dishwasher, you may need to replace the hose, which is likely to cost between £50 and £100.

Washing Machine Repair Costs

Repairing a washing machine can cost, on average, between £75 and £420. Common repairs are fitting a new pump, replacing the drum or renewing motor brushes. The cost of a new part will, in most cases, be between £75 and £160.

Replacing a drum is an expensive repair and will cost between £145 and £425, depending on the washing machine brand. Renewing motor brushes on average costs between £95 and £210.

Tumble Dryer Repair Costs

Common tumble dryer repair costs are, on average, between £110 and £160.

Minor repairs usually include snapped belts and broken door switches. These repairs normally cost between £60 and £100. Parts needed like drum bearings or a heating element are more expensive and can cost between £110 and £325.

Cost Factors for Appliance Repair

The final cost of appliance repair depends on the fault, the appliance, and how easy it is to complete the work. The main cost factors include:

• Type of fault — Simple mechanical faults, such as a broken belt or damaged door seal, are usually cheaper to fix. Electrical faults, control board problems, and plumbing-related issues can take longer to diagnose.
• Replacement parts — Original manufacturer parts usually cost more than aftermarket parts. Older or high-end appliances may also need harder-to-source parts.
• Make and model — Premium brands can cost more to repair because parts may be more expensive or only available through approved suppliers.
• Age and condition of the appliance — A major repair may not be worth the cost if the appliance is close to the end of its expected lifespan.
• Built-in or freestanding appliance — Freestanding appliances are usually easier to access. Built-in appliances often need to be removed and refitted, which increases labour time.
• Urgency — Same-day, weekend, and out-of-hours repairs usually cost more because the tradesperson may need to reschedule other work.
• Your location — Labour charges are usually higher in London and the Southeast. Costs may also rise if you live outside the tradesperson’s usual call-out area.
• Diagnosis time — Some faults are obvious, while others need testing before repair work can begin. A diagnostic charge may apply before the tradesperson confirms the full repair cost.
• Disposal costs — If the appliance cannot be repaired, you may need to pay for removal or disposal. This usually costs between £25 and £50 if arranged privately.

Building Regulations Related to Appliance Repair

Some appliances must comply with UK Building Regulations when repaired:

• Gas appliances – Must be repaired by a professional with gas safe registration
• Electrical appliances – The majority of electrical appliances are repaired by an appliance engineer or an electrician. But if the repair involves wiring that’s directly into the mains, replacing breakers or adding new circuits, then the electrician or the appliance engineer must be registered with an approved Part-P building regulation scheme.
• Water-connected units like washing machines and dishwashers should be repaired by a professional plumber. Although there are no building regulations for appliance repair, a professional plumber will comply with UK safety standards.

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Types of Appliance Repairs

There are various types of appliance repairs. Some are more complex than others, or more time-consuming and will therefore be more expensive. The most common types of repairs are:

Electrical

Electrical repairs include wiring problems, electronic control boards, heating elements, thermostats and sensors. It’s important to use an electrician belonging to a Part-P registration scheme so that the repair is carried out in accordance with UK safety regulations.

Pros:

• ✔ More affordable than a replacement
• ✔ Improves safety

Cons:

• ✖ Not recommended for DIY repairs
• ✖ May take time to diagnose with higher labour costs

Mechanical

Mechanical repairs for household appliances cover moving parts, including motors, belts, pumps, drums and hinges.

Pros:

• ✔ Extends the lifespan of the appliance
• ✔ Repairs can often be done within an hour

Cons:

• ✖ Parts may be obsolete in older appliances
• ✖ Labour costs may be high if the appliance needs to be taken apart to repair

Plumbing Related

Washing machines and dishwashers are appliances that are plumbing-related and usually involve dealing with leaks, water that doesn’t drain or heat up properly.

Pros:

• ✔ Often easy to diagnose
• ✔ Repairs are usually completed quickly

Cons:

• ✖ Electronic parts may be expensive
• ✖ Built-in units need to be removed before repair, and so labour costs are higher

Sensor or Control Replacement

Sensor or control replacement is commonly required on hobs, cookers, dishwashers and washing machines. They give information about temperature, function and timing.

Pros:

• ✔ Fixes error codes
• ✔ Restores safety functions

Cons:

• ✖ May not be cost-effective on older appliances
• ✖ Diagnosis may take some time, increasing labour costs

Alternative Types of Appliances Solutions

Sometimes, repairing an appliance isn’t worth the cost. The reasons could be:

• Replacing the doors only on units is a mid-range option that may limit the cost of a full refit, whilst also providing a brand new feel and finish on the surface.
• The appliance is close to, or older than, its average lifespan
• It’s no longer energy efficient
• Spare parts are hard to find

In this case, you may need to consider an alternative solution. You could:

Replace the Appliance

The cost will be higher than a repair, but the item will have a guarantee, and it is likely to cost less to run because a newer model will be more energy efficient.

Buy a Refurbished Model

Refurbished appliances are cheaper than new models. Buy from reputable retailers or charity organisations that will provide a guarantee and check for a British or European safety mark. A refurbished gas cooker, for example, may cost between £200 and £300 less than the equivalent new model.

DIY Repairs

Simple DIY repairs will save you money as long as you have the time and the expertise to do the job. DIY jobs involving electrics or having to lay a water pipe aren’t recommended. But minor repairs like a pump replacement in a dishwasher, replaceing a faulty thermostat in a fridge/freezer or replacing the door seal in a washing machine can be done without the need to call a professional.

• A dishwasher pump costs on average between £25 and £75
• A fridge thermostat ranges from £30 to £50
• A washing machine door seal can cost between £50 and £100

Bear in mind that DIY repairs won’t have any guarantee of workmanship, and if the part is installed incorrectly, it may cause another breakdown.

Appliance Servicing and Cover

Regular maintenance and servicing can help extend the lifespan of an appliance. It can also reduce the risk of expensive repairs because smaller faults may be spotted early.

Some companies offer appliance cover when you buy a new appliance. You can also buy cover after purchase, which may include an annual check and repair insurance. Prices usually start from around £75 a year, depending on the appliance type, age, and brand.

Checklist: Hiring a Contractor for Appliance Repair

Appliance repairs should be carried out by someone with the right experience for the appliance and fault. This is especially important for gas appliances, hardwired ovens, and water-connected appliances.

Before hiring an appliance repair specialist, check the following:

• Do they repair your type of appliance? Some tradespeople specialise in washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, or specific appliance brands.
• Are they qualified for the work? Gas appliance repairs need a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical work connected directly to the mains should be completed by a suitably qualified electrician.
• Do they charge a call-out or diagnostic fee? Ask whether this fee is separate or deducted from the final repair cost.
• Can they source the right parts? Check whether they use original manufacturer parts or aftermarket parts, as this can affect the cost and warranty.
• Will they provide a written quote? The quote should explain the labour cost, parts cost, call-out fee, and any disposal charges.
• Do they offer a warranty? Ask whether both the parts and labour are covered if the appliance develops the same fault again.
• Have they got recent reviews? Reviews can help you check reliability, punctuality, workmanship, and how clearly they communicate costs.

Removing Appliances: Considerations and Costs

If your appliance has complex issues which cannot be repaired and you plan to replace it, the old appliance may need to be disconnected, removed, and disposed of safely.

Some retailers will remove an old appliance when they deliver a new one. This may be free or charged as an add-on service, with prices often starting from around £20.

Disconnection

Some appliances must be disconnected by a professional. Gas cookers must be disconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer, while hardwired ovens should be disconnected by a qualified electrician.

The average cost to remove a gas cooker is between £90 and £120.

Disposal

Electrical appliances must be disposed of in line with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) rules. Your main options include:

• Retailer collection — Some high street retailers collect your old appliance when they deliver a new one. Prices often start from around £20.
• Private collection — A licensed waste carrier may charge between £25 and £50 to collect and dispose of an appliance.
• Council bulky waste collection — Some councils collect appliances for free, but many charge between £25 and £40.
• Recycling centre drop-off — You may be able to take the appliance to a recycling centre yourself, but check whether you need a van permit first.

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