Washing Machine Repair Costs

Does your washing machine need a repair?

Washing machines are now found in almost every home across the UK. They are an essential home appliance, and a breakdown can cause a major disruption, especially for families with school-aged children.

But often it is cheaper to repair a washing machine than it is to replace it, and, in this guide, we explain what factors affect repair costs and your options if repairs aren’t viable. We also give you the most common reasons for a washing machine breakdown and the average repair costs.

How Much is a Washing Machine Repair?

The cost of repairing a washing machine in the UK depends on the brand of washing machine, the type of repair that’s needed, and the labour costs involved.

For example, parts for certain brands may be more expensive, and an integrated washing machine will take longer to repair than one that’s freestanding.

In London and the South East of England, you’ll pay more for the services of a tradesperson because of the increased cost of living in those areas. The average cost to repair a washing machine is between £80 and £225.

Washing Machine Repair Prices

The repair price will usually include the callout fee, the price of the part and the labour cost. Here are some average costs of typical repairs for parts and labour only (labour £60 per hour).

These prices can change if the repair is complex, the machine is integrated, or the repair is an emergency, or done over the weekend or out of hours.

Supply Costs for Washing Machine Repair

Typical parts that need repairing on a washing machine include:

For supply-only, you can expect to pay:

• Motor - £100 - £250
• Pumps - £20 - £90
• Door seal - £18 - £60
• Control board – £60 - £170
• Drum bearings – £15 - £50
• Water inlet valve - £10- £40

The cost of these parts is often influenced by the washing machine brand and the availability of parts.

If your washing machine is under warranty, then you may have to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. If you don’t, then the warranty could be invalidated, and the manufacturer won’t cover any future repairs.

Machines not covered by a warranty or guarantee can be repaired using third-party parts, which are often cheaper.

Parts for older washing machines may be harder to find because some may have been discontinued or obsolete and are therefore no longer available.

Most quotes include the cost of parts. If you are completing a DIY repair, you can get washing machine spare parts from a local supplier or an online shop.

Additional Costs for a Washing Machine

Not all repairs involve additional costs, but some do, and if you are aware of the possible extra charges, you won’t get any surprises when the time comes to pay for the washing machine repair.

Typical extra charges include:

• Callout Charge – Most repair services will charge a callout charge, which will be added to the repair cost. The average callout charge is between £50 and £120
• Diagnostic Fee – Not all repair technicians will charge a diagnostic fee, but if they do, you can expect to pay between £40 and £60
• Emergency Repairs – If you have a repair done as an emergency, then you are likely to pay around £100 to £200 on top of the normal cost of repair
• Out-of-Hours or Weekend Repairs – Evening or weekend repairs can incur extra hourly rates or a higher fixed price. It could mean paying between £50 and £100 more
• Increased Labour Costs – If you have a washing machine that’s in an awkward location, for example, in an upstairs cupboard, or it is integrated and needs to be taken out of a unit and put back in again after repair, then labour costs will increase as the work will take more time.
• Removal and Disposal of a Washing Machine – A washing machine can be removed and disposed of without extra cost. But some forms of disposal will generate a charge. If, for example, a handyperson disconnects and disposes of your old washing machine, you will probably pay on average between £20 and £40 per hour, plus any disposal costs and travelling charges.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Washing Machine Repair

A washing machine repair is generally charged by the hour or as a fixed price job. Most washing machine repairs will take between 1 and 2 hours, unless it is a complex issue or extra time is needed to remove and integrate the machine from its unit and refit it when the repair is complete.

The average hourly rate to repair a washing machine is between £50 and £90. If you live in London or the South East of England, you will pay at the higher end of the scale, as the cost for services is generally higher than in other parts of the UK.

Cost Factors for Washing Machine Repair

Repair prices vary because there are several cost factors which influence the total price of a washing machine repair:

• The age and model of the washing machine
• Whether it is integrated or freestanding
• The cost and availability of spare parts
• The type of fault and its complexity
• The labour timescale
• The property location and the technician's travelling time

Building Regulations Related to Washing Machine Repair

Most washing machine repairs don’t involve building regulations. But if the repair turns out to need plumbing work like a new pipe to be laid, or alterations to any fixed wiring, then Part P regulations will apply, and the repair should only be carried out by a Part P registered technician to ensure safety and compliance.

An example of the need to comply with Part P regulations would be if you were to install a washing machine in a bathroom.

Types of Washing Machine Repairs

Washing machine repairs can be broken down into 4 common types, which are:

Mechanical Repairs

Mechanical repairs include issues such as broken drum bearings and door switch failures. These types of repairs commonly cost between £50 and £200 to repair and take between 1 and 3 hours to complete.

Pros of a mechanical repair

• ✔ Normally, increase your washing machine’s lifespan
• ✔ Worth doing if the machine is under 8 years old

Cons of mechanical repairs

• ✖ Labour costs can be expensive

Electrical Faults

Electrical faults include motor replacement, which might be needed if the washing machine isn’t spinning. These types of repairs tend to cost more because parts are expensive. You can expect to pay between £220 and £400 for a repair, which will take, on average, around 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Pros of electrical repair

• ✔ Returns the machine to optimum efficiency
• ✔ The repair will likely stop any further, more serious damage

Cons of electrical repair

• ✖ Needs specialist repair, not a DIY fix

Plumbing-Related

Plumbing-related problems with a washing machine are often drainage or hose-related. Repairs are usually between £50 and £100, and many issues can be solved in 1 to 2 hours

Pros of plumbing-related repairs

• ✔ Improves washing machine efficiency
• ✔ Affordable repair

Cons of plumbing-related repairs

• ✖ Repair best carried out by a professional due to a washing machine’s combination of water and electricity

Sensor/Control Faults

Electronic sensors and control boards are important components in modern washing machines. They control almost every function, and sometimes a sensor or control board fault can mean the machine stops working completely. The cost to replace sensors or a control board is, on average, between £150 and £290.

Pros of sensor/control repair

• ✔ May resolve more than one problem
• ✔ Restores energy efficiency

Cons of sensor/control repair

• ✖ May not be a cost-effective repair if your machine is between 8 and 10 years old

Alternative Types of Washing Machine Solutions

Replacing the Washing Machine

If your washing machine is more than 8 years old and has already had one or more repairs, then it might be time to think about a replacement. You can pay between £200 and £2,250 for a new machine, depending on the brand. Average prices range from £200 to £300.

One of the advantages of a newer machine is the energy-saving costs. A newer machine is likely to save you money on your bills because it will use less electricity and water. recommend using a machine with a high energy rating. A is the highest and G is the lowest.

Buying a Refurbished Model

Buying a refurbished model might allow you to buy a better-quality brand or a machine that was bought new, but isn’t within your budget. Always buy a refurbished model from a trusted retailer who will confirm the machine has been fully tested and offer a guarantee or warranty.

Attempting DIY Fixes Before Calling in a Professional

A common problem with a washing machine is a failure to drain. DIY fixes should include checking that the hose isn’t twisted or blocked, or that something in the filter is causing a blockage.

Another check you can do before calling out a technician is to see if the switch mechanism inside the door is damaged or broken. If it is broken, you will need to call a technician to replace it.

Maintenance Services to Extend the Washing Machine’s Lifespan

Regular maintenance will always help to extend the lifespan of a domestic appliance, and washing machines are no exception. When you buy a new machine, you might be offered a warranty, which is normally added to the total cost of the washing machine.

You can also take out a warranty yourself through retailers or specialist companies. The annual cost of the warranty can be paid in full or over a 12-month period as a monthly payment. The average cost of a warranty for a washing machine is between £6 and £8 a month.

Checklist: Hiring a Washing Machine Repair Technician

Before you hire a contractor to install infrared heating, ask yourself questions:

• Have you obtained at least 3 quotes? More than one quote means you can compare services and prices before you make your choice.
• Does the technician have feedback and/or customer reviews? Reading opinions from previous customers will help you check the reliability and quality of the company’s services.
• Are they fully insured? All tradespeople should have public liability insurance, which covers any damage or injuries to you or your property as a result of an accident or negligence caused during the appliance installation or repair.
• Do they have the necessary experience working with washing machines? Their experience with washing machines helps them to understand common issues and diagnose problems faster.
• Have they confirmed they will supply you with a full written quotation? It should always be clearly written and delivered on paper or by email, never except a telephone quotation.
• Does the company provide warranties for both parts and labour? A good company should provide guarantees for parts and labour. Ask the repair technician to include this in their quote.

Removing Washing Machines: Considerations and Costs

If your old machine can’t be repaired, then it is going to have to be removed and disposed of, which might involve extra costs. Here are some of the factors you need to consider for a washing machine removal and disposal:

Disconnection: If you can disconnect the machine yourself, then it won’t cost you any money at all.

• You’ll need to turn off the electricity and the water supply
• Move the machine so that you can access the hose
• Lay towels on the floor and use a bucket for any escaping water
• Unscrew the cold-water inlet pipe
• Remove the hose from the washing machine along with the wastewater hose

If you need a professional to do the job, a handyperson will be able to help you. A handyperson, on average, charges between £20 and £30 an hour.

Disposal: The disposal of a washing machine must comply with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations. That means you can either use:

• A High Street Store: A lot of retailers will offer to remove and dispose of your old washing machine when you buy a new one from them. The service will either be free, or they will ask for a small charge, usually around £20 to £25
• A Private Company: Check that the company removes appliances according to WEEE regulations. Otherwise, you might find you face a fine from your local authority if it is disposed of incorrectly. On average, a private disposal company charges between £25 and £50.
• The Council’s Bulky Collection Service: Many local councils collect washing machines, and some will do so for free. But if there is a charge, on average, it is between £25 and £40.
• Take It Yourself to a Recycling Centre: If you can fit your appliance into your vehicle and your local recycling centre will accept the appliance, you can dispose of it yourself. Most recycling centres will accept white goods, like washing machines, free of charge.
• Give it to Charity: If your washing machine is still in good condition and you are replacing it because you are renovating your kitchen, for example, you could donate it to a charity that may have use of a vehicle and can pick it up from your home.

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