When It’s Worth It to Repair a Washing Machine

When a washing machine breaks, the immediate temptation can be to replace it with a new one. But is that always the best option? Learn how to make the right choice in this guide.

A broken washer for a single person with minimal laundry needs, it may be something that you can put off fixing for a while.

But throw in a partner, a couple of kids, and some household laundry for all of those people—and this can quickly become a day-by-day (or even hour-by-hour) disaster.

Fortunately, however, there are two possible solutions. You could:

• Fix your broken washing machine
• Replace it with a new one

There are upsides and downsides to each—but it’s also difficult to determine which one is the proper course of action when you’re in the midst of the problem.

So in this guide, you’re going to learn the truth about when it’s better to repair/fix your broken washing machine—and when it might be better to just buy a new one.

Note: In this guide, we only provide a price range for the parts. Different companies have different labor costs, so just keep that in mind.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Washer? Here’s What To Consider

Here’s what conventional wisdom tells us about repairing vs. replacing a broken washing machine. First off, most washing machines have a working life expectancy of about 10+ years.

But if your washer still has some potential life left, you’re left with a cost-benefit analysis that can be difficult for people who aren’t professional appliance technicians to calculate.

Thus, you can use this rule of thumb to make a fast calculation:

So now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of problems and breakdowns you can experience with a washing machine, and do some cost-benefit calculations for whether or not these specific problems generally call for repair or replacement.

If your washer is beyond the 6-7 year age range, and if the repair is going to cost more than half of what it would cost to buy a new unit, then you’ll probably want to consider replacing your washer rather than repairing it.

In any other case, it usually makes more sense to either fix it yourself or hire a service technician to do it for you.

We can say this with confidence because here at Denver Appliance Repair, we’ve literally fixed thousands of washing machines.

So not only do we know the specifics of what certain problems cost to fix, but we also know how long the average washer tends to last.

Diagnosing The Problem (And Figuring Out What The Solution Might Cost)

Problem: Leakage

Water Housing

Fast answer: Repair.

A washing machine water housing is a component that houses the water inlet valves and the water pressure switch. It is typically located on the back of the washing machine, near the water supply hoses.

If the water housing is the only problem with your washer, and the washer is otherwise in good condition, it’s probably worth repairing it. The cost of repairing a water housing can vary depending on the make and model of your washer, but it is typically less expensive than replacing the entire washer.

For this repair, parts will tend to cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

Water Inlet Valve

Fast answer: Repair.

The water inlet valve on a washing machine is a solenoid valve that controls the flow of water into the appliance. It’s typically located on the back of the washing machine, near the water supply hoses.

If your washer is in good condition apart from the water inlet valve issue, repairing it is definitely a viable option. The expense associated with fixing a water inlet valve can differ based on the brand and model of your washer, but it generally tends to be more cost-effective compared to replacing the entire washer.

For this repair, parts will tend to cost anywhere from $100 to $150.

Damaged Drain Housing and Drain Pump Seal

Fast answer: Usually repair.

A washing machine drain housing is a component of a washing machine that houses the drain pump and the drain pump seal. It is typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose.

The cost of repairing a damaged drain housing and drain pump seal can vary depending on the make and model of your washer, but it is typically less expensive than replacing the entire washer. However, if your washer is old or if the cost of the repair is high, you may want to consider replacing the washer instead.

For this repair, the cost of parts will tend to fall somewhere within these parameters:

• Drain housing: $50 to $100.
• Drain pump seal: $20 to $50.
• Drain pump assembly: $150 to $200.

Parts alone for this repair can range from $250 to $600. And when you add in labor, this can add up to be a rather costly repair.

Damaged Drum or Door Seal (Front Load Washers)

Fast answer: It depends on which part specifically has gone bad.

A washing machine door seal on a front-load washer is a rubber gasket that seals the door to the drum. It prevents water from leaking out of the drum while the washing machine is in use.

The expense associated with fixing a worn-out drum or door seal can differ based on the brand and model of your washer.

If the drum is damaged, it makes more sense to buy a new washer. A new drum will cost just as much as a new unit (not even taking labor costs into account).

For the rubber door seal, a repair is generally in order—as it tends to be a relatively minor issue.

Price for a rubber seal: $80-250

Price for drum (front or back): $400-1000.

Damaged Main Seal (Top Load Washers)

Fast answer: Usually repair, unless you have an older washer

A washing machine main seal on a top load washer is a rubber gasket that prevents water from leaking out of the washing machine tub. It’s typically located between the tub and the outer casing of the washing machine.

The cost of repairing a top main seal on a top-load washer can vary depending on the make and model of your washer, as well as the cost of labor in your area.

But as a general rule, the cost of parts associated with this particular repair is going to run anywhere from $150 to $300.

Damaged Transmission (Top Load Washers)

Fast answer: Usually replace, unless your washer is still under warranty or very new.

The transmission is a mechanical device that drives the agitator and/or the spin cycle. It is typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the agitator.

The transmission is a critical part of the washer—and generally, unless your washer is brand new and/or still under warranty, you’re going to be better off replacing the washer rather than fixing it.

Problem: Not Draining Correctly

Faulty Drain Pump

Fast answer: Repair.

A washing machine drain pump is a device that removes water from the washing machine tub after the washing cycle is complete. It is typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose.

Fixing a faulty drain pump usually tends to be a minor repair, and is generally a problem worth fixing.

Parts for this repair tend to range from $20 up to $140.

Clogged Drain Pump and Filter Housing

Fast answer: Usually repair.

The drain pump and filter housing is a compartment that houses the drain pump and filter. It’s typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose.

In general, a clogged drain pump and filter housing is not a difficult repair. However, it can be time-consuming, as the technician will need to disassemble the washer to access the pump and filter housing. The cost of the repair will vary depending on the make and model of your washer—but it’s usually a cost-effective repair, and is usually a better option than replacing the entire unit.

The cost of parts for such a repair generally runs anywhere from $60 to $160.

Clogged Drain Housing

Fast answer: Repair.

A drain housing is a compartment that houses the drain pump and filter, as well as other components, such as the drain hose and the drain pump motor. It is also typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose.

Usually, fixing a clogged drain housing isn’t too hard. But it can take a while since the technician has to take apart the washer to get to the drain housing. But even so—this repair is usually simple and cost-effective.

The cost of parts for this type of repair will tend to run anywhere from $20 to $100.

Clogged Main Drain (In the Wall)

Fast answer: Repair.

This actually isn’t a washing machine issue at all—but rather, a plumbing issue, as it’s caused by a clogged main drain (which is the pipe that facilitates washer drainage and sends it to the sewer line).

You’ll need to get this repaired in order for any washing machine to work.

Problem: The Washer Won’t Start

Door Latch (Front Load Washer)

Fast answer: Usually repair (unless the entire door assembly needs to be replaced).

A door latch on a front-load washer is a device that prevents the door from opening while the washing machine is in operation. It is typically located at the top of the door, and is activated by a solenoid. When the solenoid is energized, it engages the latch, which prevents the door from opening.

In general, repairing a front-load washer door latch is a relatively easy repair. However, if the latch is severely damaged or broken, you may need to replace the entire door assembly. But even in this case, it’s still usually a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire unit.

The cost of parts depends on the make and model, and can range from $70 to $110 for just the latch, up to $450 for an entire door assembly.

For especially expensive door assembly issues, and in situations where you’ll need to replace the entire door assembly, it might be worthwhile to consider replacing the washer if you currently own an older model.

Lid Switch (Top Load Washer)

Fast answer: Repair.

The lid switch on a top-load washing machine is a safety device that prevents the washing machine from operating if the lid is open. It is typically located at the front of the washing machine, near the lid.

Fixing/replacing a broken lid switch is considered to be a relatively minor repair, as the part itself is not very expensive and the labor involved is not very complex.

You can expect the parts for this repair to cost somewhere between $40 and $80.

Faulty Control Board – Doesn’t Detect That Door Is Closed—and/or, No Power to the Water-Pouring Elements

Fast answer: It depends on the age, make, and model of the washing machine.

A control board, also known as a main control board or MCU (microcontroller unit), is a critical part of a washing machine. It controls all appliance functions, including water level, spin cycle, and temperature.

The control board is typically located at the top or back of the washing machine, and is connected to all of the other components—such as the motor, the timer, and the sensors.

Replacing a faulty control board in a washing machine can be a relatively simple task, but it can also be difficult and expensive—depending on the age, make, and model of the washer.

This is a crucial part of the internal mechanisms, and is required in order for the washer to function.

If your control board goes bad, your best option is to contact us, tell us about the problem, and get an estimate. This will tell you exactly whether or not the repair would be worth it.

Parts alone for this repair can range from $140 to $350.

Problem: No Water

Faulty Plumbing – Weak Pressure From Water Housing

Fast answer: Repair.

The error message “Faulty Plumbing – Weak Pressure From Water Housing” usually means that the water pressure to your washing machine is not strong enough. This can cause the washing machine to not fill with water or to fill slowly.

Since this is a ‘water line’ issue and not a ‘washing machine’ issue, it’ll need to be repaired. Sometimes, this repair is as simple as unkinking the line or making sure that it isn’t blocked. Of course, it can be a complicated issue—but it doesn’t usually have anything to do with a problem within your washing machine itself. Thus, you’ll need to repair the issue in order for any washing machine to work.

Faulty Water Valve

Fast answer: Repair.

A water valve on a washing machine is a device that controls the flow of water into the washing machine. It is typically located near the water supply hoses at the back of the washing machine.

Replacing a water valve is a relatively straightforward repair that can even be done by a confident DIYer. However, it’s important to make sure that you purchase the correct replacement valve for your washing machine model. You can usually find the correct part number by looking up your washing machine model online or in the owner’s manual.

Depending on the make and model of your washer, this part can range in price from $60 to $170.

Faulty Pressure Switch

Fast answer: Repair.

A washing machine pressure switch is a device that monitors the water level in the washing machine. It is typically located at the top of the washing machine, near the water inlet valve.

If the pressure switch is broken, the washing machine may not fill or start. If the pressure switch isn’t working properly, it may not detect that the water has drained from the tub, which could cause the washing machine to stop mid-cycle.

In general, replacing a washing machine pressure switch is a relatively straightforward repair that can be done by a DIYer with some basic tools.

Parts for this repair range in cost from $50 to $140.

Problem: The Washer Won’t Spin or Agitate

Faulty Belt (Both Front and Top Load Washers)

Fast answer: Repair.

The belt on a washing machine is a rubber or fabric belt that connects the motor to the drum. The belt transmits power from the motor to the drum and spins it.

The belt is usually located on the front of the washing machine, between the motor and the drum. It’s a relatively simple part, and is usually easy to replace if it breaks.

Buying a new belt generally costs anywhere from $40 to $110.

Faulty Actuator (Top Load Washers)

Fast answer: Repair.

A washing machine actuator is a small motor that’s used to shift the washing machine from the agitate cycle to the spin cycle. The actuator is located at the bottom of the washing machine, and it’s connected to the splutch, which is a part that helps to control the movement of the drum.

In general, replacing a washing machine actuator is a relatively straightforward repair.

The parts for this repair will generally cost $50 to $100.

Faulty Motor-Stator (Both Front and Top Load Washers)

Fast answer: It depends on the age, make, and model of the washing machine. 

The motor stator on a washing machine is the stationary part of the motor. It’s made up of a series of coils that create a magnetic field when electricity is applied. The rotating part of the motor, the rotor, interacts with this magnetic field to create motion.

The stator is an important part of the washing machine motor, and if it fails, the motor will not be able to work. This also tends to be a rather difficult and expensive repair.

In some cases, it may make more sense to replace the entire washer if your motor-stator goes bad.

The cost of parts on this repair generally runs from $200 to $400.

Faulty Transmission

Fast answer: Usually replace, unless your washer is still under warranty or very new.

The washing machine’s transmission is responsible for powering the agitator and/or the spin cycle. Usually positioned near the agitator, it serves as a vital component of the washer.

When it comes to the transmission, replacing the entire washing machine is often a more advisable option unless your washer is new or covered by warranty.

This repair can be expensive, with part costs alone ranging from $250 to $600.

Problem: Noise

Metal Grinding (Top Load Washer) – Transmission

Fast answer: It depends on the specific nature of the problem.

Here’s the problem with this one—if the grinding noise is actually being caused by a failing transmission, then you could be looking at a situation where buying a new washing machine may actually be a more cost-effective choice (unless your washing machine is newer and/or under warranty).

With that being said, this noise could also be coming from the belt. If that’s the case, then you could be looking at a relatively easy fix.

Cost for parts:

• For the transmission: $250 to $600
• For the belt: $40 to $110

Loud Roaring – Drain Pump

Fast answer: Repair.

Parts for this repair tend to range from $20 up to $100.

If you hear a loud roaring sound coming from the drain pump on your washing machine, you should first check the drain hose for clogs.

You can do this by disconnecting the drain hose from the washing machine and looking for any blockages. If you don’t see any clogs, you should check the impeller. The impeller is usually located at the bottom of the drain pump. You can check the impeller by removing the drain pump from the washing machine and looking for any signs of wear or damage. If the impeller is worn or damaged, it should be replaced.

If you have checked the drain hose and the impeller and you are still hearing a loud roaring sound, the drain pump itself may be faulty. In this case, you will need to replace the drain pump.

(Of course, if this sounds too complicated, calling for a technician is the way to go.)

Fixing a faulty drain pump is generally considered a minor repair.

Problem: The Washer Door Won’t Open

If There Are No Error Codes – Faulty Lid Lock or Door Latch

Fast answer: Repair.

This issue is generally a symptom of one of the following problems:

• The lid switch isn’t working
• The door latch isn’t working
• The washing machine needs to be reset

If in doubt, it’s almost always better to first try to reset the appliance. Then, call a technician to diagnose the problem.

Thankfully, it’s usually an easy fix.

If There Are Error Codes

Fast answer: Repair.

Sometimes, the washer automatically locks itself to prevent water damage to the surrounding area.

If error codes are showing up on your appliance, find out what they mean and follow the steps outlined in your owner’s manual to resolve the issue.

If you can’t figure out how to do this, then call us for a diagnosis and an estimate of what it will take to fix the problem.

The Pros And Cons Of Repairing A Broken Washing Machine

As with everything, there are pros and cons to repairing a broken washing machine (versus buying a new one). Here are the major ones:

Pros

• Usually more cost-effective
• Can be the more ‘environmentally friendly’ choice in some cases
• Can be a simple fix/solution to the issue
• Can deliver peace of mind (knowing that you’ll be able to keep using your washer without forking over a bunch of money for a new one)

Cons

• Can sometimes take time (which can end up costing more in repair costs)
• For older washing machines, repairs may not serve as a permanent solution
• In cases where the washing machine is already getting older and breaking down more, continuing to make repairs might not be worth it

The Pros And Cons Of Replacing A Broken Washing Machine

Pros

• A new washing machine will contain newer technology and will probably be more efficient
• The new model will have a longer lifespan and be more reliable for a longer period of time
• You’ll likely get a new manufacturer’s warranty
• You’ll gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you probably won’t experience another breakdown anytime soon

Cons

• Replacing your broken washing machine with a new one can take some time. You’ll need to purchase it, get it delivered, get it installed, etc.
• It’s more expensive
• In some cases, replacing an older washing machine is more of a waste than fixing it
• It’s not always necessary to replace an old washing machine—especially if it can be repaired relatively cheaply

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand whether your current washing machine problem will likely lead to repair or replacement.

Keep in mind that every situation is different—but these problems/solutions should help to guide you as you try to figure out the most cost-effective way to move forward.

If you need any help diagnosing your broken washing machine, please contact us today. We’d love to help you get it sorted out and figure out if a repair will be worth the time and money.