Washing machine repair costs in 2025

A broken washing machine can have you in a spin – not least because of that growing pile of laundry.

Average repair prices vary widely, starting at £70 but rising to £400. So deciding whether it’s worth repairing or replacing an old washing machine is key.

Here, we look at average washing machine repair costs and the most common issues to help you decide whether a repair or replacement is more cost effective.

We also share tips for finding a reliable washing machine technician using our free search directory below.

How much does washing machine repair cost?

While the above costs are a good place to start, it’s important to note that they relate to supplying and fitting parts.

You must also factor in a washing machine specialist’s callout fee and any additional labour time. That’s up next.

Hourly rates for a washing machine technician

You will first pay a callout fee when you hire a professional to repair your washing machine. This fee is usually in the region of £60.

A professional washing machine technician will then charge for parts and additional labour on top of that once they know what needs fixing. Expect to pay roughly £150 per hour for a qualified washing machine technician’s time.

Average washing machine repair costs for common issues

While there is a massive variety of washing machine models available for us to buy, the appliance’s key components are, give or take, the same. This means diagnosing (and hopefully fixing!) issues reasonably straightforward.

Let’s look at some of the most common repair jobs for washing machines and the costs involved:

Door seal replacement

• Door seals stop water leaking from the machine door
• To supply and fit a new door seal costs about £80

Motor brushes replacement

• Motor brushes transfer electrical currents to the motor, which then powers the rotation of your machine
• To supply and fit new motor brushes on your washing machine, the cost will be about £80 on average

New motor

• Motors are essential for powering your machine
• You’re looking at an average washing machine motor repair cost in the region of £325
• This is one of the most expensive parts to replace – which might warrant you replacing the machine with a newer, more energy-efficient model instead of repairing it
  

Pump replacement

• Pumps help keep water moving around your machine’s drum
• On average, the average washing machine pump repair cost is around £85

Drum repair

• This is the essential rotating element of your machine
• The average washing machine drum repair cost is around £180

Circuit board repair

• A machine’s circuit board controls the appliance’s functions
• The average cost to replace a washing machine circuit board is around £170

So, as you can see, washing machine parts replacement costs vary widely depending on the part that needs fixing. If you need to replace the motor or circuit board, it might be time to invest in a newer model instead of repairing it. More on that later.

Other washing machine repair costs include transmission, timer, and belt repair. For detailed information and accurate prices for the repair work, speak to your local washing machine specialists.

Factors affecting washing machine repair costs

The cost of your washing machine repair will depend on some key factors:

• Age of the machine – The average lifespan of a washing machine is around eight to ten years. So, if your machine is older than that, it might be cheaper to replace than to repair it
• Make and model – Certain brands have more expensive parts or are more sophisticated in build. These may cost more to repair, hiking up your washing machine repair cost
• Type of problem –The more complex the problem your washing machine has, the more it will cost to repair. As explored above, a motor or circuit board replacement will cost far more than a door seal replacement
• Type and quality of parts needed – Official manufacturer parts cost more than generic equivalents
• Cost of labour – The technician who comes out to repair your washing machine will charge you a call-out fee as well as their hourly rates. Your washing machine repair cost will depend on how long it takes them to fix the problem
• Any emergency callout fee – If you need a technician urgently, you may have to pay an emergency callout fee. This will make your final bill higher
• Where you live – The callout fee and hourly repair costs depend quite a bit on where you live. London, for example, will have much higher rates than a town that’s not as big or busy

Common washing machine problems and solutions

With a little know-how, there are some washing machine problems that you can investigate and potentially fix yourself.

So, before calling a qualified washing machine technician, follow these washing machine troubleshooting steps to determine the issue.

Issues with drainage

• Symptoms – You notice your washing machine’s drum is full of water at the end of the cycle
• Causes – It could be caused by a blockage in the drain pump, or the drain hose may have something stuck in it
• Fixes – Follow our step-by-step guide to unblocking a washing machine

Spinning problems

• Symptoms – The load will end the wash cycle, but it won’t start spinning, and your machine drum is still filled with water
• Causes –This could be an issue with the balance sensor, the drum draining, the drive belt, or even a problem with the motor
• Fixes – This is harder to diagnose and, therefore, worth getting your local washing machine specialist to take a look

Excessive shaking and noises

• Symptoms – Nearly all washing machines will shake or vibrate to some degree. However, if your machine is bouncing, vibrating excessively or making a lot of unusual noise, then that could be a problem
• Causes – It could simply be that it’s on even ground, as that can cause it to wobble and shake unnecessarily
• Fixes – A common solution is to adjust your washing machine’s levelling legs/feet to balance out your appliance. If that fails, it’s time to call a professional

Persistent bad odours

• Symptoms – Have you noticed your clothes or sheets smell funny after a wash? Or an odour coming from the machine drum?
• Causes – This could be caused by dirt or a limescale build-up in your washing machine that needs cleaning
• Fixes – You can often sort this problem yourself with a thorough cleaning of all accessible parts of the machine (including the detergent drawer), regularly putting on a hot maintenance wash and leaving the door open after each wash

Should you repair or replace your washing machine?

The good news is that appliance repair is more possible than ever now, thanks to the UK’s right-to-repair scheme.

In a nutshell, spare parts will be available within two years of an appliance going on sale. They may remain available until seven or even ten years after the product is discontinued.

However, although parts are more readily available, there are other deciding factors to consider when weighing up whether to repair or replace your machine. They include:

Age of appliance

• A replacement might make more sense if your washing machine is over five years old. That’s because the average lifespan of a washing machine is between 7 and 12 years

Frequency of issues

• If your washing machine is old and the repair costs are mounting from various issues, it might be time to invest in a new machine

Cost of repairs

• If the repair is minor and fairly inexpensive, we would always recommend repairing it
• However, if the cost to repair it is more than 50% of the cost of a replacement, most professionals advise you’re better off replacing your machine

Energy efficiency

• New machines are much more energy-efficient
• The most recent models also offer specialist eco and timer settings to help you save money on your utility bills
• Using your washing machine outside the peak energy usage hours of 4pm to 9pm (when tariffs are at their highest) can also help to reduce your bills

Warranties and guarantees

• Don’t forget to check if your appliance is still under warranty from your manufacturer or the retailer you bought it from. If it’s still under warranty, it will be more cost effective to repair it rather than replace it

Get a quote for your washing machine repair

Have you run through the washing machine troubleshooting above and decided it’s time to call in a professional? Checkatrade can help.

Getting a quote for your washing machine repair is easy using our free ‘Request a quote‘ tool. Simply fill out the form and explain your problem with your washing machine.

We’ll then do all the legwork for you and send it to experienced washing machine technicians in your area. Then, you can pick from the quotes you receive.

We always recommend comparing prices from at least three companies before deciding.

Washing machine maintenance tips

Keeping on top of proper maintenance can help extend your washing machine’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

Here are a few washing machine maintenance tips to start with:

• Clean the drum – Run an empty cycle with hot water and white vinegar or a special washing machine cleaner
• Check and clean the filters – Clean and/or replace the filters in your washing machine as recommended by the manufacturer
• Inspect hoses and connections – Check the hoses on your washing machine regularly for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks
• Balance the load – Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for load capacity to keep your washing machine running smoothly
• Use the right detergent – Use the recommended quantities for your washing load. Using too much washing detergent can cause a buildup of soap residue, which can affect performance
• Avoid overusing fabric softeners –  Avoid using too much fabric softener.  It can clog filters and prevent water from draining properly

You can find plenty more tips for all your household essentials on our appliance maintenance guide.

Washing machine repair checklist

• Before hiring a professional tradesperson to fix your washing machine, check if it is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or retailer’s guarantee. If so, speak to them first to organise the repair
• For problems that need professional repair, contact several local specialists to get fair and competitive prices for your washing machine repair
• If you need an emergency repair, be prepared to pay an additional fee for a speedier service

Find washing machine repair near you

A recommendation from friends and family is always a good place to start when looking for a washing machine specialist.

However, if that’s not an option, searching for a tradesperson is easy with Checkatrade. Just follow these three simple steps:

• Use a professional directory

Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

• Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson’s professionalism.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

• Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes from experienced professionals who are local to you. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.

Washing machine repair costs: frequently asked questions

What is the average cost to repair a washing machine in the UK?

How much it costs to repair a washing machine in 2025 depends on the problem. But, to give you a general steer, the average washing machine repair cost is between £70 and £400.

How long does it take to repair a washing machine?

The time it takes to repair a washing machine depends on the issue. For instance, a door seal replacement will be much quicker than replacing a washing machine circuit board. That’s because a circuit board involves electrics, and rewiring will be needed.

You may also need to factor in potential waiting time if a new part needs to be ordered.

Is it worth getting a washing machine repaired?

Absolutely. If the repair is minor and fairly inexpensive, we always recommend repairing it. In fact, appliance repair is more possible now than ever, thanks to the introduction of the UK’s right-to-repair scheme.

Is it better to repair or replace a washing machine?

Most professionals advise that it’s worth replacing a machine if the cost to repair it is more than 50% of the cost of a replacement. Similarly, if your washing machine is over five years old, a replacement might be a sensible option – especially if the repairs are significant. This is because your appliance could be nearing the end of its life soon anyway.

How much is a call-out fee for a washing machine technician?

The average callout fee for a washing machine technician is usually in the region of £60.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

A washing machine motor is one of the most expensive parts to replace. You’re looking at an average cost in the region of £325 – which might warrant you replacing the machine with a newer, more energy-efficient model instead of repairing it.

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine pump?

On average, a washing machine pump repair cost is around £85.

What are the signs that a washing machine needs repair?

A washing machine that won’t switch on is a surefire way to know there’s a problem. But there are other tell-tale signs to look out for, such as excessive shaking, issues with drainage and spinning problems. Ignoring persistent problems like this could lead to costly repairs in the long run. So it’s always best to get a professional washing machine technician to take a look.

Can a washing machine be repaired after 10 years?

If your washing machine has been well-maintained and it’s a simple (and cheap) fix, nothing is stopping you from having it repaired. However, if the cost to repair it is more than 50% of the cost of a replacement, it’s time for a replacement.

But don’t forget, it’s not just the cost of the part you must budget for. You also need to factor in a professional’s call-out fee and any extra labour time.

What is the lifespan of a washing machine?

Keep up with regular maintenance, and expect your washing machine to last between 7 and 12 years.

Can I repair a washing machine myself?

As we’ve explored above in our washing machine troubleshooting steps, there are some repairs you can carry out yourself. Such as adjusting the levelling legs or feet on your washing machine to stop it from shaking or clearing a blocked drainage pipe.

However, we always recommend hiring a professional for more complex jobs and part replacements. If you attempt to fix it yourself, you could invalidate your appliance insurance or warranty.

How do I find a reliable washing machine technician?

Getting a quote for your washing machine repair is easy using our free ‘Request a quote‘ tool. Simply fill out the form and explain your problem with your washing machine.

Alternatively, you can search for a reliable professional using our free directory below.