The Ultimate Guide to Washing Machine Repair Costs in the United Kingdom
Washing machines endure plenty of wear and tear during their lifespan, so regular maintenance and occasional repairs are not unusual. Find out how much you’re likely to pay for common repairs (such as leaks and drainage issues) with this savvy cost guide.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Washing Machine?
- Common washing machine repairs and average costs
- How much does it cost to repair a washing machine circuit board?
- How much does it cost to repair other washing machine parts?
- Can I repair my washing machine myself?
- FAQs About Washing Machine Repair Costs
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
What you’ll pay for washing machine repair will differ depending on your location and the experience of the person doing the work. You might encounter some additional costs if the washing machine is difficult to access or if it requires replacement parts that are tricky to source. However, you’ll usually be made aware of those before any work begins.
It’s common to receive a fixed quote for washing machine repair, covering time, labour, and parts. When priced hourly, however, you can expect to pay between £40-£80 per hour for appliance repair labour.
It’s worth noting that washing machine repair will sometimes come with a call-out fee. This can be quite high if it’s an emergency visit, so we suggest budgeting between £45 and £125.
Common washing machine repairs and average costs
When you encounter an issue with your washing machine, there are often some
clues as to what’s wrong. You might see puddles of water on the floor, hear an unfamiliar noise, have a load that won’t drain or see an on-screen error code.
Describing the issues to a repair specialist will help them make an informed suggestion about what’s wrong without an initial visit, which can save you money. It’s always wise to get a few quotes from different providers, too.
Take a look at these figures for an idea of how much common washing machine repairs are likely to cost.
| Common washer issues | Price range |
| Initial diagnostic | £50-£90 |
| Drum issue | £150-£250 |
| Motor malfunction | £100-£200
|
| Water pump replacement | £65-£100 |
| Circuit board replacement | £100-£180 |
| Door seal issues | £50-£80 |
| Drainage issues | £50-£100 |
Washing machine repair hourly rates
In the UK, hourly rates for washing machine repairs generally range from £40 to £80. Factors like the repair expert’s experience, your location and how complex or urgent the work is can all affect the exact rate.
It’s worth shopping around for someone local who fits your budget. Remember that with hourly rates, the costs of parts and call-out fees might be added to the bill, too.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine circuit board?
When the printed circuit board (or PCB) is playing up, the electrics that control your washing machine can fail and your appliance might not switch on at all. In the UK, the average cost of replacing a circuit board on a washing machine is about £150 to £180, depending on your location and the make and model of your machine.
It can be cheaper to source refurbished or third-party parts (not made by the original manufacturer) online yourself. So you might save some money by chatting to your repair provider beforehand about this option.
Usually, however, parts are easy to source, and an experienced technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
How much does it cost to repair other washing machine parts?
You may find that it’s not always the washing machine circuit board that’s at fault. Here are some other washing machine parts that commonly require repairs, along with their typical repair costs.
- Door seal/Gasket replacement – £50 to £80
- Door seals can prevent leaks by maintaining a secure seal.
- Drum bearings – £100 to £200
- If you find your washing machine is making more noise than usual, your drum bearings may need replacing. This can be quite a labour-intensive washing machine repair, so this is reflected in the cost.
- Drain pump – £70 to £120
- The drain pump removes water from the drum, so if you’re having draining issues, you could likely do with a drain pump replacement.
- Heating element – £70 to £100
- The heating elements of your washing machine are essential for a high water temperature.
- Motor – £150 to £300
- You will require a motor replacement if you find your machine isn’t spinning. It’s the most essential part of your washing machine, so this is reflected in the price.
- Belt – £30 to £60
- A broken or worn washing machine belt can cause the entire drum to stop spinning.
- Water inlet valve – £50 to £100
- If your washing machine isn’t filling up with water, this is probably due to an inlet valve issue.
- Pressure switch – £40 to £80
- The pressure switch regulates the water levels in your washing machine. If your machine overfills or doesn’t fill at all, your pressure switch is likely causing the issue.
- Timer/Control knob – £50 to £90
- If your machine doesn’t start or struggles to change between cycles, you may require a washing machine timer/control knob repair.
Can I repair my washing machine myself?
It can be tempting to try and fix your washing machine yourself, especially if it packs in mid-load or at an inconvenient time, but there are multiple risks to take into account before you attempt a DIY repair.
Washing machines are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre which could lead to injury, there’s a chance of flooding the kitchen and the network of pipes, cables and cupboards behind the machine can make access tricky and dangerous.
The good news? Most common washing machine problems are a straightforward fix for an experienced repair person. They’ll know how to replace broken circuit boards and seals, repair drums and hoses, and clean those pesky filters.
FAQs About Washing Machine Repair Costs
How do I know if it’s worth repairing my washing machine?
Deciding whether to repair your washing machine or recycle it and invest in a new one can be tricky. If you don’t want to end up out of pocket, compare replacement costs with a repair quote. For machines over 8-10 years old, high repair costs may not be worth it. You’re better off replacing it with a more energy-efficient modern machine. Some retailers will also let you trade in your old model for a discount.
On the other hand, if the quotes come back and it’s a quick and affordable fix, then it’s worth sticking with your current machine and getting it repaired.
How can I get a detailed estimate for washing machine repairs?
Whilst we can offer you UK averages and guide prices, for a detailed price you’ll want to speak to a handful of local repair service providers. Lots of common washing machine issues can be easily diagnosed over the phone, over text or email with a few photographs, or described via the handyman booking app you use. This means you can usually expect a fairly accurate quote upfront — but it’s still wise to compare quotes in your area.
Which parts are common in washing machine repairs?
Common parts that may need repair or replacement include the pump, motor, belts, circuit board and hoses. Most parts can be easily and quickly sourced by whoever takes on the repair, and you can also go for (cheaper) third-party or universal parts to keep costs down.
Can I save money by using generic washing machine parts?
Yes, using generic or aftermarket parts can be less expensive than using official manufacturer parts. However, parts provided by the original manufacturer are more likely to be covered by a warranty and tend to last a bit longer. They might work more efficiently, too. There’s a good chance your repair provider will have plenty of experience with the different makes and models and can advise you on which brands to go for.
