Repair or Replace a Washing Machine? Signs to Look For

Short answer: repair a washing machine when the fix costs less than half the price of a new one and the washer is less than halfway through its usual 10 to 13 years. Pumps, lid switches and door seals are worth fixing. A failed transmission or worn drum bearings on an older machine usually means it is time for a new one.

Washers give clear clues about what is wrong. Learning to read them helps you decide before you spend a dollar.

How Long Does a Washer Last?

Most washing machines last about 10 to 13 years. Hard water, heavy loads and how often you run it can shorten that. A washer at year five with a bad pump is an easy call. A washer at year twelve with a loud roar on the spin cycle is a harder one.

Signs the Washer Is Worth Fixing

Many washer problems come from small parts that wear out. Fixing them is quick and cheap next to a new machine.

• It will not drain: often a clogged or failed drain pump. Socks and coins are common causes.
• It will not spin: a bad lid switch, door lock or drive belt can stop the spin. A full tub that will not drain can stop it too.
• It will not start: on a top-loader, a lid switch is a common cause. On a front-loader, the door lock is a good place to look.
• It leaks from the front: on a front-loader, the rubber door seal may be torn or full of gunk.
• It fills slowly: the water valve screens may be clogged, or the valve may be failing.

Signs It Is Time to Replace It

Some problems are bigger than a part swap. These are the ones that usually tip an older washer toward replacement.

• A failed transmission: the transmission turns the drum. When it goes on an older top-loader, the repair often costs too much to make sense.
• Worn drum bearings: a loud roar or grinding sound during the spin often means the bearings are shot. On many front-loaders, that means taking the whole drum apart.
• Rust inside the tub: rust on the inside of a washer cannot be fixed. It can also stain your clothes.
• Repeat repairs: if you are calling for a fix more than once or twice a year, the washer is becoming a money pit.

Here is a simple example. A 12-year-old Whirlpool washer that needs a major motor repair is likely ready to go. The same washer with a clogged pump is worth a fix.

Why the Same Problem Can Cost Different Amounts

Labor plays a big role with washers. Some cheap parts sit deep inside. A small seal can mean taking the whole drum apart, which adds time. Other parts, like a pump or a lid switch, come out fast. That is why it helps to get a price for the exact fault before you choose.

What to Check Before You Call

• Make sure the washer is plugged in and the breaker has not tripped.
• Check that both water valves behind the washer are fully open.
• Look for a kink in the drain hose.
• If it will not spin, try a smaller, even load. One heavy towel on one side can stop a spin.
• On a front-loader, clean the pump filter near the bottom front if your model has one.

If the washer still acts up, it is time for a technician. Our guide to a washer that will not drain covers drain problems in more detail.

Apply the 50% Rule

Once you have a price, do the math. If the repair is more than half the price of a new washer, and the washer is past half its life, replacing is usually the better deal. Count all the costs of a new one, too. Delivery, install and hauling the old one away add to the price tag. Our full repair vs replace guide covers other appliances the same way.

Get a Price Before You Decide

A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance offers washer repair for top-loaders and front-loaders. The visit costs $79 for a home or $149 for a business, and the service call is free if you proceed with the repair. The technician tells you the price before any work starts, so there are no surprises. Each repair has a 30-day repair warranty. We answer the phone from 6am to 9pm, seven days a week.