Washing machine repair techs will have your wash running in no time
Although some appliances may lend themselves to easy DIY repairs, tackling a washing machine repair can be too complex for most people. So, who fixes washing machines? You’ll want to hire a washing machine repair specialist to fix this key appliance. This type of technician has the know-how and experience to repair washers of any age and type.
If you’re wondering who to call to fix a washing machine, a local washing machine repair pro can offer several benefits.
Quick diagnosis: A repair professional will have the experience to narrow down the possible causes of the problem quickly, meaning repairs can start faster.
Diagnostic tools: Washing machine repair pros often have diagnostic tools that connect to the machine to track down the problem faster. They also can decipher any error codes the machine displays.
Less trial and error: If you’re doing a DIY washing machine repair, you may use trial and error to find the problem, which can quickly become pricey. Professionals can figure out the problem more accurately the first time.
Guaranteed work: Washing machine repair technicians may offer a guarantee of the repairs they do for a period of time. This gives you peace of mind about the quality of the repair.
Advice: A repair pro can advise on whether to repair or replace appliances like a washing machine. If the repair estimate is close to the cost of a new machine, the specialist can give you expert advice on what to do.
Although you can DIY a washing machine repair, it may not be easy. In addition to struggling to diagnose the problem, you may not have the right tools to reach the broken parts.
If you don’t have a thorough understanding of the parts of a washing machine, you may struggle to figure out what you’re looking at when you open the machine. This makes it extremely difficult to fix the appliance properly.
For example, if your washing machine is not spinning, you may need to find and test the lid switch (or door lock switch), drive belt, motor, and drain pump. If you aren’t sure how to access these parts, you’re better off calling a pro for an accurate diagnosis and a quick fix.
An average washing machine repair costs $180, so you’d save about that much if you DIY the job. However, you can potentially save money in the long run by hiring a pro, rather than buying random replacement parts in a trial-and-error diagnosis process.
Who fixes washing machines beyond a washing machine repair person? A local appliance repair company can often do repair work on a washing machine, even if the company doesn’t specialize in laundry appliances.
As long as the appliance repair pro has the right tools and diagnostic capabilities to work on a washing machine, this versatile tech can do the job successfully.
If your washing machine has an unusual brand or a nontraditional design—like a washer-dryer combo machine—you may want to stick with a company that specializes in washing machine repair.
When you hire repair professionals who fix washing machines, how do they do it?
The repair technician will start by running diagnostics on the machine, if your model has this capability. A WiFi-enabled machine may be able to transmit error codes to the technician. Otherwise, the machine may show error codes on the display screen.
Based on the diagnostics and error codes, the repair pro narrows down the potential problem. The tech then runs a few tests to figure out exactly which part is broken or if the machine simply needs some specialized cleaning and maintenance.
If the technician has the right part on the truck, the repair can happen immediately. Otherwise, if the tech must order a replacement part, the repair may need to occur several days later.
The repair professional knows how to prepare for potential leaks out of the machine during repair tasks, keeping any mess to a minimum.
A malfunctioning washing machine can cost $50 to $150 per hour for professional repairs, factoring in both parts and labor. This cost depends on the cause of the problem, washing machine complexity, and local market rates for appliance repair services. A simple replacement of a broken door will cost significantly less than replacing complex parts like pumps, timers, and motherboards in high-end digital models.
Ultimately, this depends on the age of the washing machine, the extent of the problem, how much you paid for the washing machine, and the cost of parts and labor to repair it versus buying and installing a new one. If a washing machine is seven years old and has a persistent issue requiring repairs, it's often well worth replacing it since you’ll get a new warranty, and newer machines also consume less water. But if you paid $2,000 for a newer model and the warranty just ran out, repairs are most cost-effective unless it is broken beyond repair.
A washing machine's lifespan is 10 years on average, with more durable models lasting about 15 years. More wear and tear and lack of maintenance will shorten a washing machine's life. Older models can last 20-30 years, although they are not as energy-efficient and consume more water compared to modern washing machines.
