Before the innovation and utility of the washing machine, people would take a few hours of their day to find a water source where they could clean their clothes. Fast forward in time and now we have a machine that does the job with less than a fraction of the work and less time-consuming.
Unfortunately, the washing machine can still break down and might need to be either fixed or replaced altogether. Depending on the costs, homeowners can make the choice of whether they’d hire a professional to come into their homes and fix the appliance or to buy a whole new unit. The average cost range for a new washing machine is about $250 to $2050.
Repair average costs can range from $50 to $450. Calculating this average, all of the costs are included with the materials and the professional services.
History of the Washers
The wash house was basically the washer of a bygone era. This was during the time when cholera, smallpox and typhoid fever swam across the nation. Back then, people would use dirty water to clean their clothes, spreading infection and unwanted pestilence. However, due to this situation, public health and hygiene began to switch gears and constructed wash houses for villages and small towns.
It became a prevalent and communal location for women. This was a gathering place to talk about local news or sing to pass the time when finishing their chores. Then running water became the next big thing. Once running water was available for the homes in the country, wash houses transformed into a relic of the past.
Inspired by the early techniques of washerwomen, the first washing machine was invented in France and it became the most modern invention of the early 1800s. The whole populace began to purchase their washing machines and it shifted the world into a new generation of other inventions.
The first iteration of the washing machine was just a wooden tank of hot water where you’d place your dirty hamper of clothing. Inside the contraption, you’d manually turn a lever to spin the mechanism. Two rollers would then wring out the water from the wet and damp mound of garments.
After WWI, the first electrical washing machine came into fruition. Automation became more and more popular and the washing machine went from manually powered to automatically utilized. From a wooden barrel with a simple lever, the washing machine continued to grow further along its own evolutionary chain. Pressure switches, thermostats and timers were added into the different lines of models and various brands.
Now, there are washing machines that are designed to make your washing cycles last only for an hour or lower. Constantly changing, the washing machine is now capable of so many interchangeable features like Wi-Fi connectivity, and has water-saving qualities.
What Kind of Washer Do You Have?
Like any major appliance needed for your everyday life, there are different kinds of washers out in the world. Since so many different brands and models exist, there’s a wide assortment of average cost ranges to think about before you look into repairing your washing machine.
Image by hippopx
Portable Washing Machine
The best feature of this type of appliance is in the name. This type is not only portable but also functional. With such a compact unit, homeowners wouldn’t expect that the portable washing machine would be as useful as a regular washing machine. Press the button and the whole cycle will run and clean your clothes in the same time that your old-fashioned washing machine would. The average repair cost can range from $80 to $150. If you wish to just replace a new portable washing machine, the range will be about $60 to $350
Top Loader Washing Machine
Typically, the top loading washing machine is used for homeowners with back issues. Bending the back is not something that you don’t wish to do, especially with a back-breaking chore that requires you to carry and walk about with a heavy hamper.
One of the best things about the top loader is that it takes up very little space. The average repair cost for a top loader is about $150 to $225, while the replacement cost can go anywhere between $220 to $1200.
Front Load Washing Machine
Unlike the top loader listed above, the front loading washer has a horizontally placed drum. Although the front loading washing machine might be heavier than your conventional top loader, it leaves a lot more space for you and your family’s clothes.
By taking advantage of the gravity and the water spinning, the water that the appliance uses is saved. Another benefit of owning a front loader is that it squeezes water out of your supply of unmentionables so it takes less time to dry your clothes.
Repair average range is about $200 to $300, while the replacement cost would cost about $700 to $2300. There are units that could go all the way up to $4000.
Difference between Semi and Fully-automatic Washing Machine
New homeowners should input this information by researching the difference in a semi-automatic and fully-automatic washing machine. The big contrast between the two is the manual usage of water.
To use a semi-automatic washer, you have to fill the tank with water yourself. However, the other difference of the two kinds is that the fully-automatic washer saves space. Since it is designed to be bigger, it’ll hold more clothes for homeowners with larger families.
Cost for Replacement Parts
Depending on which part you’re considering to repair, the cost average associated with that part may range from about $75 to $550. You can weigh out what kind of issues your washer is facing and determine which part needs to be fixed or repaired.
| Parts | Cost Range | Common Issues for Repair |
| Drain Hose Cost | $75 - $230 | Leaks |
| Inlet Valve Cost | $75 - $160 | No water |
| Coupling Cost | $80 - $100 | No spinning |
| Lid Switch Cost | $90 - $150 | Washer won’t start |
| Pressure Switch Cost | $100 - $175 | Washer won’t start |
| Shutoff Valve Cost | $100 - $225 | Leaks |
| Shock Absorber Cost | $105 - $230 | Too much vibration or shaking |
| Door Lock Cost | $110 - $200 | No fail safe or lid during cycle |
| Parts | Cost Range | Common Issues for Repair |
| Bearings Cost | $150 - $260 | Strange noises |
| Door Cost | $150 - $275 | Won’t close or open |
| Drum Bearings Cost | $175 - $200 | Very strange noises |
| Belt Cost | $180 - $275 | Strange smell |
| Transmission Cost | $200 - $350 | Stuck on cycle |
| Rubber Gasket Cost | $230 - $300 | Mold |
| Pump Cost | $300 - $400 | Leaks |
| Drum Cost | $350 - $550 | Strange noises |
| Other Parts | Cost Range | Functions |
| Timer | $100 - $280 | Times your cycles |
| Agitator | $350 - $575 | Oscillator for your clothes |
| Clutch | $225 - $300 | Spins the basket |
| Motherboard | $275 - $400 | Acts as the washer’s settings |
| Spider | $280 - $400 | Stabilizes the washer’s tub |
| Motor | $325 - $500 | Powers the washer |
Professional Repairs
Like any of the major appliances you decide to repair, specialists and professionals will charge you for the service call and travel fees. By finding out multiple estimates, you can find an appliance repair technician to come to your home and figure out what kind of services you’ll need.
Fortunately, fees like these usually cost about $40 to $100, then charge you, either at a flat rate or an hourly rate. The beneficial factor to hiring a handyman is how accessible the parts and tools are for the people you decide to choose. The lifespan of an average washing machine is about 11 years, so if you’re passing the eleventh year, you’re most likely going to replace the washing machine instead. But if the parts you’re currently using are just faulty, then you can just fix whatever inconvenience you’re dealing with.
Plumbing Related Issues
A serious and severe problem that you might face in the future will be the possibility of dealing with floods or water damage. Unfortunately, whether you have a bursted washer hose, or you’re struggling to understand why your washer isn’t filling or draining, you might have to call and ask for assistance from a plumber.
The plumbing issues will definitely set you about $45 to $200 per hour. To avoid these scenarios, you should watch for coins or debris. By making sure you’re not putting anything harmful into your washing machine, you’ll lessen the chances of breaking your washer down.
Hiring a Professional or Professionals Through House Tipster
The replacement or repair for a washing machine can give any homeowner a migraine. Just thinking about the mountain of dirty clothes you can’t clean would give any person a headache. You’d probably have to find a local laundromat to get your Sunday chore done.
But before you even consider making a purchase of the newest model, you should research and understand what goes into the replacement or repair process. Safety and costs are the first things to remember pertaining to all of your installations.
The ongoing search of information and trying to find the right kind of professional can be easily achieved through House Tipster. This site is a one-stop shop for both research on home renovations and estimates by local experts. Consider hiring a professional through our site, within the comfort of your home.
Check out House Tipster, and find the perfect pro for your home repair needs. How Much Does Washing Machine Repair Cost? Find out from professionals in your area.
Featured Image by weustenigel from Flickr
