Should You Repair or Replace Your Washing Machine?

By Elizabeth Marcant

March 18, 2026

One day, you throw a load of towels in the washer, and they come out smelling mustier than they did when they went in. Or, your washing machine still cleans clothes but only if you put a quarter load in. When laundry tasks take longer than they used to and your machine can't keep up, it might be time to decide whether to repair or replace your washing machine.

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Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Washer? Consider These 6 Factors

If you're considering washing machine repair, use the factors below to determine whether replacement makes more sense.

Average Life Expectancy of a Washer

Washing machines aren't forever appliances. Modern washers tend to last around 10 to 15 years, so if yours has delivered more than a decade of service, it may be time for something new. If your wash is less than 10 years old, you may want to make affordable, practical repairs.

Whether It Can Be Repaired

Not every issue with a washing machine can be fixed. A cracked tub or dead motor might not be practical to repair, especially if parts are no longer available for your machine. An appliance repair professional may also recommend replacement if the broken part is difficult to get to or the act of repair would put other parts significantly at risk.

How Many Problems Your Washer Has

If your washing machine regularly requires repair work, it may be better to replace it. Otherwise, you have to pay to have someone diagnose the problem and fix it every few months. Plus, the interruption to household chores can add unneeded stress to your routine.

Appliance Repair Costs

Even a single repair need can drive you toward a new purchase. Often, repair professionals recommend buying a new appliance when the fix would cost more than 50% of the average cost of replacement.

Features on the Machine

The decision to repair or replace your washing machine doesn't always come down to metrics like age or cost. Your personal preferences should play a role. If you don't really like your washer or new ones are available with better features, it may be worthwhile to invest in a replacement even if your machine is repairable. In this case, you might want to consider whether you can sell your existing machine on a local marketplace.

Energy Efficiency

Older washing machines are typically less energy- and water-efficient than new models. Consider the long-term ownership costs of your washing machine compared to a new one. It may make sense to replace your machine with a model that helps cut down on utility costs.

Common Challenges in Repairing Your Machine

The burden associated with washing machine repair can often make the decision for you. Common challenges associated with repair include:

Diagnostic fees. Average service call fees, which typically include diagnostics and up to an hour of labor, range from $70 to $130 (CAD 96 to CAD 178). If you call a repair person out on the weekend or during a holiday, you might pay $140 to $400 (CAD 192 to CAD 548). Parts and labor for repairs might cost more on top of that fee.
Hard-to-get parts. If you have an older or less common washing machine, replacement parts might be expensive or difficult to get. You may be left waiting for parts for days or weeks while the laundry piles up.
Complex electronics. Modern washing machines have complex electronic controls and computerized elements that can make diagnostics more difficult. Repair professionals may need to chase down multiple potential issues, increasing the time it takes to repair your machine.
Repair timing. When a washing machine breaks down early in a holiday period or during busy seasons when you have to wait for a repair person, you might opt to buy a new appliance so you can get back to your normal routines faster.

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Repair Vs. Replace: What to Do Once You Decide

If you consider all of the above factors and still aren't sure whether you should repair or replace your washing machine, consider getting an appliance repair person to look at it. They can let you know what's wrong, what it might cost to repair and what your replacement options are.

If you decide to repair the washing machine:

Compare service company reviews and ask friends and family for referrals to ensure you work with someone you can trust.
Schedule a service call and ask them to diagnose any issues.
Ask for estimates on the repair in writing and ask questions to ensure you understand what the repair person recommends.
Weigh the cost and ease of the repairs with the price of a new machine.

If you decide to replace the washing machine:

Read reviews and product information for new models.
Ask friends and family what they like and don't like about their washing machines to gather user data.
Look for local and online appliance sales so you can get the best deal on a washer.
Arrange delivery and professional installation to ensure your new washing machine delivers optimal performance.

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