When a washing machine or any big appliance breaks, you face a choice. Pay for a repair and keep the one you have, or spend more and buy new. The right answer depends on a handful of things, and a good technician will help you weigh them up, even when that means saying the repair is not worth it.
This guide uses washing machines as the main example, but the same thinking applies to dryers, dishwashers and ovens.
Start with age
Most washing machines are built to last around ten years or more, and good European and New Zealand brands often go well past that. A machine in its first few years that develops a fault is almost always worth repairing. One in its last years may be better replaced, especially if it has had several repairs already.
Age matters because parts wear together. A new pump in a machine with a tired drum bearing only fixes one of the problems you are going to meet.
Compare the cost of the repair to a new one
A common rule of thumb is to compare the repair quote to the price of a new machine of similar quality. If the repair is a small fraction of the replacement, repair usually makes sense. If it is close to half or more, replacement deserves a serious look, particularly on an older machine.
Compare like for like. A budget machine will cost less to replace than a premium one, so a repair on a premium brand often stays worthwhile for longer.
How it looks in practice
| Situation | Usually | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Young machine, small part such as a pump or door lock | Repair | Low cost against the value of a machine with years left. |
| Premium brand, mid age, common wear part | Repair | Parts are normally available and the machine is built to last. |
| Old machine, second or third repair in a short time | Consider replacing | Other worn parts are likely to follow. |
| Drum bearing or tub failure on a budget machine | Consider replacing | The repair is a large job against a low priced machine. |
| Control board fault on a mid range machine | Depends on the quote | Boards vary widely in price. Get the part cost confirmed first. |
| Parts no longer made for an older model | Replace | Even a cheap fault cannot be fixed without the part. |
Brand and build quality
Brands such as Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch and Electrolux are generally built to be serviced, and spare parts are usually available for many years. Some budget machines are made to be replaced rather than repaired, with sealed tubs and parts that are hard to source. That does not mean repair is impossible, but the sums often come out differently.
Energy and water use
A newer machine may use less water and power than one from a decade ago, and that adds up over time. It rarely outweighs the cost of a new machine on its own. Treat it as a bonus when the repair is already borderline, not a reason to throw out a working appliance.
Questions to ask before you decide
- What exactly is wrong Ask the technician to name the fault and the part, and to confirm it by testing. A guess is not a reason to spend money.
- What will it cost in total Get the full price for the repair, including the part, labour and call out, before any work starts.
- What else is likely to fail Ask what the technician saw in the rest of the machine. Worn bearings, a rusty drum or a cracked seal can tell you whether this is a one off.
- Is there a warranty on the repair Ask what the repair itself is covered for, and what the terms are, in writing if possible.
- What would a replacement cost Look at what a similar quality machine sells for today, including delivery and removal of the old one.
If the machine is still within its manufacturer's warranty, contact the manufacturer or retailer before booking anyone. Under Australian Consumer Law you may also have rights if a product fails earlier than it reasonably should. A repair done outside the warranty could affect that, so check first.
What an honest technician will tell you
A good technician will not push a repair on a machine that is past it. They will tell you if the part is cheap but the machine is worn out, if a bigger fault is likely to follow, or if the age and brand make replacement the sensible choice. They should also tell you plainly when a repair is a good bet.
- They explain the fault and show you the evidence if you ask.
- They give a price before work starts.
- They are willing to say a machine is not worth fixing.
- They do not blame you or use jargon to hurry a decision.
A quick way to decide
- Under about five years old and the fault is a single part: repair.
- Premium brand with a clear, testable fault: repair.
- Old machine, several faults at once: replacement is worth pricing up.
- You have already repaired it more than once recently: think about replacing.
- Part is unavailable: replace.
If you are not sure which way to go, book Kobe to look at it. He services washing machines and other appliances across Brisbane's Northside and the Redlands, and he will tell you what is wrong, what the repair involves and whether it makes sense for the age of your machine.
Questions people ask
How do I know if my washing machine is worth repairing?
Look at its age, the cost of the repair against a similar new machine, and whether other parts are wearing out. A young machine with a single faulty part is nearly always worth repairing.
Does repairing an appliance affect my warranty?
It can. If the appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty, contact them or the retailer first. Repairs by others during that period may affect your cover.
Will a technician tell me if a repair is not worth it?
A good one will. They should explain the fault, give you the cost and say plainly if a replacement makes more sense for the age and condition of the machine.