Should I Repair or Replace My Washing Machine?

Short answerCompare the washing machine's age with its average life. Sources put it at about 10 to 13 years, so, as our rule of thumb, a younger machine with one failed part favors repair, and an older one with repeat problems or a costly repair favors replacing it. Our repair estimate is on this page.

What this costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Repair	Appliance Repair	$90	$460

Our rule of thumb

No source sets these age bands. This is our own rule of thumb, derived from the lifespan figures in NAHB's 2007 study and from the Department of Energy, which put average life at about 10 to 13 years.

Younger than the low end of that range, with one problem: lean toward repair.
Inside the range, with a minor problem: it could go either way, so get an estimate first.
At or past the high end, or with repeat problems: lean toward replacement.

Age and efficiency point the same way

The Department of Energy's Energy Saver Guide suggests considering a new ENERGY STAR washer once yours is more than 10 years old. ENERGY STAR says certified washers use about 20% less energy and about 30% less water.

Run the numbers

Our repair estimate is on this page. Get a quote for a replacement and compare the two.

Washing Machine Not Draining? How to Fix It

Common questions

Should I fix a washer that won't drain?

Check our guide on a washing machine that won't drain first, since the cause may be simple. On a younger machine, a repair is often the better choice.

Is an 8-year-old washer worth repairing?

By our rule of thumb, a single repair is reasonable at that age, because the average life is about 10 to 13 years. Get an estimate and compare.