Last updated: 2026-05-01
Washing Machine Repair Guide
Washing machines are one of the most repaired household appliances. Most failures trace back to a handful of parts that cost under $50 and take 30 minutes to swap.
Avg Lifespan
10-13 years
Replace Cost
$600-1,200
Common Fixes
4 problems
Common Problems
Not Draining
Water stays in the drum after the wash cycle ends
Cause: Clogged drain pump filter or failed drain pump motor
Parts from
$28
Not Spinning
Drum doesn't spin or tumbles very slowly during spin cycle
Cause: Worn drive belt or faulty motor coupling
Parts from
$18
Leaking Water
Puddle of water under or around the washing machine
Cause: Cracked inlet hose, loose drain connection, or failed door seal
Parts from
$14
Loud Noise During Spin
Banging, grinding, or thumping sound during the spin cycle
Cause: Worn drum bearings or damaged shock absorbers
Parts from
$35
Is It Worth Fixing?
A washing machine replacement costs $600-1,200. Most common repairs cost $10-50 in parts. If your unit is less than 10-13 years old, repairing it is almost always the better financial decision. Even if you're not comfortable with DIY repairs, a service call ($100-200) plus parts is still cheaper than replacing the entire unit.
When to replace: If the unit is past its expected lifespan, has had multiple failures, or the compressor/motor needs replacing (these are expensive components that signal end-of-life).