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Washing machine repair vs replacement: which is cheaper?

Updated June 2026 6 min read

Quick verdict

For most everyday faults, repairing is the cheaper option. A typical repair runs from £70 to £400 and averages around £125, while a new washing machine often costs £200 to £500 or more. Replace it if the repair costs more than half the price of a new machine, or if the machine is already around 8 to 10 years old.

Option A

Repairing

Repairing means paying for parts and labour to keep your current washing machine running, which is often cheapest for common faults such as pumps, door seals and carbon brushes.

Option B

Replacing

Replacing means buying a new machine, usually with a new warranty, better efficiency and a fresh expected lifespan, but with a higher upfront cost.

Side-by-side comparison

Repair usually wins for a newer washing machine with a minor fault. Replacement usually makes more sense once the machine is older, the repair is major, or the quote is more than 50% of the cost of a new machine.

Typical cost

Repairing

£70 to £400, around £125 on averageBetter

Replacing

£200 to £500+ for a new machine

Best for

Repairing

Machines under about 7 years old with a minor fault

Replacing

Machines 8 years or older, or with a major fault

Lifespan

Repairing

Extends your current machine, limited if it is old

Replacing

Resets the clock to a typical 8 to 12 yearsBetter

Energy efficiency

Repairing

Unchanged from your existing machine

Replacing

Newer models are more efficient, lowering running costsBetter

Downtime

Repairing

Often fixed in a single visitBetter

Replacing

Order, delivery and disposal of the old machine

Environmental impact

Repairing

Less waste, keeps a working machine in useBetter

Replacing

New manufacturing plus disposal of the old unit

Pros and cons

Repairing pros and cons

Pros

  • ✓Usually much cheaper for common faults like a door seal, pump or carbon brushes
  • ✓Often sorted in one visit, so little disruption
  • ✓Less waste, and keeps a machine you already know

Cons

  • -No improvement in energy efficiency or running costs
  • -On an older machine, another fault often follows soon after
  • -Motor, drum bearing or control board repairs can approach the price of a new machine

Replacing pros and cons

Pros

  • ✓Resets the lifespan clock and usually comes with a new warranty
  • ✓Newer machines are more energy efficient, trimming your bills
  • ✓The sensible choice for a major fault or a machine past 8 years

Cons

  • -Higher upfront cost, from around £200 to £500 or more
  • -You have to wait for delivery and arrange disposal of the old one

Cost examples

Minor fault on a newer machine

A pump, door seal or carbon brush repair on a machine under about 7 years old is usually worth doing because the repair is far below replacement cost.

Likely decision
Repair
Typical job
£65-£150

Major fault on an older machine

If the motor, drum bearing or control board has failed on an 8-year-old machine, the repair can be close to the cost of a replacement.

Likely decision
Replace
Major repair
£150-£390

Using the 50% rule

If a repair quote is more than half the price of a suitable new machine, replacement is usually the smarter financial choice.

Example
£280 vs £500
Repair share
56%

When to choose Repairing

  • ›The machine is under about 7 years old
  • ›The fault is minor, such as a pump, seal or brushes
  • ›The repair quote is less than half the cost of a new machine
  • ›You are happy with the machine's capacity and performance
  • ›You want to avoid unnecessary waste

When to choose Replacing

  • ›The machine is around 8 years old or older
  • ›The fault is major, such as the motor, bearings or control board
  • ›The repair quote is more than 50% of a new machine
  • ›You want a new warranty and better efficiency
  • ›Your current machine no longer suits your household

FAQs

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a washing machine?

For most common faults on a machine under about 7 years old, repairing is cheaper. A repair averages around £125, against £200 to £500 or more for a new machine. Replacing becomes the better value once the machine is older or the fault is a major one.

How much does it cost to repair a washing machine in the UK?

Typically £70 to £400, with an average of around £125. Common jobs such as a pump, door seal or carbon brushes cost roughly £65 to £150, while a motor, drum bearing or control board can run from £150 to £390.

When should you replace a washing machine instead of repairing it?

Replace it if the machine is 8 years or older, if the fault is a major one like the motor or bearings, or if the repair quote is more than about half the price of a new machine.

What is the 50% rule for repair or replace?

It is a simple guide: if the cost to repair an appliance is more than 50% of the cost of a new one, you should generally replace it. For example, a £280 repair on a machine you could replace for £500 is 56%, so replacing is the smarter choice.

How long should a washing machine last?

On average 8 to 12 years. Budget machines often last 5 to 8 years, mid-range models 8 to 12, and premium brands can last considerably longer with regular care.

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