Washing Machine Repair vs. Replace Calculator
You come home to a loud clunking sound from the laundry room. The washing machine won’t spin. Water’s pooling on the floor. You sigh. Do you call a repair technician-or just drag it to the curb and buy a new one?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But in Hamilton, where winters hit hard and utility bills creep up, making the wrong call can cost you hundreds-or even thousands-over time. Let’s cut through the noise and look at what actually matters when deciding whether to fix your washing machine.
How old is your machine?
Age is the first thing a repair tech will ask-and for good reason. Most washing machines last between 10 and 12 years. If yours is eight years old or younger, repair is usually the smarter move. Machines older than 12 are nearing end-of-life. At that point, even a $200 repair might just be buying you six more months before the next breakdown.
Check the serial number on the back or inside the door. It often includes the manufacturing date. If you can’t find it, look up the model online. Brands like Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung usually list average lifespans. If your machine is 14 years old and the drum bearing is gone? That’s not a repair. That’s a warning sign.
What’s broken?
Not all problems are created equal. Some fixes are cheap and lasting. Others are expensive red flags.
Easy, affordable fixes:
- Broken door latch ($30-$60 parts + labor)
- Clogged drain pump ($80-$150)
- Worn drive belt ($100-$180)
- Leaking fill valve ($120-$200)
These are common, well-understood issues. Parts are readily available. Technicians see them every week. You’ll get your machine back fast, and it’ll run for years.
Expensive, risky repairs:
- Motor replacement ($300-$600)
- Control board failure ($250-$500)
- Drum bearing failure (on front-loaders, $400-$700)
- Transmission issues (on older top-loaders, $500+)
These aren’t just costly-they often mean other parts are wearing out too. A motor going out? The tub bearings, seals, and even the electronics are likely close behind. Fixing one thing might just delay the next failure.
How much will a repair actually cost?
Most repair shops in Hamilton charge $75-$125 just to show up. That’s the diagnostic fee. It’s often waived if you go ahead with the repair, but not always. Add parts, and you’re looking at $150-$800 total.
Compare that to a new machine. Basic top-loaders start around $600. Mid-range front-loaders with smart features? $900-$1,200. High-efficiency models with steam and Wi-Fi? $1,500+
Here’s the rule of thumb: If the repair costs more than half the price of a new machine, walk away. That’s not a hard rule-it’s a practical one. A $500 repair on a $900 machine might make sense. But if you’re paying $550 to fix a $1,000 machine? You’re better off replacing it.
Energy savings matter more than you think
Older machines use a lot more water and electricity. A 2015 model might use 40 gallons per load. A 2025 Energy Star-rated washer uses 13-15. That’s a 60% drop.
Let’s say you do 200 loads a year. At $0.15 per kWh and $0.005 per gallon of water, your old machine costs you about $180/year in utilities. The new one? Around $70. That’s $110 saved annually.
If you’re paying $500 to repair a 12-year-old machine, you’ll break even on energy savings in under five years. After that? You’re saving money every year.
And don’t forget rebates. Hydro One and Hamilton’s Green Home Program offer up to $300 back for Energy Star replacements. That cuts the price of a new machine by a third.
Warranty and reliability
Most new washers come with a full one-year warranty. Parts and labor are covered. Many brands offer extended warranties on motors or drums for five to ten years.
Repair shops? They’ll give you 30 to 90 days on parts. That’s it. If the same part fails again, you pay again. No magic guarantee. No manufacturer backing. Just a technician’s word.
Think about it: you’re trusting your laundry-and your clothes-to a 15-year-old machine with a patched motor. Meanwhile, a new machine comes with a factory-engineered system designed to last. No guesswork.
What about resale value?
Here’s something people forget: if you’re planning to sell your home, a working, modern washer adds value. Buyers notice. A broken, patched-up machine? It’s a red flag. They’ll assume the fridge is next. Or the boiler. Or the water heater.
Replacing a washing machine isn’t just about convenience. It’s about peace of mind for future owners-and possibly a higher sale price.
When to repair: the checklist
Repair your machine if:
- It’s under 10 years old
- The repair cost is less than half the price of a new one
- The issue is a common, simple fix (latch, pump, belt)
- You plan to keep the machine for at least 3 more years
- You’re eligible for a utility rebate on a new one, but want to delay the purchase
When to replace: the red flags
Replace your machine if:
- It’s over 12 years old
- The repair costs more than 50% of a new model
- Multiple parts are failing (motor + drum + control board)
- You’re spending $100+ a year on repairs
- You’re tired of waiting for it to finish a cycle
What to do next
Don’t rush. If your machine is acting up, take a breath.
First, write down the model number and error code. Google it. You might find a YouTube fix that takes 10 minutes and costs $15.
Second, get one repair quote. Don’t call five shops. One honest tech is enough. Ask: "Is this a common fix? How long will it last?" If they hesitate or can’t answer, walk out.
Third, check Hamilton’s Green Home Program website. See if you qualify for a rebate. Then visit a local appliance store. Look at the Energy Star ratings. Compare the annual operating cost listed on the tag.
Finally, if you’re still unsure, wait a week. If the machine breaks again? That’s your answer.
Washing machines aren’t disposable. But they’re not forever, either. The right choice isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being smart.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a washing machine?
It depends on the age and the problem. If the machine is under 10 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one, repair is usually cheaper. But if the machine is over 12 years old or the repair is more than $500, replacement often saves money long-term due to lower energy bills and fewer future repairs.
How long should a washing machine last?
Most washing machines last between 10 and 12 years with normal use. Front-loaders tend to wear out faster due to more complex parts, while top-loaders with agitators often last longer. Regular maintenance-cleaning the drum, checking hoses, not overloading-can add 2-3 years to its life.
Can I fix a washing machine myself?
Yes, for simple issues like unclogging the drain pump, replacing a door latch, or cleaning the filter. Many YouTube tutorials walk you through these. But avoid DIY repairs on motors, control boards, or drum assemblies. Those require special tools and knowledge. A wrong move can make the problem worse or create a safety hazard.
Do repair shops offer warranties?
Most offer 30 to 90 days on parts and labor. That’s much shorter than the 1-10 year warranties on new machines. If the same part fails again after 60 days, you pay again. No manufacturer backing. No free replacement. That’s why replacing an old machine with a new one often gives you more long-term security.
Are new washing machines worth the cost?
If your old machine is over 10 years old, yes. New models use 40-60% less water and electricity. Over five years, that can save you $500-$800. Many also come with smart features, quieter operation, and longer warranties. Add in local rebates, and the upfront cost drops significantly.
