When a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, or oven breaks down, the first question is always: repair or replace? Here's a practical guide to making that decision and what to expect from a professional repair.
Repair vs Replace: The General Rule
A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new appliance, and the appliance is more than 7–8 years old, replacement is usually the better choice. Modern appliances are more energy-efficient, so the running-cost savings can offset part of the replacement cost over time.
However, if the appliance is under 5 years old and the repair is minor, fixing it is almost always the right call.
Typical Repair Costs
| Appliance | Typical Call-Out + Diagnosis | Common Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | £60–£100 | £80–£200 |
| Dishwasher | £60–£100 | £80–£180 |
| Fridge / freezer | £70–£120 | £100–£250 |
| Oven / cooker | £60–£100 | £70–£200 |
| Tumble dryer | £60–£100 | £80–£200 |
Most repair engineers charge a call-out fee that includes diagnosis; if you go ahead with the repair, the call-out fee is usually deducted from the total. Parts are charged on top of labour.
Common Faults and What They Usually Mean
Washing Machine
- Won't drain — often a blocked filter or failed pump (£60–£120 to fix)
- Won't spin — could be worn carbon brushes (£70–£120) or a failed motor module (£150–£250)
- Leaking — usually a perished door seal (£80–£150) or a loose hose
Dishwasher
- Not cleaning properly — blocked spray arms or a failed pump (£70–£130)
- Not draining — filter blockage or pump failure (£60–£120)
- Tablet not dissolving — often a blocked dispenser or low water temperature
Fridge / Freezer
- Not cooling — could be a failed compressor (£200–£400, often not worth it on older units), a blocked condenser, or a thermostat fault (£80–£150)
- Building up ice — usually a failed defrost element or door seal
Oven / Cooker
- Not heating — failed element (£70–£150 for a fan oven element) is the most common cause
- Uneven cooking — often a failed fan motor or thermostat
- Gas hob won't light — blocked burner or failed ignition module
Before You Call an Engineer
- Check the basics — is it plugged in, is the fuse OK, is the water supply on?
- Check the warranty — many appliances have 2–5 year warranties; some (like Indesit/Hoover) offer free parts for 10 years if you register
- Note the model number — the engineer can check parts availability before visiting
- Take a photo of the rating plate — this has the model and serial number
Always Use a Qualified Engineer
- Gas appliances — must be repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Electrical appliances — use a qualified appliance repair engineer; look for membership in a body like DASA (Domestic Appliance Service Association)
- Under warranty — use the manufacturer's approved repairer to avoid invalidating the warranty