Quick answer: Whether to repair or replace a washing machine comes down to its age, the repair cost, and whether parts are available. Repair it if it’s less than about 7 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new washer. Replace it if it’s past the middle of its expected lifespan (roughly 10 to 14 years), the repair costs more than 50% of a new machine, or it keeps breaking down.
A washer that stops mid-cycle, won’t drain, or won’t spin throws off your whole week, especially when the laundry room is in the basement and the machine weighs close to 100 kg. Before you haul it up the stairs, check whether it’s worth fixing. This guide walks homeowners in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and the surrounding area through the 6 factors that matter.
What is the 50% rule for washing machines?
The 50% rule is a simple guideline used by appliance technicians. If your washer is past half its expected lifespan and the repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new washer, replacing it is usually the better value.
For example, suppose a new washer similar to yours costs $900 and your machine is 8 years old. A $550 repair probably isn’t worth it. A $200 repair on a 4-year-old machine almost always is.
Before you decide, get a written repair quote that includes parts and labour. Then compare it with the price of a new machine of similar size and features. Remember to add delivery, installation, HST, and removal of the old unit to that price.
Should you repair or replace a washing machine? Quick decision guide
| Your situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Still under the manufacturer’s or extended warranty | Repair (often free or low cost) |
| Under 7 years old, first major problem | Repair |
| Repair costs under 50% of a new washer | Usually repair |
| Over 10 years old and repair costs over 50% of a new washer | Replace |
| Repeated breakdowns in the past year | Replace |
| Parts discontinued or very expensive | Replace |
| Rusted tub, cracked outer tub, or failed transmission on an older unit | Replace |
Which washing machine problems are usually worth fixing?
These common repairs are usually affordable and can add years to a washer’s life:
- Drain pump: the washer won’t drain, or water sits in the drum.
- Lid switch or door lock: the washer won’t start or won’t spin.
- Water inlet valve: the washer fills slowly or doesn’t fill at all.
- Drive belt or motor coupler: the motor runs, but the drum doesn’t turn.
- Door gasket (front loaders): water leaks from the front of the machine.
Some repairs cost enough that they rarely make sense on an older machine. These include a failed main control board, a worn-out drum bearing (which causes a loud roaring during spin), a transmission failure, or a cracked outer tub.
Having trouble with other appliances? See our guides to common dryer problems and what to do when your dishwasher is not cleaning.
Does your washer keep breaking down?
One problem on a reliable machine is normal wear and tear. A washer that needs a technician every few months is a different story. Frequent breakdowns usually mean several parts are wearing out at the same time, and the combined repair bills add up quickly.
Look at the machine’s track record. If this is its first real issue, repair it. If it’s the third service call this year, put that money toward a replacement.
Will a new washer save money on energy and water?
It can, especially if your current washer is more than 10 years old. According to Natural Resources Canada, an ENERGY STAR certified washer uses on average 25% less energy and 33% less water than a standard model. Front-load and high-efficiency top-load washers also spin clothes faster, which shortens drying time.
When comparing new models, check the yellow EnerGuide label. It shows each model’s estimated yearly energy use, and a lower number means a more efficient washer. You can also browse certified models through the ENERGY STAR Canada list of certified products.
Those savings make a new machine more attractive when your old one is already inefficient and needs an expensive repair. They’re rarely a good reason to replace a newer washer that only needs a minor fix.
Are parts still available for your model?
For older or less common machines, parts can be expensive, slow to arrive, or no longer made. Your model number is usually printed inside the lid or around the door frame. A technician can use it to check whether parts are in stock before you commit to a repair.
Is your washing machine still under warranty?
Check your warranty before you pay for anything. Many manufacturer warranties cover parts and labour for the first year, and some cover specific components, like the motor or drum, for longer. Extended warranties and some credit cards may add more coverage. If the repair is covered, fixing the washer is almost always the right call.
Your rights in Ontario: Even without a written warranty, Ontario’s Sale of Goods Act requires goods sold by a business to be of merchantable quality and fit for their ordinary purpose. In a consumer sale, a store can’t sign these protections away with an “as is” clause or a store policy. If a fairly new washer fails well before it reasonably should, raise it with the retailer first, and keep your receipt and any repair records.
Which option is better for the environment?
Repairing a relatively new washer keeps a large appliance out of the landfill and avoids the resources needed to make a new one. For a very old, inefficient machine, a new model’s energy and water savings can outweigh that benefit over time.
Getting rid of your old washer
The easiest option is usually to ask the retailer delivering your new washer to take the old one away. Many do this for free or for a small fee. London residents can also drop off appliances at the city’s EnviroDepots. If you live in Woodstock, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, or St. Marys, check your municipality’s or county’s waste program for appliance drop-off or bulky-item pickup.
If you’d rather have someone else do the lifting, these local junk removal companies offer appliance pickup. Check that they serve your town before booking.
- Get R Gone Junk Removal Services
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK? appliance disposal
- Junk Ranger Appliance Removal
- JUSTJUNK Appliance Removal London
- Forever Green Enterprises
Fixton Appliance Services is not affiliated with these companies.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a washing machine last?
Most washing machines last about 10 to 14 years, depending on the brand, how often they’re used, and how well they’re maintained.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old washing machine?
It’s worth it only if the repair is inexpensive (well under half the cost of a new washer) and the machine has otherwise been reliable. For major repairs on a 10-year-old washer, replacement is usually the better value.
How do I decide whether to repair or replace a washing machine?
Compare the repair quote with the price of a similar new washer, and consider the machine’s age. If it’s past about half its expected lifespan and the repair costs more than half the price of a new one, replace it. Otherwise, repair it.
Which areas does Fixton Appliance Services cover?
Fixton repairs washing machines and other home appliances in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, and St. Marys, Ontario.
Get an honest repair-or-replace assessment
If you’re not sure whether your washer is worth fixing, Fixton Appliance Services can diagnose the problem and give you a clear quote. We’ll tell you if replacement makes more sense. We serve homeowners in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, and St. Marys. Request service online or call us at (548) 800-5995.
