Washing Machine Repair Calculator
Calculate Your Repair Decision
Every year, thousands of Australians toss out a working washing machine because they assume it’s cheaper to buy new. But here’s the truth: washing machine repair often makes more sense than replacement - if you know what to look for. I’ve seen this play out in Brisbane homes for over a decade. A cracked drum, a leaking pump, a broken belt - these aren’t death sentences. They’re fixable problems. And before you drag that machine to the curb, let’s break down exactly when repair pays off - and when it’s a waste of money.
How old is your washing machine?
Age is the biggest factor. Most washing machines last between 10 and 12 years. If yours is under 8 years old, repair is almost always the smarter move. Machines under 5 years old? You’re likely still under warranty, or at least within the window where parts are easy to find and labor is reasonable. But once you hit 10+, things change. Parts become scarce. Motors wear out. Plastic components crack from years of heat and stress. A $300 repair on a 12-year-old machine doesn’t make sense when you can buy a new one for $700 with a 2-year warranty.
Here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new comparable machine, walk away. So if your machine is 10 years old and a new one costs $750, don’t spend more than $375 on repairs. Anything over that, and you’re throwing good money after bad.
What’s actually broken?
Not all repairs are equal. Some fixes are cheap and long-lasting. Others are expensive, temporary, or even dangerous.
- Drum bearings: If your washer makes a loud grinding noise during spin, it’s likely the drum bearings. Replacing them costs between $200 and $350, including labor. This is a common fix - and if your machine is under 8 years old, it’s worth it.
- Water inlet valve: If the machine won’t fill or fills too slowly, the inlet valve might be clogged or faulty. Replacement is under $100. Easy fix. Always worth doing.
- Door lock assembly: A broken lock can stop the cycle before it starts. Parts cost $50-$80. Labor is quick. No reason not to fix this.
- Motor or drive belt: If the drum doesn’t spin at all, the belt might be snapped. Belts cost $20-$40. Motors are trickier. A new motor runs $300-$500. If your machine is over 8 years old, replacing the motor is rarely worth it.
- Control board: If the display is blank or the machine won’t start, the control board could be fried. These cost $250-$400. Unless your machine is under 6 years old and high-end, skip this repair. These boards fail due to age, not wear - meaning other parts will follow soon.
There’s one red flag: if your machine leaks water from the base. That usually means the tub is cracked. No amount of sealant or patching fixes this. It’s a structural failure. Time to replace.
Energy efficiency matters more than you think
A 10-year-old washing machine might still spin - but it’s guzzling water and electricity. New machines use 30-40% less water and 25-35% less power. In Australia, where electricity prices keep climbing, that adds up. A modern 7kg front-loader uses about 120 kWh per year. An old one? Close to 200 kWh. At 30 cents per kWh, that’s $24 a year saved. Multiply that by 5 years? You’re looking at $120 just in power savings - not even counting water.
Plus, new machines have better spin speeds. That means clothes come out drier. Less time on the line. Less dryer use. Another hidden saving.
Repair vs. Replace: The Cost Breakdown
Let’s compare real numbers. I pulled data from Brisbane appliance repair logs from 2025. Here’s what you’re likely to face:
| Scenario | Repair Cost | New Machine Cost | Age of Machine | Worth Repairing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken drum bearing | $280 | $750 | 6 years | Yes |
| Failed water valve | $90 | $750 | 4 years | Yes |
| Control board failure | $380 | $800 | 9 years | No |
| Cracked tub | $500 (unreliable) | $700 | 11 years | No |
| Motor replacement | $450 | $720 | 10 years | No |
Notice how the decision flips around age 8. Below that? Repair almost always wins. Above that? Replacement becomes the smarter long-term play.
What about extended warranties?
Stores push these like crazy. But here’s the reality: most extended warranties on washing machines expire before the machine actually breaks. They cover the first 2-3 years - right when your machine is least likely to fail. By year 5 or 6, when problems start popping up, the warranty’s long gone. Paying $150 for a warranty that only covers the first 2 years? It’s a sales tactic, not a smart investment.
Instead, save that money. Put $15 a month into a “washer fund.” In 18 months, you’ll have $270 - enough to cover most repairs - or a down payment on a new machine. No contracts. No fine print. Just real savings.
What you lose when you replace
People forget: you’re not just buying a machine. You’re buying a new installation. New plumbing. New electrical connections. New space. Old machines are often built into cabinetry. Replacing one means cutting out old pipes, moving the machine, adjusting the floor, maybe even retiling. That’s another $200-$500 in labor.
And don’t forget disposal. Most councils charge $30-$60 to take away an old appliance. Some even require proof you’ve bought a new one. You’ll need to schedule pickup. Wait weeks. Deal with paperwork.
When repair is a bad idea - even if it’s cheap
Some repairs are tempting because they’re inexpensive. But they’re still traps.
- Repeated breakdowns: If you’ve fixed the same machine twice in the last year, it’s not a coincidence. It’s a pattern. The next repair will be worse.
- Obsolete parts: If the technician says, “I need to order this from overseas,” or “It’s discontinued,” walk away. You’ll be stuck with a machine that can’t be fixed again.
- Brand with no support: Some brands vanish from the Australian market. No parts. No service centers. No warranty. If your machine is from a brand you’ve never heard of since 2018, it’s a ticking time bomb.
Final rule: The 50% + 5-year test
Here’s the simplest way to decide:
- Is the repair cost more than 50% of a new machine’s price? If yes, replace.
- Is your machine over 5 years old? If yes, and the repair is expensive, replace.
If both are true - walk away.
If neither is true - fix it.
If one is true? Weigh the rest: noise, efficiency, frequency of breakdowns, and how much you use it. A family of four running 7 loads a week? Fix it. A single person using it twice a week? Maybe not.
What to do next
If you’re unsure, get a quote. But don’t just call any handyman. Look for a technician who specializes in washing machines - not just general appliance repair. Ask if they carry parts for your brand. Ask how long they’ve been servicing that model. A good tech will tell you honestly: “This isn’t worth fixing.”
And if you decide to replace? Look for Energy Star-rated models. Check the water consumption per cycle. Avoid machines with too many “smart” features - they break more often. Stick to simple, reliable brands like LG, Samsung, or Whirlpool. And buy from a store with a solid return policy. You’ll thank yourself later.
