Fix Washing Machine: Common Issues, Costs, and When to Repair

When your washing machine, a household appliance that cleans clothes using water and agitation. Also known as a laundry washer, it's one of the most relied-on machines in the home stops spinning or starts leaking, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a daily disruption. Most people assume it’s time to buy a new one, but often, the fix is simple and cheap. The most common washing machine failure is a clogged or failed drain pump, a small motor that pushes water out of the tub during the spin cycle, especially in hard water areas. It’s not expensive to replace, and you can usually do it yourself in under an hour with basic tools. Many machines that seem dead are just stuck because of lint, coins, or a worn belt—not a total system collapse.

Before you call a technician, check the basics: Is it plugged in? Did the circuit breaker trip? Is the door latch fully closed? These simple checks fix 30% of reported issues. If the machine fills with water but won’t drain, the drain pump is the usual suspect. If it spins but doesn’t agitate, the drive belt or motor coupling might be broken. And if you hear loud banging, it’s probably an unbalanced load or a worn drum bearing. These aren’t mysterious failures—they’re predictable wear-and-tear problems. A washing machine repair, the process of diagnosing and fixing mechanical or electrical faults in a washing machine typically costs between £80 and £250, depending on the part and labor. Compare that to a new machine, which runs £400 and up. If your washer is under 8 years old and the repair cost is less than half the price of a replacement, fixing it makes financial sense.

But here’s the catch: not all repairs are worth it. If your machine is older than 10 years, leaks from the tub, or keeps breaking down after fixes, it’s probably time to let it go. Energy efficiency has improved dramatically in the last decade—new models use 30% less water and electricity. Still, don’t rush to replace it. Many people replace perfectly fixable machines because they don’t know what’s wrong. That’s why you’ll find real repair guides below: step-by-step fixes for the drain pump, door lock, spin cycle, and more. You’ll also see cost breakdowns, common red flags, and when to walk away. No theory. No sales pitches. Just what actually works in real homes.