Washer and dryer repair cost: what each fix costs

What washer repairs cost

These are Angi’s 2026 national ranges, not quotes (Angi).

• Motor: $250 to $700
• Control board: $200 to $500
• Door seal: $120 to $500
• Pump: $150 to $400
• Water inlet valve: $120 to $250
• Belt: $100 to $200

Labor runs $50 to $150 an hour, with a minimum service fee of $75 to $100 (Angi).

What dryer repairs cost

Angi breaks dryer repairs down by problem (Angi):

• Not heating: $80 to $420
• Not spinning: $30 to $250
• Won’t turn on: $15 to $300
• Sparks or burning smell: $400 to $600

Dryer parts are often cheap. Angi lists a thermal fuse at $5 to $18, a belt at $14 to $32 and a thermostat at $15 to $60. Labor is the big cost: a service call is usually $50 to $80, plus $50 to $100 an hour, and labor can be 90% or more of the bill (Angi).

Dryer safety comes first

If your dryer sparks or smells like it’s burning, unplug it and stop using it until it’s checked. The U.S. Fire Administration says failure to clean was the leading factor contributing to home clothes dryer fires from 2018 to 2020, at 31% (USFA).

Clean the lint filter after every load and have the vent checked if clothes take longer to dry. Angi lists dryer vent repair at $75 to $150 and vent replacement at $100 to $300 (Angi). For wiring problems, see our electrical guide.

Check these before you call

• Your warranty. Angi says manufacturer warranties on washers typically last one to two years (Angi).
• Recalls. Search the CPSC recall list for your brand and model. Remedies can include a free repair, a replacement or a refund.

Repair or replace?

Angi’s rule of thumb for washers is to repair one that’s under 8 years old when the fix costs less than half the price of a new one. New washers cost about $500 to $1,200 (Angi). Angi says dryers usually last 10 to 13 years, and the same 50% rule applies (Angi).

If you replace a washer, efficiency adds up. ENERGY STAR says certified washers use about 20% less energy and about 30% less water than standard models. Heating water is about 90% of the energy a washer uses, so washing in cold water helps too (ENERGY STAR). Check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for local rebates.

Would a home warranty help with the next washer or dryer bill?

A home warranty is a service contract that helps pay to repair or replace some home systems and appliances. Know these numbers before you buy:

• Price. The DC Attorney General says a basic home warranty costs $500 a year or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet’s average was about $876 a year (NerdWallet).
• Service fee. You usually pay a fee for each repair visit, typically $75 or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet found an average of about $108 (NerdWallet).
• Is the item covered? Some plans exclude kitchen appliances, water heaters, furnaces and other major appliances, or charge extra to cover them (DC Attorney General).
• Caps and exclusions. Claims can be capped. Contracts can exclude wear and tear, manufacturer defects and problems from skipped maintenance. The company may repair rather than replace, and may pick the contractor (DC Attorney General).

Many dryer fixes cost less than a year of a home warranty plan (DC Attorney General). Don’t count on a brand-new plan to pay for something that’s already broken; read when coverage starts and what it excludes. See our home warranty cost guide.