The Most Common Washing Machine Repairs in the UK
Based on engineer call-out data across the UK, these are the faults that account for the vast majority of washing machine repairs. Knowing the most likely cause of your symptoms — and the typical cost — helps you make better decisions about whether to repair and how much to pay.
1. Carbon Brush Replacement — £70–£110
The single most common washing machine repair in the UK. Brushed-motor machines (the majority of the installed base) use carbon brushes that wear down over time, typically after 5–8 years of regular use. Symptoms: machine fills and heats but will not spin; machine stops mid-cycle; machine trips the electrics. Repair time: 30–60 minutes. A very cost-effective fix.
2. Door Seal Replacement — £80–£140
The rubber door gasket perishes, cracks, or tears, causing leaks from the front of the machine. Also causes mould and odour issues. Repair time: 45–75 minutes. Common on all brands but especially older machines where the rubber compound was less durable.
3. Drain Pump Replacement — £90–£155
The drain pump fails mechanically or is blocked by a foreign object. Symptom: machine will not drain; standing water in drum; drainage error code displayed. Repair time: 30–60 minutes. Often combined with filter cleaning.
4. Door Lock / Interlock — £75–£130
The door interlock mechanism fails, preventing the door from locking (machine will not start) or unlocking (door stuck shut after cycle). Repair time: 20–40 minutes — one of the quickest fixes once diagnosed.
5. Drum Bearing Replacement — £110–£185
The rear drum bearing wears, producing a loud rumbling or grinding on spin. The most labour-intensive common repair, requiring substantial dismantling. Repair time: 2–3 hours. Worth doing on machines under 8 years old in otherwise good condition.
6. Heating Element Replacement — £80–£140
The element fails and the machine no longer heats the water. Clothes may come out cold; powder does not dissolve; greasy residue remains on laundry. Particularly common in hard water areas due to limescale build-up. Repair time: 30–60 minutes.
7. Drive Belt Replacement — £70–£120
The belt connecting motor to drum breaks or stretches. Symptom: motor runs but drum does not turn. Repair time: 30–60 minutes once the back panel is removed. Relatively inexpensive repair.
8. Control Board (PCB) Repair or Replacement — £120–£250
Electronic control board failure causes a wide range of symptoms — machine will not start, stuck on a cycle, erratic behaviour, multiple simultaneous error codes. The most expensive of the common repairs. Worth doing on premium machines with high remaining value; borderline on budget machines.