How much does appliance repair cost?
Updated 19 Oct 2026
Typical cost per repair
£60 – £150
Appliance repair in the UK typically costs £60–£150 per repair including parts for common faults. Most engineers charge a diagnostic or call-out fee of £50–£90, often deducted from the repair cost if you go ahead. Before paying for anything, check whether the appliance is still under warranty or covered by your consumer rights — a fault that was present from the start may be the retailer's problem, not yours.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic / call-out fee | £50 – £90 |
| Typical repair including parts | £60 – £150 |
| Washing machine repair | £70 – £150 |
| Dishwasher repair | £70 – £150 |
| Fridge or freezer repair | £80 – £180 |
| Oven element replacement | £70 – £130 |
Typical UK guide prices — see the note at the foot of this page.
Check your rights before you pay
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If they are not, you have rights against the retailer who sold it to you — not the manufacturer.
Those rights last up to six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland. That is not a guarantee that everything is covered for six years; you are dealing with faults that were present or inherent at the point of sale, and after the first six months the burden is on you to show that.
But it does mean an expensive appliance failing at three years old is worth a conversation with the retailer before you call a repair engineer.
Check too whether you have cover you have forgotten: a manufacturer warranty, an extended warranty, a bundled policy from the retailer, or home emergency cover attached to your buildings insurance or bank account. People pay for repairs they were already covered for more often than you would think.
Repair or replace?
A rough rule many engineers use: if the repair costs more than about half the price of replacing the appliance, replacing is usually better value — particularly on an appliance that is already several years old and may have other components approaching the end of their life.
But it is not automatic. A single failed component on an otherwise sound, good-quality machine is often worth fixing, and repairing keeps a working appliance out of the waste stream.
Ask the engineer two questions: what is the actual fault, and is anything else showing wear. A good one will tell you honestly when a machine is not worth the money.
Factor in the diagnostic fee either way — if you decide not to repair, you have still paid for the visit, so it is worth asking upfront whether that fee is waived if you proceed.
Before you call anyone
A surprising share of call-outs are for things you can check yourself in five minutes.
Washing machine not draining or spinning: check the filter. It is usually behind a flap at the bottom front, and coins, hair grips and buttons collect there. Have a towel ready.
Nothing powering on: check the fuse in the plug and try a different socket.
Fridge not cooling: check the vents inside are not blocked by packed-in food, and that the door seal is closing cleanly.
Dishwasher not cleaning: check the spray arms spin freely and the holes are not blocked, and clean the filter.
None of that requires tools or expertise, and each resolves a common fault. Working through them costs nothing and either fixes the problem or gives the engineer useful information.
How to keep the cost down
Exhaust the free checks first — filters, fuses, seals, spray arms.
Establish whether it is under warranty or covered by consumer rights before paying anybody.
Ask whether the diagnostic fee comes off the repair if you go ahead. Many do, and it is worth knowing which.
Get the model number ready when you call. It lets the engineer bring likely parts to the first visit rather than returning, which is where second call-out fees come from.
And for older or cheaper appliances, price a replacement before authorising a repair — the half-the-value rule is a reasonable place to start the decision.
Frequently asked questions
How much does appliance repair cost?+
£60–£150 for a typical repair including parts, on top of or inclusive of a £50–£90 diagnostic fee depending on the engineer.
Is the call-out fee deducted from the repair?+
Often yes, but not always. Ask when booking — it makes a real difference to the total if you go ahead with the repair.
Should I repair or replace?+
A common rule of thumb is to replace if the repair costs more than about half a replacement, especially on an older appliance. A single failed part on an otherwise sound machine is usually worth fixing.
How long are appliances covered by law?+
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you have rights against the retailer for up to six years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five in Scotland — for faults that were inherent at the point of sale, which you must show after the first six months.
My washing machine will not drain — what should I check?+
The filter, usually behind a flap at the bottom front. Coins and hair grips collect there and it is one of the most common causes of an avoidable call-out. Have a towel ready.
Do I need the model number?+
It helps a great deal. With it, the engineer can bring likely parts to the first visit rather than ordering and returning — which is how second call-out charges arise.
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