It’s the question we get asked more than any other: “Is it worth fixing, or should I just buy a new one?” It’s a fair question — nobody wants to pay for a repair on a machine that’s going to die anyway. Here’s the honest rule of thumb our technicians use across the Illawarra, so you can make the call with confidence.
The 50% rule
The simplest guide is this: if the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance, it’s almost always worth fixing. A repair that brings a $1,600 washing machine back to life for $250 is money well spent. A $700 repair on a $900 machine usually isn’t.
But price isn’t the whole story. Two other things matter just as much: how old the appliance is, and what’s actually broken.
Age matters — but not the way you’d think
A quality appliance should last well beyond its warranty. As a rough guide:
- Washing machines & dryers: 8–12 years
- Dishwashers: 8–10 years
- Fridges: 12–15 years
If your appliance is in the first half of that range, repair is usually the smart choice — a well-built machine with one failed part has plenty of life left. Once it’s past the top of the range and out of warranty, a major repair becomes harder to justify. The middle is where the 50% rule and the type of fault decide it.
Usually worth repairing
These are common faults on parts that fail without meaning the whole machine is done:
- A washing machine that won’t drain (pump or filter), or leaks from a worn door seal
- A dryer that won’t heat (element or thermostat)
- A dishwasher that won’t drain or heat
- A fridge with a faulty thermostat, fan or door seal
Often not worth it
Some repairs cost more than the machine is worth, especially on an older or budget appliance:
- A failed compressor in an older fridge
- Worn drum bearings in a cheaper front loader (a big, labour-heavy job)
- A cracked outer tub or a corroded, leaking chassis
- A control board failure on a budget machine that’s already near the end of its life
Why a diagnosis pays for itself
Here’s the thing: you can’t apply any of these rules until you know what’s actually wrong. That’s what our call-out is for. We diagnose the real fault, then give you a straight answer and a quote before any work goes ahead — including telling you honestly when a machine isn’t worth repairing. We’d rather you trust us with the next one than sell you a repair you’ll regret.
Our call-out is $100 for jobs close in across the Illawarra (or $150 further out), covering travel and inspection. If we can fix it on the spot without parts there’s a flat $50 labour fee, and if parts are needed we quote first with that $50 credited toward the repair. No overtime or after-hours surcharges, and every repair is backed by a 12-month labour warranty.
Not sure whether to fix or replace? Get a proper diagnosis first. We cover washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and fridges right across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Illawarra & Shoalhaven. Book online or call (02) 4288 2824.
Repair-or-replace FAQs
What is the 50% rule for appliance repair?
If a repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance, it’s almost always worth doing. A $250 repair on a $1,600 washing machine is money well spent; a $700 repair on a $900 machine usually isn’t. Age matters too — a machine in the first half of its expected lifespan is nearly always worth fixing, while a major repair on one past the top of its range is harder to justify.
How long should my appliance last?
As a rough guide: washing machines and dryers last 8–12 years, dishwashers 8–10 years, and fridges 12–15 years. A quality appliance with one failed part in the first half of that range usually has plenty of life left, which is why a sensible repair so often beats replacement.
Which appliance faults are usually worth repairing?
Faults on parts that fail without meaning the whole machine is done: a washing machine that won’t drain (pump or filter) or leaks from a worn door seal, a dryer that won’t heat (element or thermostat), a dishwasher that won’t drain, or a fridge with a faulty thermostat, fan or door seal. These are typically one-visit repairs that cost far less than a new machine. The ones that often aren’t worth it: a failed compressor in an older fridge, worn drum bearings in a cheaper front loader, or a control-board failure on a budget machine near the end of its life.
How much does it cost to find out if my appliance is worth fixing?
Our call-out is $100 for jobs close in across the Illawarra (or $150 further out), covering travel and diagnosing the real fault. You then get a straight answer and a quote before any work goes ahead — including an honest “not worth it” when that’s the truth. If we can fix it on the spot without parts there’s a flat $50 labour fee, and if parts are needed the $50 is credited toward the repair.
