A broken tumble dryer can be a major inconvenience, especially during the colder months when drying clothes outdoors is impossible. Repairing your tumble dryer is often cheaper than replacing it, and it’s also the environmentally friendly option. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through the costs of repairing a tumble dryer, their common faults, and how to decide whether it’s worth repairing your appliance or if it’s time to invest in a new one.

How much does it cost to repair a tumble dryer?

How much it costs to repair a tumble dryer varies depending on the fault, the brand and your appliance repair specialist’s rates. On average, you can expect to pay between £50 and £150 for common repairs. For more complex issues, costs may exceed £200.

Here’s a breakdown of typical tumble dryer repair costs:

Repair costs can vary depending on where you live, with higher prices often found in cities and areas with a higher cost of living. At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily rates for appliance repair technicians across the UK to help give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair your tumble dryer in your area. 

Simply find your nearest town or city on our tumble dryer repair cost table to get a more accurate idea of how much your job will cost.

Factors that affect the cost of tumble dryer repair

There are several factors that will affect the cost of your tumble dryer repair, so you should consider them all before you go ahead:

• Type of fault: Simple issues, like a broken belt, cost less to repair than problems with the motor or control board.
• Brand: High-end brands, such as Miele or Bosch, often have more expensive replacement parts.
• Age and model: Older models or less common tumble dryers may require harder-to-find parts, which can increase the cost and make it less cost-effective to repair.
• Labour rates: Technicians in urban areas typically charge more than those in rural regions.
• Warranty: If your tumble dryer is still under warranty, repairs may be covered, significantly reducing your costs.

Common tumble dryer faults

Not spinning

If your tumble dryer drum isn’t spinning, it could be due to a broken drive belt or motor issue. Replacing a drive belt typically costs £75 to £100, while a faulty motor could set you back £150 to £250.

Not heating up

When your dryer stops producing heat, the heating element or thermostat may need replacing. Heating element repairs usually cost between £90 and £130, while thermostat replacements are around £70 to £110.

Suddenly stopped working completely

A tumble dryer that has stopped working altogether could have a problem with the timer, control board or power supply. Replacing a control board or timer costs around £120 to £200, while power supply issues may be less expensive, depending on the nature of the fault.

How to decide whether to repair or replace your tumble dryer

There are a few things to consider when you’re deciding whether to repair or replace your tumble dryer, but they all usually come down to cost. Consider the following before making a decision:

• Age: If your appliance is older than its average lifespan of around 10-15 years, replacing it might be more cost-effective.
• Repair cost vs replacement: As a rule of thumb, if the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of a new machine, it’s usually better to replace it.
• Energy efficiency: Newer tumble dryers are often more energy-efficient, which can save money on your energy bills in the long term.
• Frequency of breakdowns: If your dryer has been repaired multiple times, the ongoing costs may outweigh the benefits of keeping it.
• Environmental impact: If your tumble dryer is relatively new, it’s more eco-friendly to keep your current machine than replace it and let your old one go to scrap. 

What is the average lifespan of a tumble dryer?

On average, a tumble dryer lasts 10–15 years, depending on the brand, how much you use it and how carefully you maintain it. To maximise the lifespan of your dryer you should:

• Clean the lint filter after every use (this also prevents fires)
• Clean the sensor regularly to ensure it can detect when clothes are dry enough
• Regularly check the hose for kinks if you have a vented dryer
• Avoid overloading the machine

Can you repair a tumble dryer by yourself?

Some minor issues can be fixed at home with basic tools and a bit of patience. You can also often troubleshoot tumble dryer faults by carrying out regular maintenance tasks. For example:

• Replacing the lint filter: A clogged filter can restrict airflow and is easy to clean or replace.
• Emptying the water reservoir: Condenser and heat pump dryers usually need this emptied after two cycles.
• Cleaning the heat exchanger: If this gets blocked it can restrict airflow through the machine.
• Checking the fuse: If your tumble dryer won’t turn on, try replacing the plug fuse.
• Reattaching a loose belt: If you’re confident, this is a relatively straightforward DIY task.

If you do these things and your tumble dryer still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. If you try to repair your tumble dryer yourself you could cause damage to the appliance or yourself, and void your warranty if you still have one.

Is it worth repairing a tumble dryer?

Repairing your tumble dryer is often more economical than replacing it, especially for newer models or when the fault is minor. If your dryer is still within its expected lifespan and the repair cost is reasonable, it’s usually worth repairing. It’s also better for the environment to keep your appliance for as long as possible. 

For older models or appliances with high repair costs, replacing the machine may be a better investment. Opting for a modern, energy-efficient model can save money on energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.

If your tumble dryer needs a repair, it’s best to consult a qualified appliance repair specialist. They can diagnose the problem and provide an accurate quote, helping you decide whether to repair or replace your appliance. 

Post your job on HaMuch now to connect with trusted repair professionals in your area.

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