Modern appliances are built to make our lives easier. Often they can last without any major issue for up to 10-15 years. As with any machine, they might need some repairs now and then. If your appliance is fairly new, it’s often more cost-effective to repair it rather than to replace it.
Depending on the type, age, and brand of your appliance, it may cost you anywhere between $100 to $1500 to get it fixed. You will also have to factor in replacing any broken parts and an hourly labour rate into the final cost. It may cost you around $597 to get your washing machine fixed depending on the problem. You can also get your refrigerator fixed for an average cost of $283. Costs for repairing an oven differ as per the type of the appliance. Based on our findings, it will cost you roughly at most $1,050, plus the labour cost.
We have compiled verified appliance repair reviews from 49 Vancouver based homeowners to create this cost guide. In this guide, you will find the average, lowest and highest reported costs to fix your washing machine, refrigerator and oven. This cost guide also includes some tips and methods to identify your appliance repair problems and how to hire a pro on HomeStars to repair them. Click here to get a same-day quote from a local appliance repair pro.
Cost Guide to Repair Washer and Dryer in Vancouver
The following cost guide is based on verified reviews reported by 26 Vancouver based homeowners:
| Appliance | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer | $289 | $125 | $500 |
| Dryer | $308 | $114 | $650 |
Costs as of September 2020*
Common Washer Issues & Solutions:
Failing to Drain
- There can be many reasons for the water not draining out of your washer or obstructing flow through the drain pipes. It can be fixed by clearing a clog in your drain tube, removing the obstruction in the water pump filter or impellers, replacing faulty lid switch or your drive belt.
Wobbling
- The imbalance in your machine or the size of your laundry load can cause your washer to wobble. Wrong placement of your washer, loose vibration pads or even the faulty sturdiness of your floor can cause your machine to wobble loudly. Get a quote from a washing machine repair pro to fix the problem.
Leaking
- A leaking washer hose can be the result of loose connections or holes in the pipe. If not fixed on time, it can cause unnecessary damage to your laundry room. The leaking hose can be repaired professionally by covering the holes, tightening the loose hose or by replacing it with a new one.
Underfilling
- A washer not filling with enough water is usually referred to as ‘underfilling.’ The consistent water supply to your washer might be interrupted by issues related to the inlet valve. Fixing the washer hoses and taps will solve the problem.
Standing Water
- A clogged drain is one of the major plumbing problems related to washer issues. The drains get clogged over time and result in a wall of standing water around the washer. It must be fixed by a professional to avoid further plumbing problems.
Mechanical Failures
- Mechanical failures in a washer are very common and are not solved by a quick fix. An appliance repair professional has to thoroughly check your machine for the source of the problem. It can be related to the agitator, motor, pump or belts. To get your washer working properly again hire an appliance repair pro.
Drive Belts
- Cracks and slacks on the washer’s driving belt can create problems. A drive belt that is broken, slippery or is worn out must be replaced or repaired.
Common Dryer Issues & Solutions:
Gas Dryer Problems
- Gas dryers are often considered as a one-time investment. They might be expensive upfront but will bring down your monthly hydro bills by consuming less power. Seasonal checks and repairs on their ignition coils, flame sensors, gas valves and thermal fuses can increase their longevity.
Heat Issues
- If your clothes are not properly drying or come out too hot to handle, it’s a heating issue. This can be a result of blocked ventilation, overloaded machine or clogged lint screens. If you are facing heating issues even after fixing these three problems there might be a mechanical issue. You will need a dryer repair pro to check the root cause and fix the thermostat, timer, fuses, temperature switches, or heating coils.
Drum Issues
- Just like the washer, dryers can also have wobbling issues. A broken belt can cause your dryer to be loud and vibrate wildly. You can hire a dryer repair pro to fix the roller, motor or idle pulley which might be causing the problem.
Faulty Dryer
- Lack of power or a bad timer, broken thermostat, terminal block or start switch, and issues with heating elements can result in a faulty dryer. Checking each part of the dryer and replacing the broken ones can solve the problem.
Cost Guide to Repair Refrigerator in Vancouver
The following cost guide is based on verified reviews reported by 9 Vancouver based homeowners:
| Appliance | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $283 | $105 | $500 |
Costs as of September 2020*
A broken refrigerator can bring down your fast-paced Vancouver life within minutes. It’s always ideal to fix the broken refrigerator the same day with the help of a verified HomeStars service pro. The age of your refrigerator, its efficiency and type will help you determine whether to replace your refrigerator or repair it.
Age of the Refrigerator
- We recommend repairing your refrigerator if it’s 10-15 years old. It’s difficult and often expensive to find and replace parts of older appliances. Also, there is no guarantee an older refrigerator will last long after fixing it.
Efficiency
- If your refrigerator is adding a burden on your monthly utility bill, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient refrigerator.
Type of Refrigerator
When you talk to an appliance repair pro, remember to discuss the type, brand and size of your refrigerator. These factors will impact your cost and will also help them determine whether it can be fixed or not.
Types of Refrigerators:
- Top freezer refrigerator
- Side-by-side refrigerator
- Bottom freezer refrigerator
- French door refrigerator
- Counter-depth refrigerator
- Mini fridge and freezer
Common Refrigerator Issues & Solutions:
Compressor Issues
- A broken compressor fan or an overloading compressor can cause your refrigerator to make buzzing noises, produce harmful gas and have cooling problems. Repairing the capacitor or replacing the compressor will fix these issues. You will need a refrigerator repair pro to fix it as it’s a mechanical problem.
Weird Noises
If your fridge and freezer are making the weird rattling and crackling noises, it’s time to call a refrigerator repair pro to fix them. You can guess the problem by the particular sound of the noise to determine the root of the problem.
If the drip pan behind the kick plate under your fridge is overflowing, it can cause a rattling sound. You must empty it immediately and check the fridge supports for any damage. If you hear crackling noises, they are coming from the water flows in the ice maker. Minor crackling noises are normal but if they increase, you may have to get it fixed.
The snapping, crackling and popping noises coming from your defroster get louder as it gets older. It can cause major problems if not fixed immediately. The loud noises coming from the evaporator fan motor in your freezer is a sign to replace the motor. Get help from a freezer repair pro to replace the old motor with a new one.
Cost Guide to Repair Stove and Oven in Vancouver
The following stove and oven costs are based on verified reviews reported by 14 Vancouver based homeowners:
| Appliance | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | $223 | $100 | $350 |
| Oven | $427 | $200 | $1,050 |
Costs as of September 2020*
Common Stove and Oven Issues & Solutions:
Broken Burner
- A broken burner can limit your cooking styles. The most common causes for a burner to break are its age and rustiness. Replacing the broken burner is the only solution.
Excessive Heating Burner
- If you own an electric cooktop you have to keep a strong eye on the overheating coils. Issues with the infinite switch cause excessive heating in the burner. A stove repair professional can help you replace the infinite switch.
Indicator Light
- Indicator lights in your oven and above your stove ensure safety and convenience while you cook. To avoid any accidents we recommend you replace broken lights as soon as possible.
Stuck Oven Door
- The oven door getting stuck after a self-cleaning round is very common. It can happen due to a faulty door latch, oven thermostat, and/or misalignment of the door. An oven repair professional can help you repair it.
Oven isn’t Working Properly
- Gas model ovens often face problems with the baking igniter or their valve. This can cause issues within the pilot flame and thermocouple of the oven. Replacing the spark electrode with the help of a pro will fix the problem.
Poor Heating
- Poor heating can ruin the efforts you put into making delicious recipes. The igniter in the gas oven and the main controller in the electric oven can cause poor heating. Replacing these parts can solve the problem.
Faulty Baking/Broiling
- Faulty baking and broiling problems can be solved in different ways based on the type of appliance you have. If it’s an electrical appliance you will need to check all the wiring and replace any mechanical parts if necessary. For the gas appliance, the working condition of the valve should be checked to determine if the gas is getting into the oven.
Interview the Pros
Use this quick checklist for hiring an appliance repair pro on HomeStars:
Discuss Appliance Specifications
- Give the pro all the details related to your broken appliance. What is the appliance, how old is it, its brand and model number, how it broke or stopped working and any other relevant information.
- Also, let them know if it is a gas appliance or electric. This particular detail will help you get an estimated cost and time to fix it.
- If you tried to fix it before calling them then let them know what methods you tried and if the appliance’s condition has changed since.
- Once the appliance repair professional has all the necessary information they will be able to assist you in.
Parts Availability
- Replacing a specific part of the appliance can fix it immediately. But based on the appliance type, brand, and age, finding a replacement part may become a hassle. It will also cost you extra to buy a new replacement part. Ask your appliance repair pro they can get a good quality used or new replacement part for you and how much it will cost.
Damage Cover
- Damages can occur while fixing any type of appliance. When talking to a pro, ask them if they will cover any damage costs.
Guarantee Cover
- Many appliance repair pros offer a conditional guarantee upon fixing the appliance. So if your appliance breaks down in a week or month they can come and fix it. Make sure you understand all the terms & conditions attached to the cover and get a written guarantee document from them.
Before You Hire a Pro
Keeping in mind the safety of you and your family, HomeStars helps you to hire verified professionals to repair your appliances. You can easily make a confident hiring decision by looking for a Verified badge on company profiles. Companies with a Verified badge have passed rigorous credit, criminal and background checks as per HomeStars guidelines. You can also check the company Star Score and the reviews by other homeowners to make an informed hiring decision.
The City of Vancouver issues Gas and Plumbing permits to appliance repair professionals. You should ask your appliance repair pro if they have a valid permit before hiring them.
Whether you need help fixing your refrigerator or repairing your noisy washer, you can find an appliance repair pro on HomeStars.Click here to find an appliance repair pro in your area.