Knowing the average cost to fix a tumble dryer in the UK can help you plan and avoid unexpected expenses. Most tumble dryer repairs fall between £120 and £160, though the price can vary depending on the fault, appliance type, brand, and labour required.
Minor Repairs and Costs
Minor faults are the most common and usually inexpensive to fix. These include:
- Broken door switches
- Snapped belts
- Clogged filters or airflow sensors
- Loose wiring or connectors
These repairs typically take less than an hour to complete, and the total cost is generally around £60 to £100. Choosing a local engineer with experience in your dryer model helps reduce labour time and cost.
Medium-Complexity Repairs
Medium-complexity repairs involve components that are more expensive or require extra labour. Common examples include:
- Heating element replacements
- Thermostat faults
- Worn drum rollers
- Motor brushes
Costs for these types of repairs generally fall between £100 and £180. Engineers may need to remove panels, test circuits, and replace worn parts to restore proper function.
High-Cost Repairs
Some faults are more complicated and can significantly increase costs. High-cost repairs include:
- Faulty motors
- Electronic control board issues
- Heat pump component failures
- Complex sensor malfunctions
These repairs often exceed £200 because parts are expensive and labour-intensive. Heat pump and integrated dryers usually fall into this category.
Labour and Call Out Fees
Call out fees are standard for tumble dryer repairs. They usually range from £40 to £80 depending on location and engineer. Some engineers deduct this fee if you go ahead with the repair, while others treat it as a separate charge. Labour costs also vary based on the complexity of the fault and the engineer’s experience.
Impact of Dryer Type and Brand
The type and brand of your tumble dryer can influence the cost. Vented dryers are the simplest and cheapest to repair. Condenser dryers cost slightly more, while heat pump and integrated models are the most expensive due to advanced components and complex assembly.
Popular brands like Beko, Indesit, and Whirlpool typically have widely available replacement parts, which keeps repair costs lower. Premium or older brands may require harder-to-source parts, increasing the final price.
Regional Cost Differences
Where you live can affect prices. Urban areas often have higher labour rates, while rural areas may charge extra for travel. Comparing multiple local quotes is essential to ensure a fair price.
Emergency and Same Day Repairs
Urgent or same day repairs cost more due to availability and priority scheduling. For detailed pricing, see our guides on emergency tumble dryer repair costs and same day repair pricing.
Repair vs Replacement Considerations
If repair costs approach the price of a new tumble dryer, it may be worth considering replacement. Most mid-range faults are cheaper to repair than to replace, but older machines with multiple faults can be uneconomical. Our guide on repair vs replacement explains this in more detail.
Summary
In summary, the average cost to fix a tumble dryer in the UK ranges from £120 to £160, depending on fault type, appliance brand, dryer model, and labour. Minor repairs cost around £60–£100, mid-range repairs £100–£180, and major faults over £200. Always compare quotes, check engineer credentials, and consider appliance age before proceeding. For an overview of UK tumble dryer repair costs by fault type, see how much a tumble dryer repair costs.