Appliance repair: fix or replace your washer, dryer, fridge or dishwasher

For Silicon Valley homes · Updated October 2026 · Sources below

Most appliance repairs cost a few hundred dollars and are often worth it for a newer machine. An older appliance that needs a big repair is usually a better candidate for replacement. If you have a dryer, cleaning the lint filter and vent is the most important thing you can do - failure to clean is the leading cause of home dryer fires.

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Smell gas near a gas dryer or range? Leave the house and call 911 from outside. Don't switch lights on or off. If an appliance smells like burning or sparks, turn off its breaker and keep away.

The short version

Typical appliance repair: about $108-$252 (national)
Failure to clean was the leading factor in home dryer fires (31%, 2018-2020)
Clean the dryer lint filter before and after every load
Typical life: about 13-15 years for dryers and fridges, about 10 for dishwashers
A plug-in swap usually needs no permit; new gas, venting, water lines or circuits do

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What it costs

Appliance repair (typical)$108 - $252
Refrigerator repair$200 - $300
Dishwasher repair$160 - $300
Washing machine repair$50 - $450
Dryer repair$100 - $400

National figures - Bay Area service calls usually cost more. The part, the brand and gas vs. electric change the price; gas models run about 20% higher.

Typical ranges from published cost guides - mostly national figures. Bay Area prices usually run higher. Your actual price depends on your home and the job, and a pro gives you the real number. Source: HomeAdvisor cost guide (national) (Jun 2026). Have a quote? Check it with the Quote Explainer

Signs of trouble

Dryer: clothes take longer to dry, the outside gets very hot, or you smell burning
Washer: won't drain or spin, leaks, or shakes hard
Fridge: not cold enough, runs nonstop, or water pools underneath
Dishwasher: dishes come out dirty, water stays in the bottom, or it leaks
Any appliance: tripping a breaker, a damaged cord, or a gas smell

Repair or replace?

Usually worth repairing: a newer appliance with one failed part, like a pump, belt, igniter, door switch or control board.
Usually time to replace: an appliance near the end of its typical life (about 13-15 years for dryers and fridges, about 10 for dishwashers) that needs a costly repair.
An old fridge uses about 20% more energy than a new ENERGY STAR model, so savings can help pay for a replacement.
A cracked, damaged or loose power cord means replace the appliance - don't keep using it.

In Silicon Valley

San José: replacing an appliance doesn't need a permit if it only plugs into the existing connections. Any alteration - new electrical, plumbing, gas or venting work - needs a permit, and residential appliance installations qualify for an online permit at SJPermits.org.
San José's building permit page lists installation of major appliances among work that needs a permit, while a plug-in replacement doesn't - so if a new dryer or range needs a new circuit, gas line or vent, have your installer pull the permit.

Questions homeowners ask

Is it worth repairing an appliance or should I buy a new one?

If the appliance is fairly new and the repair is a single part, repairing usually makes sense. If it's near the end of its typical life - about 13 to 15 years for dryers and fridges, about 10 for dishwashers - and the repair is expensive, replacing is often the better buy.

How much does appliance repair cost?

National cost guides put a typical appliance repair at about $108 to $252. By appliance: about $200 to $300 for a fridge, $160 to $300 for a dishwasher, $50 to $450 for a washer and $100 to $400 for a dryer. Bay Area prices usually run higher.

How do I prevent a dryer fire?

Clean the lint filter before and after every load, never run the dryer without the filter, and clean the back of the dryer where lint builds up. Check that the vent behind the dryer isn't crushed or blocked and that the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs. The U.S. Fire Administration found failure to clean was the leading factor in home dryer fires.

Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?

A clogged lint filter or vent is the most common reason, and it's also a fire risk. Clean the filter and check the vent hose for crushing or kinks. If it's still slow, have a pro clean the full vent run and check the heating element or gas burner.

Do I need a permit to replace an appliance in San Jose?

Not if the new one just plugs into the existing outlet, water and gas connections. If it needs a new circuit, outlet, gas line, water line or vent, it needs a permit, and San José offers an online permit for residential appliance installations.

Can I plug my fridge or washer into an extension cord?

No. The U.S. Fire Administration says to plug major appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers directly into a wall outlet, because an extension cord can overheat and start a fire.

Do you need a permit?

A plug-in swap usually doesn't; new gas, water, venting or circuits do.

General guidance based on California's building code - your city can have stricter rules, and zoning, historic and HOA rules can apply too. Check with your city's building department before you start.

Check the rule for your city

Questions to ask the pro

Is there a diagnostic or service-call fee, and does it go toward the repair?
Is the part in stock, and is it a brand (OEM) part?
Given the age of my appliance, would you repair it or replace it?
Will you check the dryer vent while you're here?
What warranty comes with the parts and the labor?

Before you sign, check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov. How to hire a contractor in California

Know a neighbor dealing with this?

Send them this page - it's free, and every answer has its sources.

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