![How much does it cost to repair a tumble dryer? [October 2025]](https://d21dfqs8hl0txa.cloudfront.net/cost-guides/main/how-much-does-tumble-dryer-repair-costs.png)
The short answer
- The total cost of repairing a tumble dryer can cost between £60 - £350 (inc VAT)
- The type of repair needed will often be the biggest cost factor
- If the cost of repair is 50% less than the price of a new dryer, it's usually more cost-effective to repair instead of replace
- You should always hire a professional appliance engineer to avoid invalidating your tumble dryer's warranty
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Contents
- How much does the labour cost to repair a tumble dryer?
- How much do tumble dryer replacement parts cost?
- What other factors affect the cost of tumble dryer repairs?
- What does the error code mean on my tumble dryer?
- Is it more cost-efficient to replace rather than repair my tumble dryer?
- What are the signs that your tumble dryer needs repairing?
- Can I repair my tumble dryer myself?
- Where can I get a quote for tumble dryer repair?
- Sources
How much does the labour cost to repair a tumble dryer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a tumble dryer repair will cost, as this can depend on a few different factors. However, the type of fault itself will usually be the most influential factor.
Most appliance engineers will charge an hourly rate, rather than a flat fee per job, On average, you can expect to pay between £80 and £150 (including VAT) for labour, plus the cost of any replacement parts.
Here's a cost breakdown of what you can expect to pay for tumble dryer repair across both London and outside of London.
| Type of repair | Price (outside London) | Price (in London) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repair (blocked filter, faulty switch) | £60 – £80 | £80 – £100 |
| Heating element replacement | £70 – £90 | £90 – £110 |
| Drive belt replacement | £80 – £100 | £100 – £120 |
| Thermostat/thermistor replacement | £70 – £90 | £90 – £110 |
| Motor replacement/repair | £90 – £110 | £110 – £130 |
| Control board (PCB) replacement/repair | £100 – £120 | £120 – £150 |
Find out how much tumble dryer repair costs
Get a quote onlineHow much do tumble dryer replacement parts cost?
Your appliance engineer may need replacement parts to complete the repair of your tumble dryer. The cost of parts can vary depending on the brand and model, as well as how widely available the component is.
Some faults, like blocked filters or loose connections, can be resolved quickly without new parts. Others, like heating element or motor replacements, are more complex and require expensive components.
| Replacement part | Average cost of part (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Lint filter | £10 – £25 |
| Door seal/gasket | £20 – £40 |
| Drive belt | £10 – £30 |
| Heating element | £30 – £60 |
| Thermostat/thermistor | £20 – £40 |
| Motor | £80 – £150 |
| Control board (PCB) | £100 – £200 |
What other factors affect the cost of tumble dryer repairs?
Several other factors can influence the final cost of your tumble dryer repair, including who you book with, the make and model of your tumble dryer, and when you book.
1. Who you book with
It probably comes as no surprise that independent engineers and sole traders generally charge less than larger, well-established tradesperson companies.
However, despite the higher upfront cost, booking through a bigger company often comes with added benefits. These can include:
- Instant online quotes and easy booking forms
- A wider choice of appointment slots, including same-day bookings
- Access to a dedicated customer service team if anything goes wrong
- Replacement cover if your original engineer can’t attend
2. The make and model of your tumble dryer
Repairs for premium brands such as Miele, Bosch, or Siemens often cost more because parts are more expensive and may need to be specially ordered.
By contrast, mass-market brands tend to be cheaper to repair because their parts are widely available and affordable, plus most engineers are familiar with these machines, which can reduce labour time and costs.
3. When you book
Same-day, next-day, or weekend call-outs are usually more expensive than standard weekday slots. You'll also usually pay a premium for early morning, late evening and call-outs on bank holidays.
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What does the error code mean on my tumble dryer?
Most modern tumble dryers are fitted with self-diagnostic systems that display error codes or flashing lights when there’s a problem.
These codes can sometimes look alarming, but they don’t always mean your machine has a serious fault.
Error codes and their meaning will vary between brands, but here are a few common examples:
| Brand | Example error code | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Hotpoint [1] | F01 | Motor or electrical fault |
| Indesit [2] | F03 | Temperature sensing fault |
| Bosch [3] | E90 | Control board fault |
| AEG [4] | E50 | Motor fault (drive belt or motor failure) |
| AEG [5] | E60 | Heating fault (often heating element) |
| Miele [6] | F53 | Electrical fault |
| Miele [7] | F158 | Dryer overheating |
Error codes can vary even between models from the same brand, so always check your manufacturer’s manual for the most accurate information.
Is it more cost-efficient to replace rather than repair my tumble dryer?
In many cases, repairing a tumble dryer is more cost-effective than replacing it. This is especially true if your machine is less than 5 years old and otherwise in good condition.
However, if the repair is going to cost more than 50% of the price of a new dryer, it may make more sense to invest in a replacement.
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What are the signs that your tumble dryer needs repairing?
A tumble dryer often gives you warning signs before it breaks down completely. Spotting these early can save you time and money by preventing further damage.
| Sign | What it could mean |
|---|---|
| Takes longer to dry clothes than usual | Blocked lint filter, restricted airflow, or a failing heating element |
| Clothes come out damp or cold | Faulty heating element, thermostat, or sensor |
| Unusual noises (e.g. squeaking, grinding, thumping) | Worn drive belt, drum support rollers, or motor problems |
| Burning smell or overheating | Blocked vents, lint build-up, or a faulty thermostat — switch off immediately and seek professional help |
| Drum not spinning | Broken belt, faulty motor, or door switch |
| Error codes or flashing lights | Self-diagnostic system indicating a specific fault (check the code in your manual) |
| Leaking water (condenser dryers) | Blocked or damaged drainage system |
| Dryer keeps stopping mid-cycle | Overheating protection kicking in, or a faulty sensor or control board |
| Door won’t close or lock properly | Damaged door latch, hinge, or locking mechanism |
If you notice burning smells, excessive heat, or smoke, turn off and unplug the machine immediately. These can be signs of a serious fault or even a fire risk.
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Can I repair my tumble dryer myself?
In some cases, it can be possible to fix a faulty tumble dryer yourself, but this will essentially depend on the fault. For example, emptying the water tank in a condenser dryer, cleaning a clogged lint filter or vent, checking the power supply or resetting a tripped fuse or checking the sensor is clean can usually be carried out without a professional.
However, more complex repairs should always be left to a qualified appliance engineer. This includes anything that involves opening the tumble dryer, handling internal wiring, or replacing components such as the motor, heating element, or control board. Actually, attempting these repairs yourself can invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and lead to further damage.
If you're renting, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement before attempting any repairs. In most cases, your landlord or letting agent is responsible for repairing or replacing fixed appliances like tumble dryers. You should report the fault to them first rather than trying to fix it yourself. If you try to carry out a repair and accidentally cause more damage, you could be held liable for the cost.
Where can I get a quote for tumble dryer repair?
There are lots of ways to find a reliable appliance engineer for tumble dryer repairs. A good first step is to ask family and friends if they have any local recommendations. You can also check neighbourhood social media groups, as well as online tradesperson directories. These platforms often feature customer reviews and ratings to help you choose a reputable engineer.
If you're looking for an easier way to find a tried and trusted appliance engineer, it's worth checking out a professional tradesperson service, like Housekeep. Just let us know the issue, and we'll give you an instant online quote for your tumble dryer repair. Need a repair next or same day? No problem. We have appliance engineers on call round the clock, ready to lend a hand.
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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