When an appliance fails, the first question is simple: fix it or replace it? Here’s a clear, local guide for Waterloo and Kitchener homeowners to decide—using real-world thresholds our technicians see every week.
1) The appliance is past its typical lifespan and needs a major part
As a rule of thumb:
- Fridge: ~10–13 years
- Washer: ~8–12 years
- Dryer: ~10–13 years
- Dishwasher: ~7–10 years
- Range/Oven: ~13–15 years
If your fridge compressor or sealed system fails at year 12, or your washer tub/spider assembly cracks at year 10, replacement usually makes more financial sense than pouring money into a big-ticket repair.
Local example (Waterloo): A 12-year-old French-door fridge with a failed compressor—replacement recommended.
2) You’ve had two or more repairs in the last 12 months
Frequent breakdowns are a sign of broader wear—wiring, bearings, sensors, or control boards. Even if each repair is “small,” the total adds up, and downtime is its own cost.
Local example (Kitchener): Dryer with a new belt last fall and an idler pulley this spring; now the motor is noisy. At that age, replacement is often the better call.
3) Parts are NLA (no longer available) or the quote breaks the 50% rule
A quick rule: if the repair is over 50% of the price of a comparable new unit—and the appliance has already used two-thirds of its expected life—replacement is usually smarter.
Local example (Eastbridge): Older dishwasher with a leaking tub (not a gasket). The tub part is discontinued—replacement recommended.
4) Safety or water damage risks
Anything involving scorched wiring, persistent overheating, live-current faults, or recurring leaks isn’t worth gambling on—especially in basements or condo units where water damage spreads fast.
Local example (Lincoln Heights): Range with intermittent sparking at the terminal block—retire it.
5) Efficiency has fallen off a cliff
Older fridges and dishwashers can draw far more power and water than modern models. If your bills jump or the machine runs forever to do the same job, the efficiency payback from a newer unit can outrun the repair.
Local example (Uptown Waterloo): Dishwasher that never fully dries and runs long cycles; heating element plus control board would cost nearly half a new mid-range machine—replacement advised.
Quick repair-vs-replace checklist
Choose repair when:
- The unit is mid-life or newer (e.g., a 5-year-old washer).
- The fix is minor (float switch, door latch, simple pump, belt, igniter).
- Parts are readily available and the quote is well under 50% of a new unit.
Choose replace when:
- The unit is near or past typical lifespan and needs a major component.
- You’ve had multiple repairs recently.
- The repair cost >50% of a similar new model or parts are NLA.
- There are safety concerns or repeated leaks.
Efficiency is clearly lagging.
Not sure which way to go?
We can diagnose first, then give you a straight repair-vs-replace recommendation for your specific model—no pressure either way.
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