Free, independent repair know-how
Work out what’s probably wrong, see what the repair typically costs, and screen technicians with five simple questions — for laptops and PCs, washing machines, refrigerators and TVs.
Diagnose
Each guide walks you through symptoms, safe checks, the questions to ask and the warning signs — device by device.
Guide #01 · Hardware & data
Data-safe repairs
Fault finding · Privacy
Counter checklist included
Guide #02 · Water & motion
In-home diagnosis
Error codes · In-home repair
Error code basics
Guide #03 · Cooling
Test, then replace
Cooling faults · Leak repair
Cooling checks included
Guide #04 · Screen & boards
Flashlight test
Backlight vs. panel · Boards
Backlight & panel advice
Hire safely
Keep this open while you phone a repair business and tick each point as it’s confirmed. An unclear answer is a reason to ask again — or to call someone else.
0 / 5 points confirmed
Tick each point as the business confirms it.
Say it like this
“Before I book — what’s your call-out fee, and does it come off the bill if I go ahead? Will you give me a written quote to approve first, and what warranty do you give on parts and labour?”
The vast majority of technicians are honest. These are the patterns worth recognising, and the question that usually clears them up.
You might hear: “It just needs topping up with gas.”
What to know: Refrigerant runs in a sealed loop and isn’t consumed. If it’s low, there’s a leak — ask how it will be found and fixed.
You might hear: “We’ll need to take it back to the shop.”
What to know: Many faults can be diagnosed where the appliance stands. If removal really is needed, get the reason and costs in writing first.
You might hear: “Your compressor / motor / motherboard has gone.”
What to know: Cheaper parts can produce the same symptoms. Ask what was tested, what the readings were and what was ruled out.
You might hear: “That’s a brand-new genuine part.”
What to know: Ask for the part number and type (manufacturer, compatible or used) on the invoice, and to see the packaging and the old part.
You might hear: “I can only do this price if you say yes now.”
What to know: A fair quote doesn’t vanish in minutes. You can pay the agreed diagnostic fee, keep the written quote and get a second opinion.
You’re always free to pay the agreed call-out fee, keep the written quote and get a second opinion.
Compare typical pricesCompare prices
Indicative US ranges broken into parts, labour and call-out fees, so you can tell whether a quote is in the usual range. Prices in your area may be different.
The component being replaced. Manufacturer (OEM) parts generally cost more than compatible or used ones — your invoice should say which you got.
The time to fit and test the part. Anything that needs heavy dismantling or bench time in a workshop costs more.
A separate charge for finding the fault — not the repair itself. Some businesses deduct it if you go ahead, others don’t, so ask when you book.
Tier 01
What you pay a technician to come out, or a shop to bench-test, and find the fault. Some businesses deduct it from the repair if you go ahead — ask before you book.
$40 – $120Often deducted if you approve the repair
Basis: Swappa: laptop diagnostic $40–$80. Fixr: washer service call $50–$100 (typically waived if you hire); fridge service call $70–$120. Bob Vila: TV diagnostic fee $40–$85+. Sources: Swappa — Laptop repair vs. replace (opens in a new tab); Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); Fixr — Refrigerator repair cost (opens in a new tab); Bob Vila — TV screen repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 02
Accessible parts such as washer inlet valves, fridge start relays, laptop batteries and hinges.
$95 – $250Typical total, parts and labour
Basis: Fixr: inlet valve $95–$190. EasyBear: start relay/overload $95–$190. Worthava: laptop battery $100–$250. ThePricer: hinge replacement $120–$250. Sources: Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); EasyBear — Refrigerator start relay / overload replacement cost (opens in a new tab); Worthava Group — Laptop repair costs (opens in a new tab); ThePricer — Laptop hinge repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 03
Washer control boards and TV power or T-con boards. Whether the board is repaired or replaced changes the price a lot; laptop logic boards and fridge control boards usually cost more.
$100 – $475Repair vs. replace makes the difference
Basis: Fixr: washer control board $250–$400; TV vertical/horizontal lines $150–$475. Homeyou: TV power supply $143–$319. Tech Junctions: shop power-board repair $100–$350. Sources: Fixr — Washing machine repair cost (opens in a new tab); Fixr — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Homeyou — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Tech Junctions — TV power supply repair cost (opens in a new tab)
Tier 04
Fridge compressor or sealed-system work, TV panel replacement and laptop motherboard replacement. Price a replacement before you say yes.
$390 – $1,200Worth a second written quote
Basis: Fixr: fridge compressor $500–$1,000, sealed system $800–$1,200. Homeyou: TV screen replacement $390–$952. Worthava: laptop motherboard $300–$1,000+. Sources: Fixr — Refrigerator repair cost (opens in a new tab); Homeyou — TV repair cost (opens in a new tab); Worthava Group — Laptop repair costs (opens in a new tab)
Interactive estimator
Pick a device and a symptom to see an indicative range for parts, labour and the total. It’s a guide to help you judge a quote — not a quote itself.
| Device | Symptom / fault | Parts (approx.) | Labour (approx.) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC & LaptopDiagnostic: $40 – $80 | Screen cracked, black or flickering | $80 – $450 | $70 – $250 | $150 – $700 |
| Battery won’t hold charge or looks swollen | $40 – $180 | $60 – $70 | $100 – $250 | |
| Hinge loose, stiff or broken | $20 – $200 | $30 – $200 | $50 – $400 | |
| Won’t power on — possible motherboard fault | $100 – $700 | $200 – $300 | $300 – $1,000 | |
| Washing MachineDiagnostic: $50 – $100 | Won’t drain — drain pump replacement | $100 – $180 | $200 – $220 | $300 – $400 |
| Won’t fill, fills slowly or overfills (inlet valve) | $30 – $90 | $65 – $100 | $95 – $190 | |
| Dead display, no power or random stops (control board) | $130 – $250 | $120 – $150 | $250 – $400 | |
| Roaring or grinding on spin (drum bearings) | $40 – $80 | $110 – $145 | $150 – $225 | |
| RefrigeratorDiagnostic: $70 – $120 | Warm, with a click every few minutes (start relay / overload) | $20 – $60 | $75 – $130 | $95 – $190 |
| Freezer cold, fridge section warm | $10 – $100 | $40 – $150 | $50 – $250 | |
| Slowly losing its cold — possible refrigerant leak | $50 – $100 | $150 – $200 | $200 – $300 | |
| Compressor confirmed as failed | $250 – $600 | $250 – $400 | $500 – $1,000 | |
| TV & ScreenDiagnostic: $40 – $85 | Sound but a black screen (backlight) | $30 – $120 | $70 – $240 | $100 – $360 |
| Won’t turn on, blinking standby light or clicking (power supply) | $20 – $100 | $80 – $300 | $100 – $400 | |
| Lines, ghosting or strange colours (T-con board, cables) | $20 – $175 | $130 – $300 | $150 – $475 | |
| Cracked or physically damaged panel | $250 – $700 | $140 – $300 | $390 – $1,000 |
We read each of the published US cost guides below and took the total (parts + labour) ranges they publish for each repair. Where sources disagreed, the range spans their figures. Because sources publish totals, the parts/labour split shown is our approximation. Each estimate lists the exact source figures it is based on. Figures were last reviewed in October 2026. We have no commercial relationship with these publishers.
Questions & answers
Short, practical answers to the situations people run into most.
Rule 1 of 3
Write it down
Fees, quotes and warranty — all on paper before work begins.
Rule 2 of 3
Approve first
No parts fitted and nothing dismantled until you’ve agreed the price.
Rule 3 of 3
Test, then pay
See the repaired item run through a full cycle or check.
Compare the written quote with the price of a similar new model, and factor in age, condition and running costs. A common rule of thumb is to think hard about any repair that costs more than about half the price of a replacement — especially if the item is old or other parts are likely to fail soon.
Key point: Price the replacement before you approve a big repair.
Contact the repairer straight away and refer to the warranty printed on your invoice — that’s why getting it in writing matters. If the business won’t honour its written terms, your state consumer protection office can explain your options.
Key point: Keep the invoice and any old parts until the warranty runs out.
Some jobs genuinely need a bench, such as component-level board repair or some TV backlight work. Before anything leaves, ask why, what it will cost (transport included) and when you’ll get it back — in writing. Photograph the item and any labels first.
Key point: Photos plus a written reason and price, before anything leaves your home.
Ask whether it’s a manufacturer (OEM) part, a compatible part or a used part. All three can be legitimate, but the price should match. Ask to see the packaging and part number, and check both appear on the invoice.
Key point: The invoice should name the part number and type.
Usually yes — the fee covers the technician’s time and travel. Whether it’s deducted from the repair if you go ahead varies by business, so ask before booking. You should only be charged the amount you were told.
Key point: Agree the fee, and how it’s handled, when you book.
No. Ask for the new price in writing with an explanation of what changed. You can say no, pay any agreed diagnostic fee and get a second opinion. Agreeing a ceiling price before work starts helps avoid this.
Key point: Agree that nothing extra is done without your approval.
Look for consistent reviews on more than one site, a clear business name and contact details, written quotes and invoices, and — where your state or city requires it — a licence or registration. Your state consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau may list complaints.
Key point: A business that puts everything in writing is easier to hold to account.
Many appliance jobs are routinely done on-site: washer drain pumps, inlet valves and door locks; fridge start relays, fans and defrost parts. Refrigerant work by a certified technician is also normally done in the home. Some TV and computer repairs need a workshop.
Key point: If removal is suggested, ask for the reason.
No. Our price ranges are indicative US figures taken from published cost guides, and real quotes depend on your area, model, parts and labour rates. We don’t carry out repairs, recommend businesses or check technicians’ qualifications — we help you ask the right questions.
Key point: Always get a written quote from the repairer you choose.
Not sure about a quote you’ve been given?
See how 123 Drivers Guide works and what our guides can and can’t do for you.
