Washers and dryers are usually bought as a pair and often wear out on a similar schedule, so it helps to call a company that works on both. Below are independent repair companies within reach of Providence that handle laundry machines, sorted by match and distance.
Washer & Dryer Repair Near Providence
We found 40 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Providence. 12 of them are based in Providence itself, and the rest are spread across Pawtucket (9), Cranston (5), and Warwick (5). Distances run up to about 8 miles. 7 list washer or dryer work specifically. The closest is Providence Appliance Repair Tech, about 0.2 miles away. Rated companies nearby average 4.4 stars across 31 businesses.
Listings come from public business data. A brand or service mention means the company names it in its listing or website; it is not a certification. Verify experience, licensing and insurance before hiring.
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 18 |
|---|---|
| Repair companies inside 30 miles | 60 |
| Mention a major washer brand | 0 |
| Name washers or washing machines in their listing | 10 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 43 |
| Listed as washer & dryer repair | 8 |
At the top of the Providence list: Wickford Appliance Sales & Service (4.1 miles away, based in Cranston, 4.9 stars from 1,254 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Wickford Appliance Sales & Service (4.4 miles away, based in Pawtucket, 4.9 stars from 1,432 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Danny's Appliance (1.4 miles away, 4.2 stars from 771 reviews); Sears Appliance Repair (2.5 miles away, based in Cranston, 4.5 stars from 281 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
When the Washer Is the Problem
- Musty or mildew smell from the drum or door seal
- Loud banging, shaking or walking during the spin
- Washer will not spin, or clothes come out soaking wet
When the Dryer Is the Problem
- Drum will not turn or the dryer will not start
- Burning smell when the dryer runs
- Dryer shuts off early or gets very hot on the outside
What a Technician Checks on the Washer
What a Technician Checks on the Dryer
Lint, Vents and Fire Safety
Never run a dryer without its lint filter, and clean the filter before or after every load; also clear lint that collects behind the dryer. Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) - Clothes Dryer Fire Safety
Under the model residential code approach, a 4-inch dryer exhaust duct is limited to 35 feet of equivalent length, minus 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend, unless the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions set a different maximum. Source: U.S. DOE Building America Solution Center (PNNL) - Proper Clothes Dryer Venting
Washer troubleshooting: washer not draining or washer leaking from the bottom.
Budgeting for Laundry Appliance Repair
Washer and dryer repairs are priced part by part. Published ranges for both machines:
- Shock absorber replacement: $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Control board (motherboard) replacement: $250–$400 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Drum belt replacement: $150–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Gas valve coil replacement (gas dryer): $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Typical washing machine repair: $150–$400 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Service call / diagnostic fee (often waived if you go ahead with the repair): $50–$100 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
For a drum repair, consider replacing the washer instead if it is more than five years old or has had frequent problems. Source: HomeAdvisor - How Much Do Washing Machine Repairs Cost?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the washing machine repair cost guide and whether to repair or replace a washer.
What Providence Owners Should Know
Providence Water, which supplies Providence, reports hardness of soft (the utility describes its water as soft; no numeric value published on its FAQ). Hard water leaves scale on washer inlet screens and heating parts and calls for the right detergent dose, which is worth mentioning when you book a repair. Source: Water Quality FAQ - Providence Water
Rhode Island does not issue a license named for appliance repair, but its Department of Labor and Training licenses pipefitters and refrigeration technicians, including a limited natural gas service license that covers servicing gas-fueled appliances. Source: Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, Sprinklerfitters, Sheet Metal Workers and Oil Heat Contractors (260-RICR-30-15-2)
In Rhode Island, you can check a license with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board: Search a Registrant/Licensee or report a problem to the Rhode Island Attorney General, Consumer Protection Unit.
Questions to Ask a Providence Washer Technician
- If the washer is leaking, will you find where the water starts before quoting a part?
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Washer & Dryer Repair FAQs: Providence, RI
What stops a washer from spinning?
Can you repair a stacked laundry unit?
Why are clothes still damp after a full cycle?
Why does my front-load washer smell?
Other Washer Repair in Providence
Washer & Dryer Repair Near Providence
Before you call, note which machine is acting up, the brand and model numbers of both if they were bought as a pair, and what happens during the cycle. A Providence technician can then bring the right parts for either one.