Washers fail in fairly predictable ways, which is good news: many repairs are a single part that a technician can replace in one visit. Below are the companies within reach of Des Moines, sorted by how closely they match washing machine work, then by distance and public ratings.
Local Washing Machine Repair in Des Moines, IA
We found 26 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Des Moines. 11 of them are based in Des Moines itself, and other nearby bases include Urbandale (5), West Des Moines (2), and Ankeny (2). Distances run up to about 27 miles. 5 of them mention washing machine or washer work in their listing or website. Nearest on the list: Everett Appliance Repair Services, around 1.8 miles out. Rated companies nearby average 4.4 stars across 25 businesses.
We do not show business phone numbers. Call our helpline to be connected with a participating technician, or look a company up directly. Always confirm licensing and insurance.
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 20 |
|---|---|
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 4 |
| Mention a major washer brand | 0 |
| Repair companies inside 30 miles | 26 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 1.8, 1.9, 2.1 |
| Name washers or washing machines in their listing | 5 |
The leading options for Des Moines are Westside Appliance Repair (8.1 miles away, based in Urbandale, 4.6 stars from 774 reviews); Sears Appliance Repair (3.4 miles away, 4.4 stars from 117 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (6.4 miles away, based in Urbandale, 4.0 stars from 52 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (6.2 miles away, 4.2 stars from 62 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Washer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Musty or mildew smell from the drum or door seal
- Washer will not start or the lid or door stays locked
- Water left in the drum after the cycle
- Washer fills slowly, will not fill, or keeps filling
What Usually Goes Wrong
What a Washing Machine Technician Checks
Troubleshooting first? Start with front-load vs top-load washer problems or washer not filling with water.
Leaks and Safe Shutoff
Closing the washer's water faucets when the machine is not in use takes pressure off the hoses and valves and limits flooding if a hose gives way. Source: GE Appliances - Washer Owner's Manual
Manufacturers require the washer to be electrically grounded and warn against using an extension cord or modifying the plug. Source: Maytag - High-Efficiency Washer Installation Instructions
More: where washer leaks come from.
Washing Machine Repair Cost Ranges
Most washing machine repairs come down to one part and an hour or two of labor, which is why many are worth pricing before you shop for a new washer. Published ranges:
- Transmission replacement: $200–$350 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Drain pump replacement: $300–$400 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Tub / drum bearing replacement: $150–$225 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Door lock replacement: $110–$200 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Appliance technician labor: $50–$150 per hour Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
Replacement tends to make more financial sense once a repair runs past half the cost of buying and installing a new washer. 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.
Around Des Moines
Most washer calls in Des Moines come down to the same handful of parts: the drain pump and filter, the lid switch or door lock, the drive belt or coupler, the inlet valve and the suspension.
Iowa does not issue a general appliance repair technician license; the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and hydronic work, and state law carves out a special restricted license only for utility employees who repair appliances. Source: Iowa Code Chapter 105, Plumbers, Mechanical Professionals, and Contractors
In Iowa, you can check a license with the Iowa DIAL Find a Record or License (Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board public search) or report a problem to the Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Hiring a Washer Repair Company in Des Moines
- Do you work on front-load and top-load washers, or only one type?
- If the problem turns out to be the supply valves or the standpipe, do you handle that or should I call a plumber?
- Is your company licensed where my state requires it, and insured?
Washing Machine Repair FAQs: Des Moines, IA
What should I check before calling?
How do I get rid of a washer mildew smell?
Is the helpline a manufacturer?
Find Your Washer Brand in Des Moines
More Washing Machine Repair Pages Nearby
Write down the model and serial number from the label (inside the lid or door frame, or on the back of the cabinet) and note any error code. It saves a Des Moines technician a trip for parts.