Most washing machine breakdowns trace back to a short list of parts: the drain pump and its filter, the lid switch or door lock, the drive belt or motor coupling, the inlet valve and the suspension. We pull these listings from public business data, remove closed businesses, parts stores and unrelated trades, and put companies that mention washers at the top.
Who Repairs Washers Near Columbia
We found 28 appliance repair companies within 30 miles of Columbia. 16 list an address in Columbia, and the rest are spread across Lexington (3), West Columbia (2), and Camden (2). The farthest listed company is about 29 miles out. 10 list washing machine or washer work specifically. Sears Appliance Repair is the nearest, roughly 3.8 miles from Columbia. Rated companies nearby average 4.3 stars across 24 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.
| Mention a major washer brand | 1 |
|---|---|
| Companies within 30 miles | 28 |
| Mention washer work | 10 |
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 10 |
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 3.8, 5.3, 5.4 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 15 |
Closest matches for Columbia: Appliance Professional (15.3 miles away, based in Lexington, 4.8 stars from 1,369 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sloan Appliance Service Inc. (9.7 miles away, based in Cayce, 4.7 stars from 2,353 reviews); Expo Appliance Service (15.4 miles away, based in West Columbia, 4.9 stars from 309 reviews); Quick Appliance repair llc (11.6 miles away, 5.0 stars from 241 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs a Technician
- Water left in the drum after the cycle
- Washer will not spin, or clothes come out soaking wet
- Loud banging, shaking or walking during the spin
- An error code on the display
Why Washing Machines Break Down
What a Washing Machine Technician Checks
Troubleshooting first? Start with washer not draining or washer not filling with water.
Before Anyone Touches the Washer
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
Plug the washer into a grounded three-prong outlet on a 15- or 20-amp 120-volt circuit, and never remove the ground prong or use an adapter or extension cord. Source: Whirlpool - Washer Installation Instructions
More: where washer leaks come from.
Repair or Replace Your Washer?
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:
- Water inlet valve replacement: $95–$190 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Door boot gasket (door seal) replacement: $230–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
- Drive belt replacement: $120–$175 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 Columbia Owners Should Know
Columbia Water (City of Columbia), which supplies Columbia, reports hardness of averages about 36 ppm as CaCO3 (range roughly 20-47 ppm), soft. 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: Columbia Water 2025 Consumer Confidence Report
South Carolina does not issue a license specific to appliance repair; mechanical work such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration is licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board for commercial-scale jobs and by the Residential Builders Commission for residential HVAC and plumbing. Source: S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11 (Contractors), South Carolina Legislature
In South Carolina, you can check a license with the SC LLR License Lookup or report a problem to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
Questions to Ask a Columbia Washer Technician
- Do you work on front-load and top-load washers, or only one type?
- How often do you repair your brand washers, and how quickly can you get parts?
- What is the service call or diagnostic fee, and is it applied to the repair?
Washing Machine Repair FAQs: Columbia, SC
Where is the water under my washer coming from?
Why does my washer shake or walk across the floor?
Is there anything I can try first?
How do I get rid of a washer mildew smell?
Brand-Specific Washer Repair, Columbia
Washing Machine Repair Near Columbia
A clear drain filter, open supply valves and the model number in hand make any washer repair in Columbia faster and cheaper.