Repairable is not the same as worthwhile
When a washing machine, dishwasher or oven breaks down, the first question is usually whether the spare part is still available. That matters, but it does not settle the case. An appliance can be perfectly repairable and still be the wrong investment, for example if it is very old, the next fault is foreseeable or a new model uses far less electricity and water.
Conversely, not every older appliance belongs on the scrap heap. Robust machines with a clearly limited fault often run for many more years after a repair. The right decision comes from looking at the whole picture, not at a single price.
What counts is not whether an appliance can be repaired, but whether it will get through the next few years economically.
Five criteria for the decision
- Age: the closer an appliance is to the end of its usual lifespan, the more likely further faults become.
- Type of fault: a broken door handle or a blocked filter is not the same as a circulation pump, heating element, compressor or control electronics.
- Spare parts: availability alone is not enough; also consider delivery time and the price of the part.
- Relative cost: compare the quote, including call-out, labour and materials, with the price of a comparable new appliance.
- Running costs: compare the old machine's electricity and water use with the figures on the energy label of a new one.
As a rough guide, a young appliance with a limited fault is almost always repaired. An old appliance with damage to a core component and a repair bill of several hundred francs deserves a very critical look.
A practical case: the 20-year-old dishwasher
A case reported from service practice shows how the criteria interact. A dishwasher of around 20 years failed because of a fault in the circulation pump or heating element. The spare part could still be ordered from the manufacturer, and the repair would have cost about CHF 800.
| Criterion | Finding | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Age | around 20 years | Further faults likely |
| Fault | Circulation pump or heating | Core, expensive component |
| Spare part | still available | Technically repairable |
| Cost | approx. CHF 800 | High relative to remaining benefit |
| Operation | New unit uses much less electricity and water | Argues for replacement |
The recommendation in this case was to replace the machine, even though it was repairable. That surprises many people: it was not feasibility but the overall calculation for the coming years that tipped the balance.
Common reasoning mistakes
- Looking only at the immediate repair price and ignoring follow-on costs.
- Equating a small visible fault with a small bill; hidden components are often the expensive ones.
- Underestimating age, even though seals, hoses and electronics in old machines all age at the same time.
- Judging a new appliance by purchase price alone instead of factoring in consumption and lifespan.
- Failing to check warranty or guarantee rights before attempting a repair yourself.
Check warranty and guarantee first
If the appliance is fairly new, check the receipt and the terms of sale. The Swiss Code of Obligations provides a statutory warranty for purchased goods, generally two years, but it can be modified by contract or replaced by a manufacturer's guarantee. Your own repair attempts may void claims. Rules can change, so if in doubt check the current position with the retailer or a consumer advice service.
DIY or call a technician?
Small, clearly defined jobs can often be done yourself: cleaning a lint filter, replacing a basket or door seal, clearing a blocked drain hose. The user manual usually states what owners are allowed to do.
As soon as electronics, mains voltage, water routing, gas or refrigerant are involved, the job belongs with a professional. The same applies when costs reach several hundred francs: a proper diagnosis is worth having before parts are ordered. Ask for a quote that shows the diagnosis fee, call-out, labour and parts, and check whether the diagnosis is credited if you go ahead.
When replacement is the better choice
If you decide on a new appliance, do not buy on price alone. Look at the energy efficiency class, stated water consumption, installation dimensions, ease of repair and how long spare parts are meant to be available. For built-in appliances in rented flats, the landlord is usually responsible for replacement, so inform them before ordering anything yourself.
You do not have to dispose of the old unit yourself. In Switzerland an advance recycling fee is included in the purchase price, and retailers take back appliances of the type they sell. Many suppliers offer to remove the old machine on delivery.