The cost of a plumber ranges from $175 to $450 for a typical job with the average cost per hour ranging from $45 to $200. This can include jobs like repairing faucets, toilets, sinks or bathtubs. Depending on the job, some plumbers charge a flat rate, or service fee of $300 on average.
Updated September 8, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Fixing a microwave costs around $150 for parts and labor, although it can be as little as $50 or as much as $400. The actual cost of your microwave repair will depend on the brand and model of your appliance, such as if it's a built-in appliance, as well as the required repair type. Depending on your initial investment, you may find it less costly to replace your unit.
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $400 | $50 |
The magnetron in your microwave is the power source for your appliance. Replacing it costs approximately $100 to $200. A microwave magnetron price is around $50 to $100, and labor is about $50 to $100. If you decide to buy the part yourself, make sure you buy the right one for your microwave's brand and model.
A microwave diode replacement costs around $5 to $25 for the part and around $50 to $100 for the labor. The diode is the semiconductor in microwaves that creates, receives, and switches microwave signals. It can wear down over time, and when this happens, you may notice issues like sparks, loud humming, or a burning smell. If you’re already planning on replacing the magnetron, a pro may replace your diode at the same time.
If your microwave has issues unrelated to the heating components, you might be looking at some of the following repairs. The costs range widely between $10 and $400. The below table lists prices for the parts you may need to replace.
| Microwave Part | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Magnetron | $50 – $100 |
| Diode | $5 – $25 |
| Turntable | $25 – $130 |
| Turntable motor | $15 – $100 |
| Touchpad | $100 – $300 |
| Door switch | $50 – $100 |
| Door glass | $100 – $300 |
| Handle | $10 – $70 |
| Fuse | $10 – $15 |
A new turntable costs around $25 to $130, and replacing it is very easy. You don’t have to worry about removing any hardware, so all you need to do is to find the one that fits your make and model and swap out the old one with the new one.
A turntable motor costs around $15 to $100. If it isn't turning and there's nothing wrong with the door switch, you may need to replace your motor. This repair costs around $75 to $300. Before diving into a motor repair, check that the turntable isn't cracked and that the roller guide is intact.
If your microwave touchpad is no longer functioning correctly, you can expect to pay around $100 to $300, depending on the severity of the issue. More straightforward repairs might require work on the control board, while complex issues might call for an entirely new touchpad installation.
A faulty door switch costs around $50 to $100 to fix. In the best-case scenario, the switch may merely need an adjustment. If not, you’ll need to get a replacement. Fixing a faulty door switch is considered a fairly simple repair.
If you have a crack in your glass door, replacing it ranges from $150 to $400, with the material costing around $100 to $300. The actual price varies according to the brand and model of your unit. You may have luck finding a used part, which can drastically lower the price.
Depending on the brand and model, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) handle costs anywhere between $10 to $70, with labor being around $50. Replacing the door handle is a simple repair.
Expect to pay around $10 to $15 for the parts. Blown fuses are relatively common in electronics used for a long time. If this is the case, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a local appliance repair pro to take care of the issue.
Consider these common possibilities if you're unsure what's wrong with your microwave. Whether you're able to narrow down the issue or need help, you can consult a repair pro to get expert insight on your next best steps.
If your microwave runs with the door open, you're likely looking at a problem with the door switch. This repair costs around $50 to $100 and is urgent because running the appliance with the door is dangerous. Don't use your microwave until after you've had a pro fix the door switch.
The first thing you should do when you notice sparks inside a microwave is to turn it off and unplug it if you can do so safely. Next, check to see if you accidentally left metal in the microwave. It might be a utensil like a spoon or fork or a piece of aluminum foil.
If there’s no metal inside, then you likely need to replace a faulty diode. This will cost around $55 to $130 for both the part and installation.
If your microwave isn’t heating, the repair can cost around $50 to $400. It might require a simpler fix like repairing a faulty diode or bad door switch, or a more complex repair like a new magnetron.
If the turntable isn't spinning, repairs can range between $75 and $300. You may need to fix the turntable motor or roller guide or replace your turntable.
Whether you should repair or replace your microwave will depend on several factors. One is the severity of the repair that's required. If you have a hunch that it's an easier fix—like a diode replacement, door switch repair, a new handle or turntable, or the like—then it'll likely be more cost effective to fix your microwave than to buy a new one.
Secondly, consider your initial investment in the microwave. If it's a particularly higher-end luxury model, it may be more affordable to repair than buy a new one. On the other hand, if you have a model you purchased for a good deal, buying a new microwave may be more cost-effective if the repairs are costly. Examples of intensive repairs include magnetron or touchpad replacements.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to hire a pro to get a diagnosis of the issue.
You might feel comfortable replacing a turntable or light bulb on your own. But for more advanced repair needs, you’ll want to find a microwave repair company near you. Hiring a professional to repair your microwave costs around $50 to $100 per hour plus parts. This is recommended for repairs like:
Replacing a magnetron
Installing a new turntable motor
Wiring a power cord
Microwaves usually last around seven to 10 years. If you'd like to make sure your microwave lasts as long as possible, you should clean it regularly, only use microwave-safe containers (avoid all metals and stainless steel mugs), shut the door gently, and never run it while it's empty.
The common reasons why a magnetron fails in a microwave include damaged magnets, burned terminals, damaged antenna, and loose connections. When a microwave becomes overheated, it can damage the magnets and antenna. Also, terminals can burn if the insulator is damaged. And finally, loose connections can occur over time.
There are different reasons why a microwave's diode goes bad. For one, it can be short. Or it might fail after repeated use of the appliance over time. You'll notice that something is wrong because you may hear a loud humming sound or smell burning. In some cases, the actual diode may be physically split in half.
There are several signs that a microwave is going bad, including:
No heat in the microwave
Taking longer than normal to heat food
Food not heating properly
Sparks
Strange sounds
Burning smell
Heats food while door is open
Door doesn’t shut properly
Keypad doesn’t work
Unit is 10 years old or older
It's likely worthwhile to repair your microwave rather than replace it if you have a high-end built-in appliance or if the repairs cost less than a new replacement. It's best to research the cost of an appliance installation before making a decision.
However, if your appliance is over 10 years old, it's better to invest in a brand-new machine since it's already nearing the end of its life span. If you decide to buy a new microwave, consider getting appliance refinishing projects done at the same time to give your kitchen look a refresh.
