Washer & Dryer Removal: Pricing, Disconnection & Disposal
Gas dryers need line capping, stacked units need de-stacking, and pair pricing drives 65-80% margins. Full operator playbook inside.
Last updated: Mar 2026
Pricing Tiers
What to charge based on spa size and access complexity.
Single Unit (ground level)
$75–$125
checkFull disconnection of water supply or electric plug
checkRemoval from laundry area to truck
checkTransport to scrap yard or donation center
checkScrap metal recycling with proceeds kept by operator
arrow_upwardCharge high-end: Gas dryer requiring line cap adds $25–$50 in labor and parts. Stacked unit requiring de-stacking before moving adds 10–15 minutes of on-site time and warrants the higher end of this range. Units wedged into closets narrower than 30 inches also justify premium pricing due to extra maneuvering.
Washer + Dryer Pair
$125–$200
checkBoth units disconnected, removed, and disposed
checkWater supply valve shutoff and hose disconnection
checkGas line cap included when applicable
checkFloor protection during extraction from tight spaces
arrow_upwardCharge high-end: Basement with narrow stairs or tight laundry closet under 30 inches wide. If the pair includes a gas dryer plus a stacked configuration, quote $175–$200 minimum. Customers rarely balk at pair pricing because they already know single-unit pricing from competitors — your pair discount feels like a deal while still delivering $200+/hr effective revenue.
Pair With Stairs
$175–$275 for pair
checkStair carry with appliance dolly and stair climbers
checkFloor and wall protection on all stair runs
checkFull disconnection and gas line capping
checkDisposal via scrap recycling or donation coordination
arrow_upwardCharge high-end: Basement with 2+ flights, tight 90-degree turns, no landing, or exterior bulkhead stairs. Old homes with 28-inch stairwells push the job toward $275. One operator in the Mid-Atlantic reports consistently charging $250 for basement pairs because the injury risk and time investment justify it — customers accept because they physically cannot move these units themselves.
Commercial Laundromat Removal
$150–$350 per unit
checkCommercial-grade washer or dryer (300–500 lbs)
checkCoin-op mechanism does not affect pricing
checkLoading dock or rear-exit extraction
checkScrap recycling of oversized steel units
arrow_upwardCharge high-end: Commercial stack dryers bolted to the wall or commercial washers plumbed with rigid copper lines. Units over 400 lbs may require a third crew member or furniture jack. Laundromat owners replacing 8–12 units at once represent a $2,000–$4,000 single-job opportunity — quote per-unit with a volume discount of 10–15% to lock the contract.
Pre-Quote Checklist
Washer and dryer removal is one of the most predictable appliance jobs you will run. The critical variable is gas versus electric — everything else is logistics. Nail these six questions during the initial call or item-select booking flow and your crew shows up fully prepared with zero surprises.
Gas or electric dryer?
Electric dryers use a 240V plug (large 3- or 4-prong outlet). Gas dryers connect to a flexible gas line and require the supply valve to be shut off and the pipe capped with a brass cap and Teflon tape after disconnection.
Stacked unit or side-by-side?
Stacked washer/dryer combos must be de-stacked before moving. The stacking bracket is typically secured with four bolts. Budget an extra 10–15 minutes for de-stacking and have a second person brace the top unit during removal.
Location and stair count
Main-floor laundry rooms are straightforward 15-minute extractions. Basement stairs add $25–$50 per flight and 10–15 minutes. Upstairs laundry closets combine tight-space extraction with a downward stair carry — quote at the stair tier minimum.
Both units or just one?
Pair removal accounts for 75–80% of washer/dryer jobs. Always ask if the customer wants both removed — most homeowners replacing one unit are replacing both. Quoting the pair at $125–$200 converts better than quoting $75–$125 per unit.
Laundry closet width
Measure or ask the customer to measure the closet opening. Openings under 30 inches require you to remove closet doors or bifold tracks before extracting the unit. Factor in 5–10 extra minutes and mention the tight-space premium during quoting.
Working or non-working condition?
Working units under 10 years old can be donated to Habitat ReStore or Salvation Army, which some customers specifically request. Non-working units go to scrap. Knowing this upfront determines your disposal route and whether you need a donation receipt.
Pedestal drawers present?
Many front-load washers and dryers sit on storage pedestal drawers that add 12–15 inches of height and 40–60 lbs. Confirm whether the customer wants pedestals removed too — they are bolted to the unit and add $15–$25 per pedestal to the job scope.
Equipment & PPE
REQUIRED
Appliance dolly (800 lb capacity)
Must have stair-climbing belt or tracks for basement removal. A standard hand truck cannot safely handle a 250-lb washer on stairs. Budget $180–$350 for a quality appliance dolly — it pays for itself in two jobs.
Adjustable wrench (10-inch and 12-inch)
For disconnecting washer water supply hoses and gas dryer flex connectors. Carry both sizes because older homes use non-standard fittings. A basin wrench is useful for hoses with corroded connections.
Furniture sliders (heavy-duty, 8-pack)
Slide washers and dryers out of tight laundry closets without scratching hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring. Place under all four corners before pulling the unit forward. Costs $8–$15 per pack and prevents $200+ floor damage claims.
Moving blankets (2 minimum per job)
Wrap doorframes and banisters when navigating units through hallways and down stairs. A single scuff on a painted banister can trigger a $150–$300 touch-up request from the homeowner. Blankets cost $12 each and eliminate the risk entirely.
Channel-lock pliers (12-inch)
Essential for stubborn water supply connections that have corroded over years of moisture exposure. Adjustable wrench alone will not grip corroded brass fittings. Channel-locks give you the torque to break seized connections without stripping.
RECOMMENDED
Brass gas line caps (3/8" and 1/2")
Keep 3–4 of each size on the truck at all times. They cost $2–$4 each wholesale and support a $25–$50 add-on per gas dryer job. Running out means you cannot safely complete gas dryer disconnections.
Teflon tape (yellow gas-rated)
Yellow Teflon tape is rated for gas connections — white plumber's tape is not. Wrap 4–5 clockwise turns on cap threads before tightening. A roll costs $3 and lasts 20+ jobs.
Leak detection solution or gas sniffer
After capping a gas line, spray the joint with leak detection solution or use a handheld gas sniffer to confirm zero leaks. This 30-second step prevents callbacks and potential liability. A bottle of detection solution costs $6 at any hardware store.
Cordless drill with socket adapter
Speeds up de-stacking of stacked washer/dryer units by removing the four bracket bolts in under 2 minutes versus 8–10 minutes with a hand wrench. Carry 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch sockets.
shieldCut-resistant gloves (sheet metal edges on dryer drums cause lacerations)
shieldSteel-toe boots (250-lb washers rolling off a dolly will crush standard footwear)
shieldBack support belt (recommended for basement stair carries over 6 steps)
shieldSafety glasses (rust flakes and debris fall during disconnection of older units)
shieldKnee pads (useful when working behind units in tight laundry closets)
Step-by-Step Workflow
Execute the job safely and efficiently every time.
Confirm connections and access
Walk the laundry area before touching anything. Identify whether the dryer is gas (look for a flex line running to a wall valve) or electric (240V plug). Locate hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer. Check the path to the truck for doorway widths, stair turns, and floor surfaces that need protection. This 2-minute walkthrough prevents every common mistake.
do_not_disturbDon't proceed if: Gas leak smell present before disconnection — do not proceed. Ventilate the space, evacuate the home, and call the gas company immediately. Never attempt to tighten a leaking gas fitting yourself.
Shut off utilities and disconnect
Turn off both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer — turn clockwise until fully closed. Place a towel under the hose connections to catch residual water. Unplug the electric dryer or, for gas dryers, turn the gas valve to the perpendicular (off) position. Disconnect washer drain hose from the standpipe. One operator in Dallas skipped the water shutoff and flooded a customer's laundry room — the GL claim was $1,800 after drywall remediation.
do_not_disturbDon't proceed if: Supply valves are frozen, corroded, or break when turned — stop and advise the customer to call a plumber. Forcing a corroded valve can snap the pipe and cause a flood that your GL deductible may not cover.
Cap gas line (gas dryers only)
After shutting the gas valve and disconnecting the flex line, apply 4–5 wraps of yellow gas-rated Teflon tape clockwise onto the pipe threads. Thread on a brass cap and tighten with an adjustable wrench — snug plus one-quarter turn. Spray with leak detection solution and confirm zero bubbles for 30 seconds. Document the capped line with a timestamped photo stored in the job record. This step takes under 5 minutes and bills at $25–$50.
do_not_disturbDon't proceed if: Gas valve will not fully close or you detect gas after capping — shut off the main gas supply if accessible and call the gas company. Do not transport the dryer until the line is confirmed safe.
De-stack if stacked configuration
For stacked washer/dryer combos, remove the top unit (usually the dryer, 100–170 lbs) first. Unbolt the stacking bracket using a cordless drill with the correct socket — typically 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch bolts. One person braces the top unit while the second person removes bolts. Lift the top unit off and set it on a moving blanket. Never try to dolly a stacked pair as a single unit — the top unit will shift and fall, risking injury and property damage.
do_not_disturbDon't proceed if: Stacking bracket is welded or unit is a single all-in-one combo that cannot be separated — these require specialized handling and weigh 300+ lbs as a single piece. Quote accordingly or bring a third crew member.
Extract from laundry area
Place furniture sliders under all four corners of the unit. Slowly pull the unit forward out of the laundry closet or alcove. Watch for the drain hose catching on the standpipe. If the closet opening is under 30 inches, remove bifold doors or closet door tracks first — this takes 3 minutes and prevents $200+ door damage. Once in open floor space, tilt the unit onto the appliance dolly and strap it securely.
Navigate stairs and load truck
Use the stair-climbing belt or tracks on your appliance dolly. One person controls the dolly from above, the second guides from below. Take one step at a time — never rush a 250-lb washer down stairs. Protect banisters and walls with moving blankets secured with painter's tape. At the truck, use the liftgate or ramp. Secure units inside the truck with ratchet straps to prevent shifting during transport. Average stair carry for a pair adds 15–20 minutes to the job.
do_not_disturbDon't proceed if: Stairs are too narrow for the dolly (under 28 inches) or have no railing and are steeper than 40 degrees — the injury risk outweighs the revenue. Advise the customer to hire a rigging company.
Dispose via scrap or donation
Drive to your scrap yard and unload. Washers yield $8–$15 in scrap value; dryers yield $5–$12. If the customer requested donation and the units are working and under 10 years old, coordinate with Habitat ReStore or Salvation Army for drop-off or pickup. Keep scrap receipts for end-of-month accounting — a 3-truck operation running 15–20 washer/dryer pairs per month generates $200–$450 in scrap revenue that offsets fuel costs.
Disposal Options & Costs
Scrap metal recycling
DEFAULTWashers and dryers are 80%+ steel by weight, making them ideal scrap candidates. Residential washers weigh 150–250 lbs and yield $8–$15 at current scrap prices of $0.03–$0.10 per pound. Dryers weigh 100–170 lbs and yield $5–$12. Build a relationship with one scrap yard and negotiate a standing rate — yards that see you weekly will pay the higher end of the scale. Some operators batch 8–10 units before making a single scrap run to minimize drive time.
Donation to nonprofit
Working units manufactured within the last 10 years are accepted by Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, and local church-based charities. Some nonprofits will pick up directly from the customer's home if you coordinate. Offer donation as an upsell to eco-conscious customers — it differentiates your brand and generates positive reviews. Provide the customer with a donation receipt for their tax deduction, which increases their perceived value of your service.
Resale of working units
High-end front-load washers and dryers (LG, Samsung, Electrolux) less than 5 years old in working condition can resell for $150–$350 each on Facebook Marketplace or to used appliance dealers. This requires storage space and testing capability, so it is not viable for every operator. If you have warehouse space, cherry-picking premium units for resale can generate $300–$600 per pair versus $15–$25 in scrap.
When to Decline the Job
Walk away from these. The margin isn't worth the risk.
Gas leak smell during disconnection — evacuate the home immediately and call the gas company's emergency line
Hardwired electric connection (no plug, direct wired to panel) — require a licensed electrician to disconnect before your crew removes the unit
Frozen or corroded water supply valves that break when turned — advise customer to call a plumber before you proceed with disconnection
Stairs under 28 inches wide or steeper than 40 degrees with no railing — injury risk exceeds revenue on these jobs
Why This Job Is Profitable
65–80% gross margin on residential pairs — no Freon recovery cost eliminates the $35–$75 per-unit expense that kills margins on fridge and AC removal. Your only hard costs are fuel, labor, and $2–$4 in gas caps when applicable.
Pair removal at $125–$200 takes 20–40 minutes on site — translating to $180–$400 effective revenue per crew hour. Compare this to full basement cleanouts at $120–$180 per crew hour and you see why smart operators prioritize appliance pair jobs.
Scrap revenue of $10–$30 per pair eliminates disposal cost entirely and covers roughly 40–60% of the fuel cost for the job. A 3-truck operation running 60–80 pairs per month generates $600–$2,400 in scrap revenue — real money that flows straight to the bottom line.
Gas line capping add-on of $25–$50 per job is nearly 100% margin. The brass cap costs $2–$4 and the Teflon tape is negligible. Roughly 35–45% of dryer removal jobs involve gas units, so this add-on fires on more than a third of your washer/dryer tickets.
Pedestal drawer removal adds $15–$25 per pedestal with zero additional disposal complexity — the steel pedestals scrap with the main units. Front-load washer owners have pedestals roughly 50% of the time, making this a high-frequency micro-upsell.
Key Insight
Washer/dryer removal is the single most profitable appliance service line because you collect revenue on both the removal fee and the scrap value while avoiding Freon recovery costs entirely. A two-person crew can complete 6–8 pair removals per day at $125–$200 each, generating $750–$1,600 in daily revenue against $250–$400 in labor and fuel costs.
Common Margin Leak
The number-one margin leak on washer/dryer jobs is failing to charge for gas line capping. If the dryer is gas, you need a brass cap and Teflon tape — a $25–$50 add-on that takes under 5 minutes. Operators who bundle this into the base price instead of itemizing it leave $15–$40 of pure profit on the table per gas dryer job. Over 20 gas dryer jobs per month, that is $300–$800 in annual margin you are giving away. The second leak is not scrapping every unit — some crews get lazy and pay $15–$25 at the landfill instead of earning $10–$30 at the scrap yard. That is a $25–$55 swing per pair.
Insurance & Liability
General Liability
Standard general liability insurance covers washer and dryer removal. The primary claim risk is water damage from disconnecting supply hoses before shutting off valves — this scenario generates $1,500–$3,000 claims for drywall and flooring remediation. Always verify both hot and cold valves are fully closed before touching hose connections. Document valve shutoff with a timestamped photo.
Demolition Exclusion
No demolition exclusion applies to standard washer/dryer removal. However, if you are removing units as part of a full kitchen or laundry room demolition, confirm your GL policy covers demo work. Some carriers exclude structural demolition — check your policy's demo sub-limit and endorsement language before accepting combined tearout-and-removal jobs.
Workers Comp
Workers compensation insurance is required in most states for appliance removal crews. Stair carries are the primary injury risk — a 250-lb washer shifting on a dolly during a basement stair carry can cause back injuries, crushed feet, or hand lacerations. Ensure your comp policy classifies workers under NCCI code 4215 (junk removal/hauling) for accurate premium calculation. Average comp premiums for junk removal run $4–$8 per $100 of payroll.
Critical: 240V Electrical
240V electric dryers use a large 3-prong or 4-prong plug. Pull the plug from the outlet — never remove the outlet cover or touch the wiring behind it. Hardwired units (no plug, direct connection to a junction box) require a licensed electrician to disconnect. Attempting to disconnect hardwired appliances without an electrical license exposes you to code violations and voids your GL coverage if a fire or shock incident occurs.
Operator Tips
Always turn off water supply first
Turn off both hot and cold supply valves behind the washer by rotating clockwise until fully seated. Place a towel under the hose connections before loosening — even closed valves leak a few tablespoons of residual water. One forgotten valve caused a $1,800 water damage claim for an operator in Phoenix who had to eat the GL deductible.
Carry gas line caps on every truck
Stock 3–4 brass caps in both 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sizes plus yellow gas-rated Teflon tape. Total inventory cost is under $20 and supports $25–$50 add-ons on every gas dryer disconnection. Running out of caps mid-day means you cannot complete the job safely and must return — killing crew productivity and customer satisfaction.
Scrap every single unit
Washers yield $8–$15 and dryers yield $5–$12 in scrap value at current steel prices. A crew running 4–5 pairs per day generates $50–$120 in daily scrap revenue. Negotiate a standing rate with your scrap yard — weekly visits at consistent volume earn you the top per-pound rate. Never landfill a washer or dryer when you can profit from scrapping it.
Quote and sell as a pair
Roughly 75–80% of customers replacing one laundry unit are replacing both. During the booking call or through your item-select booking flow, default to pair pricing. A $150 pair quote converts better than two $100 single-unit quotes because the customer perceives a discount — even though your revenue and margin are identical or better.
Photograph the gas cap after every job
After capping a gas line, take a clear timestamped photo of the brass cap with leak detection solution visible on the joint. Upload it to the job record in your ScaleYourJunk dashboard. This protects you if the customer later claims a gas leak — your documentation proves the cap was installed correctly and tested at the time of service. This single habit has saved operators from $5,000+ liability disputes.
“Item-select booking captures washer, dryer, gas vs electric, stacked or side-by-side, floor location, and stair count — so your crew arrives with the right caps, tools, and dolly configuration. No back-and-forth calls. No surprises on site.”
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Washer & Dryer Removal: FAQ
Related Resources
Appliance Removal Guide
Complete pricing, workflow, and disposal guide for all major appliance types including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and more.
GuideRefrigerator Removal
Fridge and freezer removal with EPA Section 608 Freon recovery compliance — the key difference from washer/dryer jobs.
GuideBasement Cleanout Guide
Full basement cleanout playbook including stair-carry techniques and pricing — washers and dryers are the heaviest basement items.
FeatureItem-Select Booking Feature
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