Washer and Dryer Removal in Aurora, IL

Washer and dryer removal in Aurora is one of our most common pickups. We handle the disconnect (water lines and 240V plug), the haul, and the disposal — routing the units to scrap metal recycling. Gas dryers require a plumber to disconnect the gas line first; everything after that, we’ve got.

The basics of removing a washer and dryer pair

Washer/dryer pairs are typically the second-most-common appliance pickup we do after refrigerators. They’re heavy (washers 150–200 lbs, dryers 100–150 lbs), they’re tucked into closets or basement corners, and they have connections that have to be disconnected properly to avoid water damage or worse.

Here’s what each unit needs:

Washing machines

• Hot and cold water supply lines — usually two flexible hoses screwed onto valves behind the unit. Shut off the valves, disconnect the hoses, drain into a bucket.
• Drain line — the standpipe or laundry tub the washer drains into. Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe.
• Power cord — standard 120V plug. Unplug.

Junk Nurse handles all three on-site as part of the pickup. You don’t need to pre-disconnect anything (though if you do, that’s fine too).

Electric dryers

• 240V plug — the heavy 3-prong or 4-prong cord. We unplug it.
• Vent hose — flexible or rigid duct that goes from the back of the dryer to the wall vent. We disconnect this.

That’s it for electric dryers. Easy disconnect.

Gas dryers (different story)

Gas dryers have a gas supply line in addition to the electrical plug and vent. Disconnecting a gas line requires a licensed plumber or HVAC tech — not because the work itself is hard, but because gas line work is regulated and an improper disconnect can lead to a gas leak after we’re gone.

What you need to do: have a plumber shut off the gas valve and cap the line before we arrive. Once that’s done, we take it from there.

If you’re replacing a gas dryer with an electric one (or vice versa), the plumber can handle both the removal and the installation in one visit, and we’ll handle the dryer haul-away.

Where the units go after we pick them up

Washers and dryers are mostly metal — steel cabinet, steel drum, copper wiring, aluminum components. Junk Nurse routes them through scrap metal recyclers in the Chicago area. The metal gets reclaimed and re-used.

For working units in good condition, we route to donation when feasible:

• Hesed House in Aurora — transitional housing apartments need laundry appliances.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore — resells working appliances.
• Furniture Bank of Illinois — sometimes accepts working appliances for client placements.

What qualifies a washer or dryer for donation:

• Working — runs full cycles without error codes
• Less than 10 years old (donation centers prefer under 7)
• No major rust or visible damage
• Reasonably clean inside the drum and around the door seal
• Not from a smoking household, ideally

If your unit doesn’t qualify, it goes to scrap. The cost to you is the same either way.

Prep work you can do before our arrival

Most of this is optional. We’ll do all of it if you don’t, but if you want to speed up the pickup:

1. Shut off the water valves. Two valves behind the washer, hot and cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop.
2. Run the washer briefly after shutoff (optional) — this clears water from the hoses and minimizes drips when we disconnect.
3. Unplug both units. Easy.
4. Empty the lint trap on the dryer. Not required, but appreciated.
5. Clear the path to the exit. Laundry closets are notorious for tight access — clear any items between the appliance and the nearest door.
6. For gas dryers: have a plumber disconnect the gas line first. This is the only step we can’t do.

Stackable units and laundry pedestals

If your washer and dryer are stacked, we’ll handle the disconnect of the stack as part of the pickup — just tell us when you book so we can plan crew (usually still two people, sometimes three for tight access).

Laundry pedestals (the storage drawers underneath the washer/dryer) get taken too if you want them gone. They’re lighter and easier than the main units.

Common scenarios in Aurora-area homes

Basement laundry room replacement. Old washer and dryer in the basement, new ones coming the next day. We come, disconnect, haul up the basement stairs, and the new units are clear to install. $200–$350 for the pair.

Second-floor laundry closet. Common in newer Naperville and Aurora homes. Disconnecting and getting the units down stairs is the bigger challenge than the disconnect itself. $250–$400 for the pair depending on access.

Stackable in a closet, no working units anymore. Common in condos and townhouses. We handle the closet extraction carefully — doorframes are protected. $200–$350.

Garage washer/dryer (often older units). Easiest access. $150–$250 for the pair.

Disposing of just one unit (only the washer died, dryer still good). Single washer or dryer: $75–$150 depending on access.

Washer/dryer disposal cost in Aurora

Junk Nurse pricing for washer/dryer removal:

• Single unit (washer or dryer): $75–$150
• Pair (both units): $150–$300
• Stackable unit (one machine): $125–$225
• Pair plus pedestals: $175–$350

Combined with other items (clearing a basement that includes laundry appliances, fridges, exercise equipment), the per-item price drops via volume pricing. A typical “basement plus appliances” job runs $400–$700.

What we don’t do

• Disconnect gas lines. Always a plumber’s job. We’ll wait if it’s being done day-of, but we can’t do it ourselves.
• Repair leaks discovered during disconnect. If your water valve drips after we close it (rare but happens with old valves), you’ll need a plumber. We’ll point it out before we leave.
• Install new units. We’re removal-only. We don’t install replacement appliances. (The retailer who sells you the new ones typically handles that.)

For more on the broader appliance and furniture removal process, see our authority guide.