Need new washing machine

Lady_K

I wondered does anyone know if there is much difference in the size of the drum and ammount of washing you can get in a 5kg and a 7kg? I'm thinking about washing things like duvets would I get a king sized duvet in a 7kg?

Mines conked, I'll prob need a new one as its some years old now but I'll get a quote for repair if its free first to see. Its not moving just emptying and filling but its been making noises for a long time and slipping through the program on some settings (dial control). Its a 1000 spin hotpoint its only gone wrong twice in about 12 years. Whats a reasonable age to expect for a washer?

I really do prefer a hot and cold fill though because I have a condensing boiler right next to it, hot water is there in secs so it would cost more for me having a cold fill.

I do prefer a wool or handwash cycle though. And I want one that will be reliable which brand is best do you think? I went to the which website but its only for subscribed readers. I just wondered which ones came top

Do you think the lower speed washers last longer as its less stress on the machine? And do you think the digital control ones are better than the dial or is it just more to go wrong with a digital control?

will-he-payitoff

i had the same problem with my washer and it turned out to be the outlet hose that was full of gunge

Lady_K

That sounds a bit odd, you mean it was emtying and filling but not moving? Was yours making a noise and slipping through parts of the cycle like mine?

I'm hoping I can get away with having it mended really

How could I test that its that? Is there anything I should do just in case its the same on mine?

Avoriaz

You will get 40% more washing in a 7kg drum compared to a 5 kg drum. That is a big increase.

Have you checked the drive belt on your current machine? Maybe it has broken or slipped out of position. that is an easy DIY repair.

Lady_K

I checked the drum by turning it and it seems similar to what its always been. How can I see the belt if I take it out and take the top or the back off? I rem looking before when it broke and I couldnt see anything that looked like a belt would it be accessed from the top or the back?

Thing is it makes a very loud buzzing sound when its supposed to be spinning. It has been making that noise for a while though but its still been spinning. At the same time it has a slipping clicking kind out sound but the noise is very loud so want sure if it was amotor problem

harry_r

Have you checked the brushes on the motor. If you have had the machine for so long that could be the first place to look. No doubt someone else will agree with this. I have used Hotpoints for years and always check the brushes first if there is a problem.

Lady_K

Thanx I have not checked anything yet coz I dont have a clue whats what. I'll have to have a look in the morning before I ring the washer man. I'll find the book for the washer aswell see if thats any help

barrymung

It certainly sounds like a broken/dislodged belt or faulty motor.

A good investment would be the Haynes Washing Machine Manual. It'll cost you about £15 from Halfords and contains lots of useful info on repairing washing machines.

Edit: Amazon have it for a tenner: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Washing-Machine-Manual-Haynes-Garden/dp/1859603270

barrymung

IMPORTANT! SAFETY FIRST!

Before removing ANY covers from a washing machine make sure the thing is unplugged...then check again!

Avoriaz

Lady_K, unplug the power cable at the socket and pull the machine right out so that you can access it easily. Hopefully there will be enough slack in the water and drainage pipes but be careful.

Then remove the top cover of the machine and look down the back of the drum. There will normally be a belt or pulley running round a grooved spindle on the drum and a much smaller spindle on the motor. You should be able to tell if it looks normal.

My machine is about 25 years old and the belt has slipped off twice. The bolts holding the spindle to the drum eventually work loose and it is a simple job to replace and retighten them.

Do you have an experienced DIY friend who could help you?

Lady_K

Well I rang the washer repair shop earlier and they said by my description it sounds with the noise it is more than likely the bearings have gone and maybe other stuff too but they said its usually that when it makes a noise like that. They said its an expensive repair so I've been looking for another washer. I havent even taken the back off its really very hard to get to its in a really awkward tight space. They charge £15 to come out to give a quote so I didnt have one.

I might just have a look though but I dont know what the heck I'm doing. I really can't afford a new washer

Did yours make a loud buzzing noise when your belt went? it feels as normal when I turn the drum

Is it really important to actually take out the plug? I can get a stick to turn the switch off but I wont be able to get to the plug to unplug it its in such an awkward place