Washing machine problem

jackieblack

Put a load on this afternoon and about 15 mins later switch tripped on consumer units (sockets)
By a process of elimination, figured out the problem was being caused by the washing machine

It's a Bosch Classixx, can't remember when we bought it, possibly around 10 years ago but it's been brilliant and has never given me any trouble (until now)

Any suggestions what the problem might be, please? (something that would cause electrics to trip)
Is it worth trying to get someone out to have a look?
Or (given it's age) should I just accept it's sudden demise and buy a new one?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice

MadelinesMum

Hi, mine tripped the electric when the circuit board inside the machine blew. I had it repaired but exactly the same happened within a month.

Tbh, it's probably not cost effective to have it repaired. It might be a good idea to look in the sales and see if you can find another Bosch.

10 years is good going for a washing machine.

kev_min

Try running it on any prog that DOES NOT heat the water (rinse/spin etc) as it could well be the heating element thats breaking down/broken and tripping the electrics. As to if its worth repairing, only you can decide if a repair on an older machine is worth it!

I use a policy of if a repair is likley to cost more that half the cost of a replacement machine i replace it!

ROY47

brushes in the motor ? after 10 years I would think they have worn out

how to replace
It sounds easy but watch the video

http://www.ransomspares.co.uk/washing-machine-repair/how-to-replace-washing-machine-carbon-brushes.htm

Ben84

I'm guessing you've eliminated the possibility you're just using too much electricity at once.

You can check for some basic things without much background knowledge at this point. Make sure it's unplugged from the mains first, then carefully inspect the mains cable and plug for any obvious damage, looseness or wear. Also look underneath it for leaked water that may have shorted something inside.

If neither of these turn up anything, you'll need to investigate in more detail inside, or find someone who can do it for you.

The value of repair varies really. How much do you like the machine? My washing machine is from about 1983 and has only ever needed the occasional, not too challenging repair, so don't worry too much about age. One part failing doesn't inevitably mean everything else is about to expire. A whole lot of stuff inside it has been running for over 30 years without breaking. Older machines, ironically, are often more repairable however than newer ones!

jackieblack

kev_min wrote: »

Try running it on any prog that DOES NOT heat the water (rinse/spin etc) as it could well be the heating element thats breaking down/broken and tripping the electrics. As to if its worth repairing, only you can decide if a repair on an older machine is worth it!

I use a policy of if a repair is likley to cost more that half the cost of a replacement machine i replace it!

Tried this and, yes, it only trips when trying to heat the water, it's fine on drain/spin cycle.


Have ordered a new machine as I can't be without a working machine just at the moment, but will hang onto this one (have stuck it in the garage) and get someone to have a look at it when I have more time. If the repair is something relatively simple that isn't going to cost too much I'll get it done because, until now, it's been a great little machine.

jackieblack

Ben84 wrote: »

I'm guessing you've eliminated the possibility you're just using too much electricity at once.

Yes, have tried it with everything else switched off/unplugged

Ben84 wrote: »

You can check for some basic things without much background knowledge at this point. Make sure it's unplugged from the mains first, then carefully inspect the mains cable and plug for any obvious damage, looseness or wear. Also look underneath it for leaked water that may have shorted something inside.

If neither of these turn up anything, you'll need to investigate in more detail inside, or find someone who can do it for you.

nothing obvious as far as I can see, I'll try and find someone locally when I have a bit more time

Ben84 wrote: »

The value of repair varies really. How much do you like the machine? My washing machine is from about 1983 and has only ever needed the occasional, not too challenging repair, so don't worry too much about age. One part failing doesn't inevitably mean everything else is about to expire. A whole lot of stuff inside it has been running for over 30 years without breaking. Older machines, ironically, are often more repairable however than newer ones!

This is the thing! I love this machine! It's been brilliant and never given me any trouble, until now. Definitely worth getting someone to look at it, I think, and will repair if not too expensive.

Ben84

jackieblack wrote: »

Tried this and, yes, it only trips when trying to heat the water, it's fine on drain/spin cycle.

This has always been the sign of a bad heater element in my experience. Fortunately, It's not usually hard to replace these.

Ben84

jackieblack wrote: »

This is the thing! I love this machine! It's been brilliant and never given me any trouble, until now. Definitely worth getting someone to look at it, I think, and will repair if not too expensive.

I'm the same with my old machine. It washes very well, and it's pretty fast. I didn't like the new water saving machines I've tried at all, but unfortunately they're all you can buy new now.

poppellerant

Almost definitely the heater is faulty.

However you need to ask yourself if it's worth getting it fixed. Being a 10 year old machine, what's next to fail?

Tinkerbell16

Hi can anyone help? I bought a Hoover Futura washing machine in May 2013. It broke down on Dec 2014. When I checked my paperwork the warranty ran out in June 2014. Rang Currys where I got it from they said there was nothing they could do as the warranty had ran out but said they would put me through to Hoover and to say 'under the sales of goods act I expected my washing machine to last at least 5 years or more. The guy said hopefully by saying his I might get it repaired free. Nope Hoover didn't want to know. Said I could get it repaired at fixed prices of £119 for 3 months or £149 for 12 months (could buy a new one). My last Hoover machine lasted over 10 years. Do I have any rights? Obviously I should've getting extended warranty out on it.