To warranty or not?

taylorguy2016

Hi all, hopefully this is the right place to ask.

We've just bought our first flat, moved in, all good so far. The flat is 4 years old, and has all of the appliances built in and in good condition.

There are a couple of issues, the first being the smell from washing machine. I've tried everything suggested, cleaned out filters, drawer, used vinegar, hot washes, Dr Beckmans, the smell has improved slightly but still not great. The past owners had a young baby so I think they may have done lots of baby related washing, and possibly on low temperatures. I noticed that in the rubber door seal, there is a large square cut out at the top, is this normal? I thought it should be sealed all the way round? I'm wondering if the machine is filled with sludge etc. I took off the waste pipe where it connects to the sink, and poured water into the machine, and then put it on the pump setting, At first the water coming out was murky and smelly and it gradually got better, but not 100% clear. Does anyone have any ideas what it might be?

Also, on the boiler, the timer seems to have given up, everything works normally but it doesn't tick it around no matter what resets I try, following the manual etc.

So, my question aside from the above, is whether it's worth paying for an extended warranty on this equipment, seeing as it's not old old, but might be coming to the point of needing repairs / maintenance, especially as the last owners were clueless (judging by other discoveries I made). I've seen that some of the home serve type companies can cover white goods too, so wondered if it's worth paying £25 a month for a year to then get any repairs done under warranty. Does anyone know how I could get the washing machine serviced once under these warranties? Do I just tell them there's a retched smell that has appeared? I think the boiler would be easy to repair under a warranty.

Sorry for the long post, any thoughts appreciated!

JP08

In general the white goods warranties are not good value. We do have one on the washing machine, but that was only because at £6 a month it was worth it not to have to debate the issue with the wife - which even if I had got the point over, she'd still have worried about it - and she's paying it anyhow.

Smelly water in washing machine - an empty hot wash with soda crystals should sort it nicely. The grubby water will just be that sat in the sump of the machine / pipe. The slot is almost certainly meant to be there. Find a good picture of the model on line and zoom in for peace of mind.

Boiler (gas ?) service contracts etc are up to you. We have one, just means that we can get someone out quickly for heating and hot water system if necessary. Probably costs a bit more than a tame plumber - but tame plumbers are few and far between.

taylorguy2016

Thanks, when you say soda crystals where do you buy these? I've tried vinegar, and 2 Dr beckmans, the smell is better but still present.

JP08

http://www.wilko.com/multi-purpose-cleaners/wilko-soda-crystals-15kg/invt/0437761
http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=285047163
https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/dri-pak-soda-crystals--fine-1kg

And many many more - just search washing soda crystals.

taylorguy2016

Christ I was looking at that yesterday and it didn't even occur to me! A local company have quoted £70 to come give the machine a service (parts excluded if needed), does that sound worthwhile?

JP08

Not sure what they would do for a service to be honest. Probably just a good clean, check the door seal isn't perished, maybe take the back off and vacuum out a bit of dust and check for leaks.

Personally (I've fiddled and even managed to fix a couple of the things in the past - door seals, dislodged connections etc) I'd do it myself if I were concerned about anything in particular, leave well and working alone otherwise, and hang onto the £70.

EssexExile

Don't pay for just a service, it's a waste of time & money. Although it could be a good opportunity for them to find something expensive that needs replacing. Don't expect to get the smell fixed under a service contract, they could blame misuse (by the previous owner) & charge for the visit.

£25 a month for a year is £300! That's expensive insurance.

missile

taylorguy2016 wrote: »

Christ I was looking at that yesterday and it didn't even occur to me! A local company have quoted £70 to come give the machine a service (parts excluded if needed), does that sound worthwhile?

IMHO, better to save up and get a new machine.

missile

What boiler? Look on line for replacement time clock. Possibly an easy DIY?
Rather than a maintenance contract, you might be better having boiler repaired.