Should I have my washing machine repaired?

w00519773

I have a Siemens S14.39 washing machine, which was bought about 15 years ago.  On Saturday during a wash; I was prompted with an error.  It was one of these errors (I should have noted it down):



I Googled the error and was advised to restart the washing machine, so I did.  Now the buttons light up, but pressing them has no affect.  Turning the knob does not change the configuration of lights either.

I have contacted Siemens and a callout is £99 (this is paid regardless of whether the appliance is fixed), then if it can be repaired; there is an additional cost (amount depends on the repair).  I have two options:

1) Buy a new integrated washer drier.  I currently dry clothes on the washing line (spring and summer) or on radiators (autumn and winter).
2) Ask Siemens to attempt to repair it.  Siemens said the appliance is over 10 years old so a lot of parts are unavailable.

I think I am going to go with option one, however before I do; I would be grateful to hear thoughts - particularly from those who attempted to repair and old washing machine.

JuzaMum

I wouldn't get Seimens out. If you want a washer/dryer this might be a good time to get one. You could see if anyone locally can recommend a repair man. I have one I use who can usually diagnose faults on the phone and will tell me honestly if it's worth repairing. 

Ebe_Scrooge

As above - a trusted local independent "man" is worth his weight in gold

Broadly speaking, if it's something "mechanical" that's wrong, odds on it's fixable for a reasonable price (and usually not too difficult to DIY, if you're that way inclined).  Sadly, all too often these days it's a problem with the circuit board, which is usually uneconomical to repair.

Section62

w00519773 said:

I have a Siemens S14.39 washing machine, which was bought about 15 years ago.  On Saturday during a wash; I was prompted with an error.  It was one of these errors (I should have noted it down):



I Googled the error and was advised to restart the washing machine, so I did.  Now the buttons light up, but pressing them has no affect.  Turning the knob does not change the configuration of lights either.

I have contacted Siemens and a callout is £99 (this is paid regardless of whether the appliance is fixed), then if it can be repaired; there is an additional cost (amount depends on the repair).  I have two options:

1) Buy a new integrated washer drier.  I currently dry clothes on the washing line (spring and summer) or on radiators (autumn and winter).
2) Ask Siemens to attempt to repair it.  Siemens said the appliance is over 10 years old so a lot of parts are unavailable.

I think I am going to go with option one, however before I do; I would be grateful to hear thoughts - particularly from those who attempted to repair and old washing machine.

Without knowing the fault code it is difficult to say - the issues on that extract from the manual range from trivial to fatal (for a 15 year old machine).

I've repaired various white goods myself, but the main issue is the availability of parts.  In this case I think I'd take the view that £99 was a good contribution towards the cost of a replacement machine.

I'd also go for a fairly basic washing machine (only) model rather than something top-end.  Unless you really need the drying functionality, getting a washer/dryer increases the cost and complexity (read:things that can go wrong).  And with energy prices going northwards serious thought needs to be given to whether it makes sense to use a dryer rather than line drying for the half of the year you currently do. (if you really need a dryer, consider a second hand/free separate one)

dontmess666

A little while ago my tumble dryer stopped spinning and a burning smell was apparent. I was faced with the prospect of shelling out several hundred pounds for a new one, until I checked YouTube and Google. That's when I found it was a common fault with the capacitor. Ordered it from eBay and fitted it under ten minutes. Total cost £9.99.

So I would strongly recommend trying to isolate the problem and researching troubleshooting and fixes. But only if its within your capability (only you know this). You might save a packet.

I wouldn't recommend a washer/dryer. They are more of a risk of faults than conventional machines.

ashe

Washer dryers are neither great washers or great dryers in my experience