Is it worth getting my washing machine repaired or should I just buy a new one?

Eldi_Dos

Bungle73 said:

OK, thanks, looks like a new one it is then. The brings up another problem, I know next to nothing about washing machines (apart from that they wash clothes), as I've never had to buy one before, so I don't know what to look for.

What type of floor and house construction will influence your choice, if your property is a timber frame construction best not to go for one with too high a spin speed.

Some manufacturers spec's will mention this.

Edit:  Have you checked water hose at both ends to check it hasn't slackened off or perished.

TELLIT01

I would look for a local independent retailer.  Not Currys or other box shifters.  Get them to advise, and to install the new and remove the old machine.  As you say they a little on the heavy side.

Lorian

Do just check it's not leaking where the waste hose connects to your drain or standpipe. Failing that it's most likely a split sump hose or a rusted out sump hose clip. These are not particularly expensive parts but if there is no view through the front kick panel to the pump then the top,the control panel, the door and the front panel needs to be removed to get at it. Takes me about 40 mins to disassemble replace hose and reassemble but I've done quite a few washer repairs over the years but a professional is going to charge you call out, a minimum of a 1.5h hours labour and a good mark up on the part (which is about £25 to buy)

prowla

My policy on white goods is to buy a new one when they go kaput.

greenbee

Last time mine leaked it was because mice had chewed through the drain hose...

RavingMad

Our 12 year old Samsung made a load clunk noise yesterday and started getting an E3 error, which is drum related.  Bought an LG as it has AI apparently and can alter wash times based on weight and fabric. Plus it comes with 5 years parts and labour.

Eldi_Dos

RavingMad said:

Our 12 year old Samsung made a load clunk noise yesterday and started getting an E3 error, which is drum related.  Bought an LG as it has AI apparently and can alter wash times based on weight and fabric. Plus it comes with 5 years parts and labour.

Machines with that function can be prone to water hammer, might be worthwhile getting a water hammer arrestor and fitting at same time as new machine.

Bungle73

Thanks.

I've no way of finding out what the situation is at the rear is as it's under a counter, and I don't think I can move it out by myself. There's also a post holding up a side counter that makes access difficult.

SadieO

Honestly for an 18 year old appliance I wouldn't bother. Curry's reckon 7-12 years for the life span of a washing machine! https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/kitchen-and-home/laundry-advice/how-long-do-washing-machines-last.html 

So even if it does happen to be a small thing this time, realistically it is already well on borrowed time, so you'll probably be needing a new one sooner rather than later anyway. (And hopefully before it leaks all over your floor!)

DullGreyGuy

Echo everyone else's view on repair/replace given its age.

Capacity is relatively important but for washers it doesn't vary that much, be aware that some programmes you cannot use full capacity but those again tend to be fairly consistent. If you have a tumble drier it may have a lower capacity which can lead to the old having to run the drier twice for each time you run the washer which really slows things down. 

Spin speed is a big difference, ours goes up to 1,600 RPM its more noisy at that speed but stuff comes out so much drier than it did in our old 1,200 washer drier. 

There are always far more programmes than you will ever use, we probably use the 20 minutes wash, 1hr wash, standard/Eco wash, shirt and wool washes... doubt we will ever use the Pillows, Curtains, Sportswear, Denim, Duvet or a host of the other programmes.