Is It Worth Repairing a Washing Machine?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably standing next to your broken washing machine, wondering what to do with it. There is nothing worse than a household appliance, used as regularly as a washing machine, that doesn’t work.
There aren’t enough hours in the day to contend with stubborn machines, and most of the time, people don’t know anything about how to fix them. So, is it worth repairing a washing machine? It depends on what is wrong with it, how long you have had it and if it is under warranty. Some problems are easy to fix, others require a technician’s repair, and sometimes they’re irreparable.
What’s the problem with the washing machine?
To decide whether or not you can get your washing machine fixed, here are examples of the most common complaints and some simple possible solutions.
The machine isn’t washing correctly
If your machine isn’t washing your clothes properly and they’re coming out without the fresh, clean smell you wanted, still covered in grime and dirt, the most likely scenario is that your washing machine has a blocked detergent line or tray. Alternatively, there could be a blockage elsewhere.
To try and fix this issue, thoroughly clean your machine, paying close attention to the detergent tray and draining pipe at the back of the machine.
Or, do your research into laundry symbols, so you can read labels properly and choose the correct wash cycle to ensure your clothes are getting washed properly as many people don’t select the right cycle; therefore, their clothes aren’t getting washed thoroughly.
The washing machine isn’t finishing its cycle
If your washing machine doesn’t finish a cycle, it is likely stopping for a reason, and an error code will show. Look in the machine’s handbook for the error code to deduce the meaning of the incomplete cycle.
If there isn’t an error message, there could be a problem that can’t be displayed, including a faulty water heating, drainage issues, leaking or a faulty connection somewhere. This could take more advanced investigation, so you are likely to need a washing machine engineer to have a look at it.
The spin cycle setting isn’t working
If your washing mashing isn’t spinning correctly, ensure you aren’t overfilling or putting lots of heavy items in there at once, like a big pile of towels. Overfilling your washing machine can make it very difficult for it to spin.
Most people overfill their washing machines to get through the growing pile quickly. Research when everything should be washed, as you might be surprised when and how often items should be washed.
If the problem isn’t with overloading, it could be a broken door latch or locking system, faulty drive belt, blocked drain or a faulty drive motor or pump.
If it is one of these reasons, it is tough to fix without knowledge of a machine’s inner workings; in some cases, even with a trained technician, it can be unfixable.
The washing machine isn’t filling or draining properly
If you notice that there isn’t any water swishing around in the drum during a cycle, or if you’re opening the door to a puddle of water and soggy clothes after a spin, it’s likely your washing machine isn’t filling or draining properly.
The most common cause is a blocked drainage system or a faulty pump. If you can hear the pump, it is a drainage issue; if you can’t, it is likely a pump issue.
The best thing you can do is locate the pump, usually at the bottom of the washing machine, thoroughly clean it to clear any debris or grime and do the same for the drainage system at the back of the washing machine.
The washing machine is very noisy
Washing machines tend to get louder over time due to usual wear and tear, but if you notice your machine getting particularly loud, it is something you shouldn’t ignore.
Sometimes it is as simple as checking it isn’t squeezed into a tight space, as it might need shuffling over a little to stop it from banging on any frames or units. It could even be a balance issue, so always ensure the washing machine’s legs are firmly on the ground.
It could be a compromised drum if it isn’t one of these two issues. Overfilling your machine, putting heavy objects in your machine, or overuse could damage the integrity of the concrete block surrounding the drum or even the drum itself and cause a loud noise. This will take an engineer to fix if it is possible.
Loose items in the machine can also cause a racket. To check, look for foreign objects in your laundry pile that shouldn’t be going in the machine, like keys or pens, as this can cause loud noise and break the drum. Furthermore, check the barrier around the drum for any coins or loose items that may be stuck there.
Check the warranty of a washing machine
The first thing to do when your washing machine breaks is to give it a clean and check for blockages, as this is a simple fix, and check for error codes.
Next, find out if your appliance is under warranty. Most washing machines come with a 1-year warranty; some are longer. If your machine is under warranty, you might be able to get it fixed for free, depending on the problem and what your warranty covers.
The efficiency of the washing machine?
If your washing machine breaks, before going through the headache of trying to get it fixed, consider the efficiency of the machine in the first place, how long you have had it and whether it is time to get a new one.
Getting a washing machine fixed isn’t always straightforward and can take a long time. Being without a washing machine for any length of time is frustrating, so if you have to wait weeks or even months for a technician to reach you with the right replacement part, you might end up asking yourself why you bothered in the first place.
The UK laundry market size is huge, and companies want to keep it that way. Not only are you spending money on laundry cleaning products and water consumption when using your machine, but some believe that washing machines are designed to have a short lifespan.
Manufacturers want you to buy new machines regularly, so even if you get it repaired, it may only last longer from the time it started to falter.
Your budget and repair costs
Consider how much the washing machine costs, how much you can spend on repairs, and whether getting a new one is easier and more cost-effective.
How long should a washing machine last? In the old days, washing machines would last around 10 years, some reaching 20 or 30 years. Nowadays, washing machines don’t last as long, with some not even getting to 3 years.
Depending on the make, model and condition of your washing machine, how often you use it and how well you maintain it will all contribute to its lifespan.
There are usually washing machine deals in most stores and online, but the average cost is around £400-600. Ask yourself whether it is worth repairing the machine or investing in a new one that will likely cost more but last longer.
About Love 2 Laundry
Laundry can be frustrating; not only do you need to worry about the machine itself, but the laundry process is long, complicated, and one of the most hated household tasks.
Laundry can often go wrong, leaving crisp white shirts stained pink or lovely woolly jumpers shrunken. When you’ve had a long, busy day at work, laundry is the last thing you want to do, not to mention the sad, broken washing machine staring you in the face.
Here is where Love 2 Laundry comes in. We’re an online laundry service in London that collects, cleans and returns your laundry, so you can spend time doing what you really want to do.
Simply use the app or make an order online, tell us the time and place for pick up, put your laundry into a bag and we will take it from you. Once our expert cleaners have worked their magic, your laundry will be returned to you smelling fresh and new.
To conclude
Deciding whether or not it’s worth getting your washing machine fixed can be tricky because it depends on the problem. Sometimes all it takes is a good, thorough cleaning for your washing machine to be good as new, but other times it can be costly or irreparable.
Using an online laundry service like Love 2 Laundry reduces the workload of this tired appliance, making it less likely to break, and giving yourself a break too.
Visit our website to book your laundry service today. To find out more, visit our Love 2 Laundry blog.
