Jeff Flowers on March 11, 2015 22 Comments Most of us aren’t experienced repair technicians, especially when it comes to various laundry-related appliances. As such, the odds are great that most of us won’t know when our washing machine needs to be repaired, or simply needs to be replaced completely. Learn how to spot six warning signs of an impending breakdown so you can start saving for a new washer rather than wasting your money on useless repairs. 1. Excessive Leaking A leaking washing machine is usually the most obvious sign that your washing machine has a problem. Typically, this problem is the result of overflowing or a loose connection. If you have an older machine, it probably uses the same amount of water for every size load. You can take steps to minimize leaking by determining how large of a load you can fit in your washer and still have room for turning, spinning and shaking. If the above method isn’t effective, your problem may be that the water hose located in the back of your washer has suffered from years of wear and tear and has come loose. Your water hose might also have come loose from excessive vibrating or movement. While you’re saving up for a new washer, see if a pipe tightening or replacement hose can take care of the problem for you. If not, you would need to call a technician to determine that the true cause of the leak is a cracked tub, you’ll need to buy a new washing machine as soon as you can. 2. Excessive Noise If it sounds like your washer is about to take flight whenever you’re using it, it’s probably just unbalanced. Typically, this is an easy fix and not necessary for you to call out a technician. However, before you shrug it off as a simple defect, it’s still a sign that something is wrong and you should take action before it leads to something worse. One temporary fix to stop the excessive noise, is stopping the wash cycle and rearranging your clothes so that they’re more evenly distributed. This will only work with top-loading washers, however. For a more permanent fix, try repositioning your washer so that all four of its feet are on a level surface. You can do this by building or buying a platform for it to sit on, assuming your laundry room has enough space available. Or, check to see if your washing machine has adjustable levels on its feet. Many units do, and they are easy to adjust to help you make the unit balanced. If neither of those options are effective, your motor mount or drum may need to be tightened. Call up a service technician to see whether it can be fixed, and how much it would cost to do so. Depending on the cost of the repair, you’ll have a better assessment of whether you need to start looking for a new washer. 3. It Moves Your washer should remain in place while cleaning, rinsing and spinning your clothes. Whenever it sways from side to side so hard that it looks as though it’s walking—or actually is walking—you need to plan on getting a replacement sometime in the near future. There are a few things you can do to try to fix this problem. Much like when your washer is making lots of noise, be sure to check if all of its feet are level. This may be all it takes to stop it from moving excessively. Also, keep in mind, even though a walking washer might still work like a stationary washer, it’s definitely a sign of a problem, which may lead to even bigger issues. For example, there’s a good chance your “walking” washer will start sloshing water outside the unit, which may not only ruing your floors, but can lead to the development of mildew and mold. Another common danger of a walking washer is that it’s just a matter of time that it will pull itself free of its connections. 4. Water Doesn’t Fill the Drum If the drum of your washer isn’t filling up, there may be a delayed cycle selection, kink in your hose or a problem with your hot and cold water faucets. If you check all three and none are the culprit, there might be some sort of complication with your water intake valve or filter that needs to be looked at by a professional. Another problem you can have with your drum is that it fills with water but doesn’t turn like it should. Take a look at the lid switch and belts to ensure they’re working as they should be. Belts are rather easy to replace, but a malfunctioning lid switch takes more work. Depending on how old your washer is and how much the replacement costs, you may be better off getting an entirely new washer. 5. Your Washer Is Older Than Eight Years Old Even though newer washers can last up to 11 years, it’s usually in your best interest to start looking for a newer model when you’ve had your current washer for eight years. The closer your washer gets to the end of its life-expectancy the more expensive repairs can start to become, not to mention the frequency in which problems arise. After a while it just makes more sense for you to spend all of that money on a newer washing machine that’s more energy and water efficient than the one you have now. Any extra money you spend on a more efficient model can be saved on energy bills, and that’s especially true of your household does a lot of laundry. 6. You Have an Older Top Load Washer If you have a top loading washer, the cost of your repairs can be much more expensive than those needed for a front loading washer. The reason for this is that the parts needed for top loading washers are simply more expensive than front loading washers. It’s not unusual to hear of repairs for top loading machines that are half the cost of a brand new washer. On a related note, you might want to consider a front loading machine while shopping for a new washer. Front loading machines are popular because they don’t use as much water as their top loading counterparts. Rather than focusing on the price of a new machine, focus on the overall efficiently and how much you can save in the long run. If lack-of-space is a problem, you should consider buying a washer dryer combo unit. These handy all-in-one machines not only wash your clothes, but also dry them before the cycle is complete. These units are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, especially for apartments, tiny homes and any household that lacks the necessary laundry connections. The Best Time to Buy a New Washer Now that you know more about the warning signs of needing a new washer, it’s time to learn about the best time to buy that new washer. Buying online is going to be your best bet at finding year-round deals. In order to compete with the big-box stores within your community, it’s not uncommon for websites to offer much cheaper prices. In fact, many of these websites even offer deep discounts around holidays, as well as exclusive coupons for their email subscribers. If you want to buy a washer in a big-box store, it’s best to wait until September and October. These are the two months where appliance manufacturers usually reveal their new models, which means their older models are likely to be on sale to help move them out and make room for the newest models. No matter which direction you go, holiday weekends are some of the best times buy a new washing machine. Just be sure to do the proper research and compare different types, brands and models. If you take the time to do the research, you stand a much better chance of getting the best deal, and even better smelling clothes. Bottom Line: By looking for the signs listed above, you will have plenty of warning to start saving up and looking for a new machine. If you have any qualms about whether you need a new washing machine or not, call in a professional technician to give you a better idea of how many years your washer has left before it ascends to that great laundry room in the sky. When it comes to shopping for a new washer, give yourself plenty of time and do your research. Instead of putting yourself at the mercy of a high-pressure salesperson out to make a commission, look at buying online. You’re likely to find year-round deals that will save you tons of cash in the long-run without even leaving your home.
Sam Fisher says November 23, 2015 at 4:49 pm With washing machines, we usually take them for granted and don’t do much about them. However, when they break is when we do start to worry. I do like how you showed some signs to determine if your washer is on it’s way out. The one that I have now is quite loud, so I think it might be time to get a new one. Reply
Jenny Gygi says December 18, 2015 at 3:22 pm My new washing machine has been experiencing some of the problems that you’ve mentioned in your post, like leaking and “walking”. I figured that these were normal, considering that I’m still learning how to use the machine. Since my washing machine is still new, I don’t think that I’ll get a replacement just yet. I’m going to call someone as soon as possible to come and see if it can’t be repaired for less than the cost of a new machine. Thank you for the information! Reply
Nash Rich says February 26, 2016 at 3:09 pm I remember when I was little, our washer was really loud. We eventually had to get a new one, but I didn’t necessarily know that was a sign of getting old. It would move around and I thought that’s why we got a new one, so that one I knew. Thanks for all of the info and tips on here! Reply
Danni Black says November 9, 2016 at 10:37 am I didn’t know that repairs for the top loading washers are more expensive than front loading ones. My husband and I have been thinking about upgrading our washer and dryer but have been putting it off for a while now. I think that it is time for a change! I’ll have to keep this information in mind while we search and hopefully, we will find something that is the right fit for us. Reply
Derek says November 14, 2016 at 5:50 pm When I came home from work today there was a loud banging noise coming from our washer. You stated that If it sounds like your washer is about to take flight whenever you’re using it, it’s probably just unbalanced. Do most appliance repair shops know how to repair any type of washer or appliance? Hiring a professional contractor might be a good idea. Reply
Norah says December 31, 2016 at 2:52 pm Hi I hope you reply back because my washer had overflowed and I wanted to know if it’s damaged or not. Reply
Sandra Hawkins says September 27, 2019 at 4:30 pm My May Tag waher makes a horrible sound, It’s leaking.Actually today it stopped operating , the washer top locked.I can’t get it to restart Reply
Bob says January 1, 2017 at 12:57 pm New washers do not last 11 years. They typically last about 2 years until a computer board dies or the whole thing shakes itself apart. Old washers are much better, they don’t have any computer boards and are completely mechanical. Also, old washers do not have an “end-of-life expectancy”. If you take good care of your washer, it will last a lifetime. I have a Kenmore top loader that was made in 1990 and it’s still working perfectly. Reply
Mary says April 11, 2017 at 10:22 am Me too. Must have the same machine. Those things are work horses. Was thinking it’s time for an upgrade but don’t think I’ll bother. Reply
Gloria Montgomery says April 27, 2019 at 9:47 pm My Kenmore Elite front load washer works beautifully and has been in use since 2007. I have the 15” pedestal under it, so no bending over. I don’t overload it and I keep the door and dispenser open between uses. Also, I use the clean washer cycle once a month as recommended. Reply
Cindy says January 3, 2017 at 4:13 pm Thank you for this valuable information. I thought that my washing machine should last around fifteen years and was surprised to see that your recommendation is to replace versus repair if it is over 8 years old. Considering the amount of $$ it costs for a repair person just to come out and diagnose the problem and that my 7.5 year old machine is walking, taking flight and not draining adequately following the spin cycle I will replace versus repair. Thank you for this helpful advice. I think you ultimately saved me a lot of time and money. Reply
Shad Morris says January 5, 2017 at 11:49 am Our washing machine hasn’t been getting our clothing as clean as it used to, so we were thinking about getting a new one. It’s interesting that you say to look online, and possibly purchase it there. It would be nice to be able to see all the specs of it online. Reply
Maggie Allen says January 24, 2017 at 11:47 am I had no idea that you should be thinking about replacing your washing machine after it is eight years old. Luckily, my machine is only five years old, so I don’t need to think about replacement quite yet. It’s been making some funny noises, though, so I’ll be sure to look for a repair service to take a look at it. Reply
Kim delToro says February 6, 2017 at 1:54 am I’ve replaced the struts on my fisher & paykel washing machine when it was about 8 years old. The same thing is happening again, should I get a new one??? The machine is around 10 years old. It still looks nice and it cost me about $ 220 to have them done. What do you suggest? Reply
Scott says March 10, 2017 at 3:31 pm I appreciate that you point out that I should be aware of my washing machine moving. I have noticed that it will sometimes rock back and forth when it gets on the spinning cycle. I usually just open it up to stop it and then turn it back on. Perhaps it would be better to have a professional come look at it. Reply
Jennifer Feola says May 19, 2017 at 4:50 am My 8 year old whirlpool has a spin problem. I can wash a few loads a day and then no more spin. Needs to rest sometimes one day. Can’t decide if even $200.00 for repair is worth fixing. I keep it so clean, looks brand new. Iam aware that Kenmore appliances have long life. I have a Kenmore dishwasher, must be near 15 years old Reply
Rachael says November 6, 2017 at 6:47 am Hello, we just moved into a townhome that was built about 3 years ago. With that being said our washing machine is about 3 years old. When we do heavier loads it sounds like someone is inside of it pounding on the inside of the washer when it starts to spin out. I’m assuming it’s off balance, but would it be anything else? Reply
Chloe says April 13, 2018 at 8:23 pm grey spots left on clothes. Front loader, new Miele, now it is definitely less than 11 years old. I never used softener. I usually used environmental laundry powder. It wasn’t obvious how to open the filter at the front and needed someone to help me who is stronger to force it open. so I have only cleaned the filter twice. It’s probably my fault for not reading the instruction manual – who knows where I put that. Also re preventing grey stains, I have been advised to do a hot long wash with bi carb soda and no clothes or linen. I read online the same re. a hot long wash with vinegar and no clothes or linen. Please consider NOT mixing vinegar with bi carb soda cos it apparently makes carbon. one or the other should be ok. (Can soak bi carb overnight in toilet or stove or pan or wash walls or bath drain plug hole. I hope it’s better than draino products toxic to the environment – I digress.) Perhaps the WM drum and parts have died leaving grey stains. I have not been that impressed with the Miele and price tag. But the Miele dryer is good it captures the evaporated moisture from clothes in a plastic drum to empty. But I didn’t realise it needed emptying! It’s worth putting reminders on a calendar or ph reminder to check filters in one’s WM, dryer and DW. Everyone would be different. I check the dryer every time to avoid a house fire. But the WM and DW could be monthly perhaps. Clothes with grey stains can be covered by decorative appliqué, which can be bought from e.g. Spotlight. So many different kinds. Or, you could make up your own appliqué. Like a decorative patch but with stretch lace or bow or button or spare fabric. Or learn to hand sew or machine sew it on. Or donate to charity before putting the clothes in the bin to landfill. There is the free St Kilda repair shop which can help you learn to sew. Some community centres / neighbourhood houses have art craft groups or ask to start one. I hope that helps someone out there. Good luck. God bless 🙂 Reply
Kelly says July 17, 2018 at 4:08 pm Our renters are complaining that the eight month old washer is making strange noises. The repairman says it needs a new drum and of course it isn’t under warranty. Should we just replace the whole unit? Reply
Daniel P. Price says August 30, 2018 at 11:23 am I have a 10 year old Maytag ensignia Series washer and the drum will no longer turn at all. It’s 10 years old and it sounds like the recommendation is to go ahead and replace it with the old style washer that doesn’t have all the computer boards. Reply
Joann Thomas says January 13, 2020 at 7:48 am I’m trying to decide should I buy new or have my machine repaired it’s a front loading Maytag washing machine it’s 15 years old. Reply
