Washing machines are sophisticated equipment that function on water, pumps, hoses, drains, drums, switches, sensors, control panels, and filters—integrated pieces that operate beyond the range of most users. Determining the root of a problem can be challenging. So it might be advisable to call the proverbial Maytag Man, a licensed professional. How do you choose, though?
From a monetary standpoint, choosing between repairing and replacing an old equipment is very simple. But what if your washer is in the middle, say, between 4 and 7 years old? It can be challenging to choose between spending money to repair a middle-aged washer and simply cutting your losses and purchasing a new one given that a washer's lifespan is close to ten years.
If you know information about your washer's age, original price, and repair cost, please enter it below. Based on expected repair expenses, the cost of the washer at the time of purchase, and its current worth after years of ownership, the meter to the right will direct you toward your most cost-effective choice.
Take it as a launching point to help you get through the stressful situation where your washer breaks down and you have a pile of dirty clothing. Then continue reading for more information to assist you make your decision: Should I fix it or scrap it?
Factors to Consider
If you bought your washer for $650 seven years ago and you use it seven times a week (which causes a lot of wear and tear), buying a new washer makes sense. However, if the machine is three years old and cost $1,200 to purchase, a repair might be a wiser financial decision.
If you do decide to get rid of your old washer, think about the effects on the environment. Ask the retailer that sold you the new washer if they will recycle the old one before they carry it away. Find out if your neighborhood recycling center or garbage hauler accepts appliances. Or use the search feature on Earth 911 to find a recycling facility close by. When ordering a new washer, you can do your part (and save money) by investing in an eco-friendly Green Choice washer.
According to the Department of Energy, modern machines are overall more energy-efficient and kind to clothing than ever before. They also consume 70% less energy than they did in 1990. And the most water-efficient washers in our ratings use 10 gallons of water on average, which is 75% less than earlier machines. Some are greener than others, though.
Typical Washer Issues
According to our survey, non-spinning drums accounted for 13% of washing machine repairs, while water drainage problems accounted for 14% of them. Here are a few of the most often reported washing machine repair difficulties.
- The control panel doesn’t work.
- Water isn’t draining.
- The washer is vibrating excessively.
- Water leaks.
- The drum doesn’t spin properly.
- The drain pump is clogged.
- There’s odor, mold, or mildew.
Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
While Speed Queen offers warranties up to seven years on some models, the majority of washer warranties are for a year. According to our poll, most consumers don't give this much consideration, but the moment your washer breaks down, the issue of coverage becomes crucial.
- Here are some steps you may take to figure out whether your issue is covered by warranty or if you need contact the manufacturer for a repair.
- Find out what is covered by your manufacturer's warranty, as well as any conditions that can exclude you from coverage. Check the small print.
- To learn if your problem is related to a recall or a recurring issue that implies the business should replace a part or the washer itself, check the brand website and online forums.
- If the issue can be resolved with a quick fix like changing a knob, cleaning a filter, or rebalancing the wash load inside the machine, check the owner's manual and online resources.
Research Before You Call a Repair Tech
YouTube is a well-liked resource for finding solutions to appliance problems or simply to see whether others are having the same problems. Additionally, you can search Yelp and Google for washer and repair reviews. But it takes time and good judgment to sift through a flood of comments, hacks, and haphazard advise, so proceed with caution. You're usually better off getting a professional fix from a more dependable source if you don't already have some appliance repair experience.
You can also use brand websites and product manuals to resolve your washer's issues. Even some gadgets come with built-in self-diagnosing mechanisms. If it doesn't work, try contacting the company's customer support line or utilizing their online chat option. However, be aware that some manufacturers only provide automated internet responses, while others only send technicians. That entails an expensive house call, as you are aware.
If you hire a pro, be prepared to pay some money up front before getting a repair estimate. There isn't much you can do about this unless you're handy or have a friend who works in appliance repair. Once you've paid the service cost, it might be difficult to reject the quote—unless it's absurdly expensive given the worth of the washer itself.
“The service charge is going to be at least $100 to $150,” says Dean Landers, president of Baltimore-based Landers Appliance, a certified washing machine service center. “Some may say no to a service charge, but they’ll cover their costs by increasing the labor. Others separate the two for transparency.”
According to our poll, the average cost for out-of-pocket washer repairs was $179. Based on the equipment type, different median repair prices exist (not counting the service quote fee).
- Top-Load Agitator Washers: $138
- Top-Load HE Washers: $173
- Front-Load Washers: $197
If You Decide to Repair Your Washer
In total, 67 percent of CR members who were polled tried to fix their broken washers. Only roughly 33 percent of these repairs were done by the owners themselves, with the remaining two-thirds being handled by repair experts. Except in cases where the problem is minimal and you are quite handy, CR does not advise fixing a washing machine. The machines of today are intricate. That's one thing if you're changing a button or clearing a filter. Bringing a motor up to manufacturer standards is still another. You might also discover that you lack access to the specialist components and equipment that are usually only available to authorized wholesalers.
“It really depends on the person’s skill level,” says Rich Handel, CR’s laundry expert. “If you need to replace the drum bearing for a front-load washer, it’s complicated. You basically need to take the whole thing apart to get to it.”
Who Do You Call for Washer Repair?
Among those who relied on professional repairers:
- An independent repair shop completed 53 percent of CR members’ repairs.
- The retailer who sold them the washer performed 25 percent of them.
- The manufacturer was selected for 22 percent of professionally performed repairs.
“We examined repair outcomes by the type of repair professional hired,” says David Gopoian, CR’s research program leader. “Consumers who reach out to independent repair shops are typically more satisfied with their repair results than those who have their repairs handled by retailers or manufacturers.”
Our member poll found that 91 percent of professional repairs were successful, while 19 percent of those calls for additional repairs need additional visits. A manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty provided at least partial coverage for 56% of washer repairs. Eighty percent of washer repairs that were not covered by warranties were done by independent businesses.
The median repair cost for certain washer faults is not yet known due to limited survey data, however it is $195 on average. The average cost to fix a malfunctioning control panel is $173.
You can choose to have your washing machine replaced if you ultimately determine that a repair is not worthwhile.
Here is a closer look at the information that drives our tool above, something to think about when you shop.
