A washing machine is one of the most frequently used appliances we have in our houses. So there is every reason to be sure of its reliability whenever you use it. After all, nobody wants to be caught up with a mechanical fault in the middle of their laundry.
However, mechanical issues are part and parcel of all the washing machines regardless of their type or quality of the brand. When a specific part of a washing machine shows signs of deterioration or weak-performance, it is quite instinctive for homeowners to go for repairs instead of buying a brand new washing machine. But sometimes buying a new machine is rather a safe and reliable option in the long run.
If your washing machine is undergoing any of the following issues, it is high time to get rid of it and buy a new one:
More noisy than usual
Laundry is somewhat of a demanding job, and if your washing machine is making unbearable noise, it becomes a mounting task. The issue of noise could be because the machine is placed at an unparallel surface. A leveling tool is used to deal with this problem. This is an uncomplicated fix and does not require you to call an expert.
But what if your washer is placed correctly and still makes unusual noise? This noise can also be caused if you don’t put clothes into the washer in a balanced proportion. For example, washing bath towels alongside light-fabric t-shirts can be the reason behind its awkward sound.
If both these options prove to be ineffective in eliminating the noise, then the issue might lay with the drum. That is where your DIY skills should take a back seat. Without any further ado, you should invite a certified mechanic.
The drum is usually an expensive repair, and your mechanic might suggest that you look around for a new washer.
Leaking water
Excessive leakage of water is easy to spot. More often than not, the hose, located behind the back of your washer, is the culprit for the undue drainage. If your washer is considerably old, there is a high possibility that the hose might have come loose as it somehow vibrates as you run our washing machine.
If you have a big family which makes you use the washing machine more frequently, then the hose could pretty much go through the wear and tear early. Washer hose is cheaply available in the market, and it is easy to fix.
Apart from hoses, seals and broken parts are also prone to excessive leaking. If your appliance has gone past 8 to 10 years of usage, the repairs are not worth it. Buying a new washing will serve as a better option. Even if the leakages are coming through a cracked part of the machine, the repairs are not worth it.
The machine does not stay still
Washing machines inherit some vibration, but they don’t move from their place. If your washing machine does not stay still and shows signs of movement, the appliance is not in its ideal shape. Generally, people overlook this problem because it does not have any immediate impact on the overall performance. But neglecting this minor hitch means inviting major crises in the future.
Often, it is easy to diagnose this problem. Just like the ugly noise, movement can also be caused by the unparallel surface. Overloading is another common reason that contributes to turning your washer into a “sleepwalker.”
There is a limit for the non-professionals to perform repairs. If you have reached that threshold, it is about time to hook up with a plumbing expert. If the problem rests with a major part of your washer, like with the drum, the repair expenses might not give you the best return of investment. Saying hello to a brand new washer will be a much sensible way to spend your savings.
New dryer
It is natural to worry when you put soaked clothes into the dryer, and they still come out as dry. This indicates that your dryer is not in the best condition. If you have time, you must look into the matter on your own before taking a mechanic onboard.
At times, after your dryer overheats, and the thermal fuse blows up. Until you replace the thermal fuse, the dryer won’t work. If you are remotely aware of mechanical turns and tricks, replacing a thermal fuse should not be a tricky assignment by any measure.
However, after a thorough inspection, you are posed with options like whether to go for a new dryer or buy a new washing machine; it is safest to opt for the later. The reason being, washer and dryer work in pairs and they both complement each other.
It is particularly not enticing to buy a new dryer when your washer is doing well. However, you need to take a worn-out dryer as an advanced signal for your washer’s decaying health. All washing machines are perfectly balanced when you first buy them from the market. Once you replace the dryer, it won’t complement the washer the way it did before.
It’s getting old
Everything comes with an expiry date; your washing machine is no exception. There is a specific breed of washers that lasts about 11 years. But it is best to replace a washing machine that has been with you for 8 years. It equally applies to those who have kept it well maintained.
This is the standard period after which your washer starts to age rather quickly, and repairs cost dramatically go up. To make the matter worse, as a washing machine gets old, it becomes increasingly difficult to find its part in the market.
Appliances like washing machines are frequently improving. The washer you bought a decade ago might not have the latest features. For example, modern appliances are energy efficient and help you to keep the energy costs at a minimum.
As time goes by, you become skeptic about your washer. Mostly, people don’t trust their washers in later years. They don’t put certain types of clothes in it because it could completely ruin them. When you begin to have such doubts, you need to bid farewell to the old washer as soon as possible.
Wrapping up
Taking notice of these signs can save you from most of the undue repair expenditures. Repairs can hit you out of nowhere, and the budget you have been saving for a family picnic might be invested to restore your washer. The timely purchase of a new washing machine can keep such ugly instances at bay.
