So you have a Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Admiral or one of a number of washing machine brands. But now your warranty has run out and something has gone wrong. Now it's repair time. Or is it? Do you pay to get your Whirlpool or Maytag fixed? Do you give it a try yourself? How do you decide what to do?
The first thing you should do before you begin to calculate repair costs or the purchase of a new machine is go through a simple electrical troubleshooting list. Before doing anything else, make sure your machine is plugged in. If it is, take a look at the breaker and reset it if necessary. Perhaps the machine you are using has an overload shut-off feature. Remove some of the clothes from your load and try again.
Even if that doesn't do the trick, there is plenty more to look at before entering full washing machine repair mode. If it is a water heat or water volume issue, make sure your hoses don't have any kinks and give all your filters a good cleaning.
Maybe the issue is related to water not properly draining from the washer tub. This could be caused the drain hose fitting too tightly into the standpipe. A slightly looser fit will allow proper air flow which will eliminate and air pressure related stoppage.
If none of these simple repairs alleviate the problem, you probably will need to call a washing machine repair professional or give it a go yourself. With the availability of parts and repair manuals online you can get a lot of helpful information if you are so inclined. The key thing to remember is that the diagnosis is a fairly slow and methodical process.
But before going down this road you should do some rough calculations and ask yourself some basic questions. How long have I had the machine? What is the potential repair cost when compared to the purchase of a new machine altogether? Is it a repair I can do myself with some instructional help? How much will it take?
As a rule of thumb a $100 is an average DIY price tag for a new pump with tax and shipping charges factored in. If your washing machine is in otherwise impeccable condition, you might consider spending the money. However, if your machine has some minor leaks or uses a great deal of water and/or energy, maybe it's time for that new purchase. Some very high quality washing machines have quite accessible prices. Most are now considerably more efficient than their predecessors. Take a look at GE, Whirlpool, LG and Admiral to start.
Finally, if a simple fix will buy you another 10 years of clothes washing happiness then that is your answer. If however, you have been looking for an excuse to buy your designer Miele washer, then by all means have at it. After all, a washing machine is something that should work for you, not against you.
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