Washing machines are one of the most underrated stars of twentieth century technology.
If you’ve ever had experience with handwashing, then you know how much time is saved from being able to just toss all the dirty clothes into the tub, push a few buttons, and miraculously have clean clothes an hour later.
While we may take these appliances for granted, in terms of the commercial market, washing machines are certainly not undervalued.
In fact, a brand new washing machine is pretty darn expensive. Washers and dryers cost so much because the cost of manufacturing and transportation is rising.
In addition to this, they are now made with more cycles and features than ever before.
When faced with the unfortunate but inevitable moment in which you realize that your washing machine is no longer working, a key question emerges.
Repair or replace?
This is a big question that does not yield an easy answer, so let’s break down the basic troubleshooting possibilities and then discuss the best options for consideration and how to approach the question.
DIY washing machine repairs at little or no cost
Before calling your local Oakville appliance repair service to come over and fix your washing machine, try a few basic troubleshooting methods combined with several relatively easy tricks you can use to [hopefully] get that washing machine back in working order. The best way is to take a look at the washing machine manual for precise instructions.
If your washing machine is still running but making a weird grating and grinding noise, it is most likely a broken coupler, which is a piece you can access after removing the machine’s water pump.
The good news is by following a few simple disassembly steps, you can get a new coupler for about twenty or twenty five dollars, well worth it.
Here’s a handy step-by-step instructional video on how to replace your washing machine’s coupler on the cheap.
The issue may also be that you have a blocked drain or pump that is causing the washing machine to not run properly or not run at all.
An easy way to check and see is to remove the back of the machine and take off the pump and drain system.
Remember, always unplug the machine first.
Next, check the area for any obstructions.
It’s very possible that coins, jewelry, or even just built-up gunk are causing the machine to stop running.
Another common issue is that the washing machine might be taking forever to fill up with water, or it may not fill up at all.
You might notice this problem more when you use the hot wash setting.
If this is the case, good news: this is a very easy fix involving your hot and cold water selector, which can be accessed inside the electric panel of the washing machine.
You can get a new selector for less than forty dollars and replace it yourself.
You can visit this link to learn more about how to diagnose common washer and dryer repair issues.
What kind of cost-benefit analysis should I run for deciding to repair or replace?
If those DIY troubleshooting fixes haven’t done the trick, it may be worth calling over a handyman to assess the problem.
They can give you a quote for labor and parts.
When considering whether or not to dish out a few hundred dollars on a repair or to go all-out and buy a new washing machine, the 50% + Time rule is the cost-benefit analysis with the best bang for your buck.
Essentially, identify the cost of a new washing machine. If your repairs are more than 50% of that cost, you should just call it quits and buy a new washing machine.
However, if the repair cost is less than 50%, it might be worth it.
If the cost is 40% of a new machine and it will extend its working life by two years, then a repair might not be worth it.
However, if this fix will make the machine last another four or five or more years, then a repair is a pretty reasonable solution.