topic Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!! in Community Chat

MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

nana59 — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:08:39 GMT

i know there have been many threads about washing machines....but i didn't think i was going to need one...mine was only 7 years old! i want a basic...no frills....top-loading machine.....that uses enough water to get clothes clean....i remember reading that high-efficiency machines don't use enough water......it's just the two of us...i have no idea where to start looking.....thanks....low to moderate pricing...thanks...

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

SilleeMee — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:17:47 GMT

I recently did an internet search for 'basic clothes washer without high efficiency' and I found a few that way. HTH.

ETA - Also look for 'deep water option' when you go to search for one.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

threecees — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:18:35 GMT

@nana59

A seven year old machine is a baby. We are using a Kenmore Heavy Duty

washer that my husband had from the 90's. It is still going strong.

Hope your next machine lasts a lot longer.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:19:03 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
i know there have been many threads about washing machines....but i didn't think i was going to need one...mine was only 7 years old! i want a basic...no frills....top-loading machine.....that uses enough water to get clothes clean....i remember reading that high-efficiency machines don't use enough water......it's just the two of us...i have no idea where to start looking.....thanks....low to moderate pricing...thanks...

@nana59.....Have you had it checked out to see if it can be fixed. That would sure be a lot cheaper to do than buying a new one that you probably won't be happy with. And 7 years old is not old.

If you know it can't be fixed, maybe it's time you and DH get in your car and start shopping around.

Good luck.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:26:19 GMT

By the way, my washer and dryer are Whirlpools....have had them since the late 80's, and have had to have only 1 service call.....it was on the dryer. Lot cheaper than buying new....

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

shopperqvc — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:28:39 GMT

Our 3 1/2 year old Maytag did one load last week and on the second load, It died.

It has a 10 year warranty on the motor and sides of the tub, so I wasn't too worried until the repair guy said it is a bearing in the gearcase. Nope, not under the warranty.

I have one of those home warranty policies, so now we are waiting to hear their opinion.

We paid $502.++ for it new and in that cost was the 2 stainless steel hoses and removal of the old machine.

The repair estimate: $505.++. It doesn't make sense to me to fix it even though it's not yet 4 years old. But, I don't know what they are going to say, or if they will do anything. First time I've used them, so we'll see if I keep paying premiums.

They make throw away appliances now. The parts cost too much to fix them. I got rid of the last washer because it needed a $200.++ timer to be replaced. if it's that much for the timer, then add the service call and the tech's time, I'm at the price of a new one.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

fthunt — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:36:25 GMT

Whirlpool - I have 2 - one home and one apartment complex. I replaced the rental one last year - top load for front load the tenants hated. It's deep - for water to cover contents, just set water level on max. I do that for queen size sheets. 4 water level selections and 4 water temp choices.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

Venezia — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:35:16 GMT

@nana59- People who have older machines (15, 20 or even more years) have machines that were built to last a long time. (I remember when Sears guaranteed the motors on their Kenmore range for 20 years - no more!)

Nowadays you're lucky to get 7 years out of any appliance. My top-of-the-range Maytag died at 7 years, as did most of our other appliances bought new (Maytag dishwasher- never was right after the first year, Amana stove, Frigidaire freezer that only lasted 6 years).

I bought a Bosch dishwasher and washing machine, when my others died and so far they've made it 9 years now with no issues. The Bosch washing machine is a high-efficiency (HE) front-loader.

The only appliances that we still have from new are the Kitchenaid refrigerator (17 years with one repair) and the Maytag dryer (17 years, but suddenly acting as if it's about to die).

Good luck. I'm with you, from now on I'm buying the most basic and cheapest!

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

CelticCrafter — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:37:04 GMT

@ShowMe wrote:
@nana59 wrote:
i know there have been many threads about washing machines....but i didn't think i was going to need one...mine was only 7 years old! i want a basic...no frills....top-loading machine.....that uses enough water to get clothes clean....i remember reading that high-efficiency machines don't use enough water......it's just the two of us...i have no idea where to start looking.....thanks....low to moderate pricing...thanks...
@nana59.....Have you had it checked out to see if it can be fixed. That would sure be a lot cheaper to do than buying a new one that you probably won't be happy with. And 7 years old is not old.

If you know it can't be fixed, maybe it's time you and DH get in your car and start shopping around.

Good luck.

The only thing with calling in a repair person is that around here, most of them have a service charge (that will be applied to the repair should you decide to have it repaired) so it's something to take into consideration also. Ten years ago, it was $65 - so who knows what it costs now.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

chickenbutt — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:39:23 GMT

Seven years - that seems awful! I've been used to a washer and dryer lasting 20+ years, but I guess large appliances have gone the way of many other products, in terms of integrity of manufacturing.

We just got a new washer and dryer. I had always bought Kenmores but since it seems that Sears is on its way out I was afraid to even contemplate it. We got a GE set - moderately priced with everything I would need.

They are different now so there are some additional things to look for. One of the biggest things for me was finding out that they don't fill as much so unless you have a deeper fill button on your machine, it will not fill anywhere near up to the top of the clothes. I didn't even know about that, so I felt fortunate that mine has that button.

Also, the drums are deeper (top load, which is the only type I'd want for a washer) so, if you're not very tall, it can be a challenge to get to the bottom of the drum to pull out the last socks/underwear, or any debris when cleaning the drum. I hurt myself a few weeks ago trying to get stuff out of the bottom, but that's on me so I am not blaming the machine.

Mine also doesn't have that agitator thing going up through the middle and I really think I like this much better. I don't have to level everything around the center to avoid it going off kilter. It adjusts in the beginning on its own but I do make a point to put things in fairly evenly.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

lulu1 — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 22:12:42 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
i know there have been many threads about washing machines....but i didn't think i was going to need one...mine was only 7 years old! i want a basic...no frills....top-loading machine.....that uses enough water to get clothes clean....i remember reading that high-efficiency machines don't use enough water......it's just the two of us...i have no idea where to start looking.....thanks....low to moderate pricing...thanks...

@nana59

Oh how I feel your pain. Mine died the day I was having surgery.

We went with a Maytag toploader which I like except, the cycle is really long. The old one I could advance the timing dial mid-cycle. The new one also makes some very strange noises particularly during the final spin cycle. It's a good thing the delivery/technician warned me about them.

I forgot to say, the tub is huge and very deep.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:00:09 GMT

@chickenbutt......totally agree about not being able to get the last sock or item out of the bottom of the washer. I'm only 5' and when I was doing my own laundry I really struggled with that.... But, you might consider using a grabber to get things out of the bottom. That would keep you from hurting yourself. That would be worth what little bit those grabbers cost. Just a suggestion.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:03:27 GMT

@CelticCrafter......but if it is a minor repair, it is still cheaper than having to buy a new one.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ciao_bella — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:05:35 GMT

I know this post isn't going to make you feel any better but my still under warranty Matag Bravos top loader is waiting for repair for the second time. Washer died the day before Christmas Eve. Called the Maytag repair number in the warranty book and they send out a 3rd party repair service. Man came almost a week after I called. He put the machine in test mode and bingo it worked. He says, there are no codes showing anything wrong and the machine is okay. So, he leaves. I then fill the machine with dirty clothes, put a laundry pod in and push the wash button. It fills with water and then NOTHING! Couldn't get it to drain, rinse, spin or anything. Had to take all the clothes out and try and wring them by hand and go to the laundromat (which I havent been to in 40 years).

Put a call in to the repair service and told them he was here not 15 minutes ago and send him back. She says, sorry we can't do that. The earliest we can have him there is Jan.8th (tomorrow) after waiting 6 days. I'm so done with this piece of Maytag garbage! It will be out of warranty on the 23rd of this month.

There aren't any good washers left. Even the Speed Queen has decided to make an inferior 2018 machine and Whirlpool has bought out Maytag and a ton of other manufacturers. So, good luck finding any decent appliances.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

Ms tyrion2 — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:08:52 GMT

@nana59,

I feel for you. It's not fun to have to replace a major appliance.

My Maytag top loader is probably close to 10 years old now. I have been very happy with it. It's a high capacity washer, so I can fit a queen sized quilt in it.

I like the idea of no agitator in the new machines. I'm not sold on the front loader idea though.

Hoping I do t have to make that choice for awhile yet!

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:07:41 GMT

My problem is not with appliances.....it's with my mattress. it's about 8 or 9 years old, and am thinking I am in need of a new one. Have a feeling this might be why I'm having a problem with my back hurting me so much. Yes, I rotate it, but there is nothing like the old beds when you could turn the mattress over. These fandangled beds can't be done that way today. Dread having to go out looking for a new bed.

I understand this is not about beds, but just had to let off a little steam about my bed. And, beds can't be repaired.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

chickenbutt — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:13:16 GMT

@ShowMe wrote:
@chickenbutt......totally agree about not being able to get the last sock or item out of the bottom of the washer. I'm only 5' and when I was doing my own laundry I really struggled with that.... But, you might consider using a grabber to get things out of the bottom. That would keep you from hurting yourself. That would be worth what little bit those grabbers cost. Just a suggestion.

Oh wow, I can't even imagine how much harder it is for you! I'm 5'4", if even still that. I have to hike myself up on one leg and this whole thing to get that last little thing off the bottom. Tried the step ladder and that's just not a good idea.

I love your idea about the grabber (I do have one), or a pair of tongs as another poster mentioned to me the other day. I'm going to use one of those next time because I'm having a hella time getting my ribs to heal from that one injury. Never again!

Thank You!

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

RedTop — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:14:47 GMT

13 months ago I trashed a Bosch front loader and purchased a Whirlpool HE top load washer, for about $460.00. The reviews on this model were mixed, but I don’t pay much attention to those, and am quite satisfied with the washer.

This washer has different cycle options, as well as the ability to choose between 2 water level options; auto sensing, or deep water fill. Most of the time when I choose auto sensing, I still get a full tub of wash and rinse water, so no complaints there. Everything comes out of this machine totally wet.

If I had to find a negative with this machine, it would be in relation to an unbalanced load, and how long it takes the machine to balance that out.

For me, the only drawback with a new HE washer is finding one with the wash cycles I need, and a deep water feature.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

nova — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:20:38 GMT

@chickenbutt @ShowMe I have the same exact problem being barely 5 ft with a deep top loader washer. I had to get a stepstool that I keep in the laundry room so I can step up just to reach down & get the clothes! And I have hurt my ribs a couple of times doing it.

Re: MY WASHING MACHINE JUST DIED!!

ShowMe — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:26:34 GMT

@nova.....time to invest in a grabber. Cheaper than a visit to the doctor for an injury....like falling off the step stool.

My washer is a deep load one....and made it difficult to get on my tip toes to grab anything. At that time I didn't have the grabber.