Your washer and dryer are essential in keeping your family's clothes and bedding clean. When there's a problem, it's important to get washer and dryer repairs taken care of quickly so you can keep up with that ever-growing pile of dirty laundry. Sometimes it's hard to know whether you should buy replacement parts or if it's time to replace your washer and dryer completely. Let's discuss some common clues that your washer and dryer need some attention, so you can determine whether they need to be repaired or replaced.
A Leaking Washer
If you notice a puddle of water near your washing machine, it's important to find the source. Sometimes this can be a simple fix like a damaged hose, a loose connection, or a faulty seal on the front loader's door. In other cases, it may be a sign that it's time to replace your washer. Before throwing out the whole machine, check a few spots to see if it's worth repairing. Pull your washer out from the wall and check the hoses for kinks, clogs and leaks. If that's the culprit, they're fairly easy and cheap to replace. Additionally, the washing machine's water pump filter may need to be cleaned, or the pump's seals may need to be replaced.
Most importantly, consider the age of your washing machine. If it's got a few years of life left, and the repairs will cost less than 50% of the cost of a new appliance, it may be worth fixing, especially if it's still under warranty. If, on the other hand, repairs are going to be expensive, consider buying a new one.
The Drum Doesn't Fill With Water
You may not notice this issue based on the water level in your washing machine, but if your clothes aren't being cleaned properly, or if they come out with detergent stains, it may be a clue that your drum isn't filling with water the way it should. This can be due to an electronic issue in the washer's computer that causes the wash cycles to not work properly, which can be costly to repair. It can also just be the result of a kinked hose.
If the hoses are working properly, you can check their filter screen. It needs to be cleaned occasionally, and if it's clogged, water can't pass through. Finally, a slow-filling washer can have a faulty water inlet valve, lid switch or water level switch. They're fairly easy to replace, and a technician can take care of it if you can't. Most of the solutions for a washer that doesn't fill properly are fairly inexpensive, unless you're dealing with the computer component.
Your Laundry Isn't Drying Properly
If your dryer is failing to properly dry even the smallest loads, it's a clue that something's wrong. Before calling a professional, check to make sure the lint screens and exhaust vent are clean, and inspect the vent hose for any kinks or clogs. If this isn't the problem, your dryer's heating element may need to be replaced, or the computer could be misfiring, causing the drying cycle to be interrupted. If your dryer is less than 10 years old, it's worth it to repair the parts that need it. If you've had it longer than a decade, it's probably best to just buy a new one.
It's Getting Old
Your washer and dryer won't last forever, and if it's been a decade since your last major appliance purchase, it may be time to replace them. Since our washers and dryers are used often, they can wear out over time, and if yours are starting to cause problems, you may want to go ahead and replace your washer and dryer.
Related Questions
How long will my washer and dryer last?
On average, these appliances last around 10 years before they need to be replaced. Whether you have a top load or a front load machine, it is important to clean and maintain it regularly to get the most years out of it.
Are ENERGY STAR® Certified washers and dryers worth it?
Absolutely. An ENERGY STAR® Certified appliance will not only save energy, but it will save you money as well.