How do I solve the problem with my washing machine?

Front loading washers are literally overpriced garbage. Unfortunately, when a front loading machine begins acting as you described, the end is here. The repair cost exceeds the price of a new one. The average life expectancy for these types of washers is around 4 to 5 years. I have never encountered a working front loader beyond 8 years old. Top loaders clean better, do not leave your clothes stinking cobstantly, and last forever.

Laurie: First I want to tell you how sad I am that this much is happening to you, and why so many things are going kaput on you. Who knows why these things happen, but I know how it goes & I do know how very expensive these things are, and to replace them all is just a horrible cost for you. We replaced our stove, refrigerator, central heat/air, microwave in a matter of months. You are never ready for this kind of expense, and in fact most people cannot absorb that high cost of the items either. I am by no means an expert or a professional on these things but I can send you some links to perhaps give you some tips on what to check, where to look and why things are happening such as this. Unfortunately in today's world, the warranties end & then you have that expense to pick up. Here you go, many of the links mention different things we do with our laundry and how over the long haul it can affect them. I have learned some new tips too reading these links. You have done all you can so I know it is not misuse you are dealing with. There will be others who will come on and give you information, and I am sure many have dealt with what you are dealing with too. I am sure they will be helpful. So hang on until you hear from others as well. Don't despair there is always an answer or at least someone who can give you step by step assistance. You are not alone in this, and just know that we care about you and want to be the best help we can be. Take care and good luck. Let us all know how things go.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/happens-washing-machine-off-balance-70111.html

https://www.networx.com/article/8-things-that-put-your-washing-machine-a

https://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/buying-advice/consumer-help/3403-objects-causing-damage-to-washing-machine-drums

https://www.thespruce.com/never-do-this-to-your-washing-machine-1900164

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/8-ways-youre-damaging-your-washer-and-dryer-250022

So very sorry you are having issues with appliances -- but they are simply not being built with 'long term' use in mind like they used to be ... Obsolescence is what keeps manufacturers in business, and people employed. If our products lasted like they used to ... ice boxes for 20+ years, cars every bit as long, washing machines for 10-20 years .. ( Speedqueen is still the best for longevity and reliability -- but they're not inexpensive anymore either! ) .... it's the sad state of supposed 'progress' ... and frankly, the more 'bells and whistles' something has on it, the more apt it is to cease proper functioning more quickly than the more simple products.

Yes sediment from bottom of water tank "could" plug it. But doesn't sound like it.Nothing is made to last if it was companies would not make the money they do & the appliance industry would not be the billion dollar industry that it is. I had front loader barely lasted 3yrs or so, they suck went back to top loader washmachine. What kind is it??? 5 reasons why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DsxEc1hSxk Either belt, motor or maybe door lock Fridgedaire/kenmore???? DOOR LOCK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UwvcO2BW4k SAME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aSq0geGaMA another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbrWCnCJsNg Samsung rotor sensor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2jJnPFofc8 LG self diagnostics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3AdJIXjOaI some of this you could fix yourself but only if your warranties are done because if you fix it it may void any other warranties left on appliance

After going through 3 front loaders in a few short years, I switched back to the cheapest top loader I could buy. It has lasted for years!!

The two do not do not sound connected to me. Not servicing your hot water tank will just result in sediment and corrosion at the bottom of the tank. That really doesn’t affect anything else especially if your washing isn’t giving you a code. Most likely something mechanical with a belt or the drum.

I have a front loader that I am in love with my 1st one was a POS. Does your machine show and error code? What brand is it? There are some like Samsung that are such POSs that there is no point in repairing them. I have a whirlpool duet, it was recommended by my appliance repair guy. It is 10 years old and going strong. We had 1 problem and I googled the error code and my husband was able to clean out the problem. If no error code I recommend googling your machine and see what they have on it.

Laurie, you are a smart woman. You are sitting in front of a computer and you can Google your way out of anything with a bit of patience. First of all, I want to know what type of water tank you have that has lasted 30 years with no maintenance! Consumer Reports is a great resource before purchasing any type of appliance or system for your home. And like you, I like to take care of my investments. Unfortunately we now live in a disposable society and people toss things instead of fixing them. Sometimes the cost to repair is more than purchasing a new item. I blame it all on cheap manufacturing processes. If consumers demand better made products, eventually things might change. In the interim, fix what you can afford to and do your research really well before purchasing anything new. I never ever listen to the sales people, I purchase in person where I can determine quality, which you can't do on a computer. I look around, narrow down to 3 or 4 models then check the reviews and consumer reports. Every person I know that purchased front loader washers and dryers have replaced them in the short term as they were bitterly disappointed by their performance. Sometimes it might be worthwhile to invest in the extended warranty, or may people I know, invest in a whole house home warranty. Might be something to look into, but read the fine print before you sign up, as some are better than others.

You omitted information such as brand of washer/dryer, how you "cleaned" it, particularly if it was Asko/LG, which advises against using bleach, liquid detergents, and fabric softener due to potential for damage, over time.

Did you call in a factory authorized repair person? If so, what was their advice? Does your washer need leveled on the floor? Was the drum rotating as it should, prior to this time?

Like Naomie, I have yet to know of a 30 year old hot water tank which had no maintenance, yet was still operational. Most people will avoid the headache of a major leak and replace their hot water tank at the 10-12 year mark, for newer models, and at the 14 year mark for older ones.

You will be hard pressed to locate an appliance built today which will last like those built 40 plus years ago.

Naomie gave you great advice re: research, purchasing extended warranties, etc.

In some cases, people erroneously assume that one cleaning system will work for every manufacturers' appliances, learning the hard way that this is not the case for their particular appliance.

Research long enough, and you will find your answer.