My 15 year old washing machine is starting to leak.
-
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs on Aug 05, 2011Clare can you be a little clear on what you meant by "HE" Vs Old fashioned? I recently purchased Whirlpool top load and haven't had any complaints yet. The best place to get more information about W&D's is the consumer report for 2011. I suggest you look into the models that are Energy Star certified.Helpful Reply
-
-
KMS Woodworks on Aug 05, 2011I installed a set of LG front loads for a client Early this year...she says they are fantastic.Helpful Reply
-
-
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC on Aug 05, 2011Clare, I'm assuming you mean "high efficiency" model. We replaced our old Kenmores with a new set of Frigidaire "Affinity" series front-load units last year. Absolutely no complaints at this point; they work great. I couldn't tell you if they work better or worse than our previous units or whether they are in fact high-efficiency or not since I have nothing to compare it to. I just know they work. One note on appliances. There are much fewer manufacturers of appliances than one would think. Each manufacturer has a number of "lines" they produce and sell in a variety of stores under a variety of brand names; other than which name plaque they put on it at the end of the line or a couple of small variations in details, many brands are identical in quality/parts/etc... Also, don't get suckered in by those that look like an airliner cockpit with 25 buttons and 55 possible settings as opposed to the same version with fewer buttons and fewer settings. You'll pay a premium for features that you will never use much less be aware of. I have flown aircraft that took less time to get acquainted with than some of the washer models out there.Helpful Reply
-
-
Willow House | Simply Good Design on Aug 05, 2011Unless you go used, you can't really go old-fashioned anymore! With that said, we bought a top-loading Whirlpool Cabrio set several months ago and have really liked them. It's different, though! My hubby wishes he'd paid the extra money for a glass lid so that he can see what really goes on in that washer! :-)Helpful Reply
-
-
Cheryl F on Aug 05, 2011@Willow House - tell your husband not to worry about the glass lid...Mine came with one, and I can tell you that they collect dust/lint like crazy! After you watch the thing for a few minutes, the thrill is kind of gone ;)Helpful Reply
-
-
Cheryl F on Aug 05, 2011@ClareH I like my he washer...but I ALWAYS use that extra rinse.Helpful Reply
-
-
Paul M on Aug 05, 2011If it is leaking at the water pump it is a cheap and easy fix versus buying a new one.Helpful Reply
-
-
Cheryl D on Aug 05, 2011Hi Clare, I just bought a Maytag HE Bravos and it is amazing. It doesn't have an agitator uses very little water and still gets the clothes clean. Have to be careful about settings the spin gets clothes so dry they don't have to stay in dryer as long but don't use high spin on dress shirts etc. too many wrinkles.getting used to it but it's great.Helpful Reply
-
-
Clare H on Aug 05, 2011YaminiM LEED AP - thanks for the Consumer Reports reminder! Paul M - I'll check and see if I can find the source of the leak. Everyone - I appreciate your input. Maybe HE would be ok. It's good to know they really work!Helpful Reply
-
-
Elsie Juanita S on Aug 05, 2011I like a top loaderHelpful Reply
-
-
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC on Aug 05, 2011Clare, I agree with looking at Consumer Reports, but I take their opinion with a grain of salt. I bought a 1985 VW Vanagon against their advice; put 120k miles and 10 years on it; was the best car I ever had with the exception of a current Honda. Also, my perspective on repairing vs replacing. A 15 yo washer that is working okay (not leaking) is worth how much? Maybe $75 at best...? A 15 yo washer that is leaking is worth how much? Zero; nothing...unless you scrap it for $3...or as much as $10 from a repair guy that needs a part off it.... and how do you find him? So, spend $150 in labor and $75 in parts ($225) to repair your 15 yo washer. What is it worth then? Still $75, anyway you cut it. Unless you can find a used part dirt cheap and get hubby to install it, it's not even close to being worth it. Buy a new one... TimHelpful Reply
-
-
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs on Aug 05, 2011Clare, No problem, The Consumer report guide will shortlist for you and makes life easier. Good Luck!Helpful Reply
-
-
Robin on Aug 05, 2011I prefer the top loader with a long cold water wash..I have been told by front loader owneers that after a while they develop an oder..they now have a cleaner to handle this problem..sounds like just one more thing to deal with to me..good luck.Helpful Reply
-
-
Paul M on Aug 05, 2011Well if you are going to repair it Tim it always helps cut your cost if you can do it yourself. Most of those pumps are easy to get to and easy to swap out. But then again I don't have a problem figuring things out and if there is only something minor wrong with anything I would rather fix it than replace it. So the new one to fix may be 225 but to replace it how much? 6,7,800 or higher? Personally I would find out what is wrong with it first and if it was minor I would fix it, if it was major I would replace it but hey that is just me being as frugal as I can be.Helpful Reply
-
-
Clare H on Aug 05, 2011Tim of Hewitt and Paul: I'm all about saving money! Hubby can take it apart and evaluate. Also, it seems top loaders are edging out the front loaders. This is really helping!!!Helpful Reply
-
-
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC on Aug 05, 2011Paul, Well said, my friend. I absolutely agree with your thoughts. I think the point I was trying to emphasize is there is a point in the useful life of every machine where it is no longer economically feasible to keep expending assets to keep it functioning. Some situations are clear-cut; most are not. If it were going to cost Clare $500 to fix, then the answer to me is clear....new machine. If it were in the $100-$400 range, not so clear. Less than $100, then it becomes clear again...fix it. If Clare doesn't have the means to purchase a new machine, then the answer is clear again... fix it and hope for the best. Again, just trying to offer a different line of thought in regards to the often difficult decision of repair or replace. In fact, I agree with your recommendation to investigate; if it's minor repair; if it's major, replace..TimHelpful Reply
-
-
Paul M on Aug 05, 2011Yep yep I am with you all the way Tim. Sometimes it is hard to tell when it is time to spend the money for the replacement and that is why it is so important to get feed back, suggestions, and then digest all the information as well as look at field conditions. In the end all we want to do is make a good informed decision so we won't have look back and say "Darn I wish I hadn't done that!". That is why a site like this is so helpful to everyone that participates. And we are definitely on the same page.Helpful Reply
-
-
Willow House | Simply Good Design on Aug 05, 2011Thanks, Cheryl F -- like I need one more thing to clean! I agree with Cheryl D about the spin on a top-load HE -- very effective, and no more worry about bulky things unbalancing the drum. Our salesman told us not to fiddle much with the settings, and that most of our clothes can just be washed on "casual"; seems to work great.Helpful Reply
-
-
KMS Woodworks on Aug 06, 2011Trouble shooting the leak may be as simple as a split in one of the hoses, a crack in the pump housing or some unseen thing in the wash tub itself. Costs on these repairs can vary widely. Finding a replacement tub on a 15 yo machine may be a very big challenge. Let the diagnosis ...dictate the treatment plan. From cheapo repair to an new machineHelpful Reply
-
-
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl on Aug 07, 2011Love our HE washer. But you have to leave the door open to dry out afterwards or itbwill get stinkyHelpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Aug 07, 2011My wife likes our new front load HE machines, but still feels the old top load that used a lot of water got the whites cleaner.Helpful Reply
-
-
Carol S on Aug 07, 2011I bought a Bosch HE front load washer. The motor had to be replaced before it was 7yrs. old. My other Bosch appliances have held up well.Helpful Reply
-
-
Baby H on Aug 07, 2011I checked out consumer reports and found the Samsungs front loaders were rated #1 and also Sears customers had them number 1. So I purchased them last month! So far so good. You will need to wipe the rim of the washer to keep them mold and stanky freeHelpful Reply
-
-
Deb B on Feb 19, 2012i have had 2 he machines and i have reduced the water bill and electric in our home this way but u have to be careful and use only he soap that is not liquid that some people don't tell usHelpful Reply
-
-
Baby H on Feb 20, 2012Hello, I have the Samsung front loaders I got from Sears and so far so I love them!Helpful Reply
-
-
Clare H on Feb 20, 2012Thanks everyone! What a great website!Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
Help please! What color for the front door?
We're remodeling this 1930's house. We have a new red metal roof & plan to keep the white siding. What would you suggest as a front door color? I love bright, bold co... See more
Curb side find! What would you do?
I found this in the curb this morning on my way to work. Needless to say I'm late :) does anyone know anything about this piece? What would you do with it? Paint? Res... See more
What are your thoughts on painted brick: yay or nay?
Painting bricks can completely transform the appearance of a home, giving it a fresh, modern look or adding a pop of color to an otherwise plain facade.On the other h... See more
Which room would you pick for a room makeover in your home?
We're curious, if you could redesign any room in your home, which is the room you would choose?Whether it's your cozy living room, your bustling kitchen, or even your... See more
How do I get rid of moles, voles and chipmunks?
They dig holes, have tunnels and throw dirt all over. how can I get rid of chipmunks, voles, and moles with natural easy to find ingredients?