A broken washing machine is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in the home. Chances are your washing machine is one of your most used appliances, so when something goes wrong, you need a solution fast. After all, nobody wants to end up washing clothes in the sink.
But it can be hard to work out whether the problem is worth repairing, or if you would be better off investing in a brand new machine. After all, just because something can be repaired, doesn’t mean it should be.
Before you can assess the options, you need to know what the issue is. So your first port of all should be calling in the experts to correctly diagnose the problem and give you an accurate quote for repairing it. It’s also a good idea to browse new appliances at this stage, so you have a rough idea of replacement costs, should you choose to go down this road.
Once you know the costs of both repairing and replacing your machine, there are some key considerations to help you make the best decision for both your washing machine, and your bank balance.
The age of the washing machine
The older the machine, the more sense it makes to replace it with a new model if it breaks down. No home appliance is designed to last forever, and if your washing machine is more than seven years old, investing in a new one might be cheaper – and much less annoying – than repairing a problem only for another one to emerge later.
Investing in a newer, more efficient model can save you money on your energy bills too.
The condition of the washing machine
Although age is an important factor when it comes to a washing machine’s performance and lifespan, its condition and usage may not always reflect its years. A five-year-old washing machine that’s only been used once or twice a week is likely to be in better condition than one of the same age that’s been put to work every day.
Similarly, a machine that has been well looked after, regularly cleaned and professionally serviced will likely have more years of use left than one that hasn’t been treated properly.
The nature of the problem
Of course, deciding whether to repair or replace a broken washing machine will come down to the repair costs. But factor in the time it could take for your machine to be up and running again, too.
For something small, like a dodgy door latch or a worn seal, the cost of repairs is likely to be low and your engineer might be able to fix the problem on the spot.
Other faults require more specialised replacement parts that engineers do not carry as standard. In these cases, your washing machine may be out of action for longer, and the cost of repairs higher, meaning that buying a new machine might be the fastest solution.
Bear in mind the risk of recurrence too. If a fault could crop up again even after professional repair, replacing the appliance from the outset is probably the most economical option.
Contact an engineer for help with your broken washing machine