What washer to buy?

[melk]

Our frigidaire front loader is 6 years old. It is making a huge thumping noise, not unbalanced, already checked. DH seems to think it is a bearing or spring or something. His friend is telling him it's time to replace it anyway at 6 years old (!). What do you think, service it, or should we just get a new one? (No idea on what service would cost, experiences???)

Thanks!!


UPDATE: Well it cost us $100 today to find out that they can't fix it. Ugh! So can I ask now, what washer do you recommend? Any to stay away from? (I'm not inclined to buy frigidaire again!)

 

[dakcp2001]

Have a repairman come and look, it is prob just a belt. I think it is silly to just go buy a new one without finding out what is wrong with it. I recently replaced a 25 year old washing machine, I had it repaired several times, and the repairs were usually under 50 bucks. I am going to miss my repairman too. lol.

Look in the yellow pages, there should be appliance stores. I used a local appliance store for a referral years and years ago.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Generally you are looking at 75+ for a service call. Plus parts and repair.

How much would it cost to replace the washer?

 

[melk]

Have a repairman come and look, it is prob just a belt. I think it is silly to just go buy a new one without finding out what is wrong with it. I recently replaced a 25 year old washing machine, I had it repaired several times, and the repairs were usually under 50 bucks. I am going to miss my repairman too. lol.

Look in the yellow pages, there should be appliance stores. I used a local appliance store for a referral years and years ago.

That's how we feel. But his friend from work is saying that six years is about all you'll get out of a washer these days. Seems crazy.

 

[dakcp2001]

I think people are too quick to trash and buy new, the washer prob has a lot of good years left in it! I cannot imagine a washer having to be replaced every 6 years that is insanity. Have it repaired and put what it would have cost for a new on toward your Disney fund.

 

[mrsg00fy]

It depends on what you paid for that washer. We tend to buy cheaper ones....maybe $300 to $400 at either costco,bjs, etc. They break down. Repairmen are expensive...once it cost us $150 to fix it which I thought was ridiculous. Our machines see a lot of use. We do replace them every 7 years or so.

 

[shortbun]

My husband always goes to the library or our bookshelf when an appliance malfunctions and he normally can repair them. If my 6yo front loader was ready to be replaced, I'd be pretty peeved. Can you or your husband do some sleuth work? maybe there's a belt loose or something came unhooked/fell out like a bolt or screw. We're do it yourselfers around here and we just replaced a 35yo washer and dryer because they had simply worn out after many home repairs.

 

[ceecee]

My washer is 24 years old and still working. They say the newer ones don't last as long though.

 

[disneyfan007]

I would have a repairman check it out. I would think you should be able to get at least 10-15 years out of one.

 

[englishteacha]

We're lucky to have a handyman in our area who will fix appliances pretty inexpensively. He used to own an appliance store. I'd check in the phone book and see what's available. I think 6 years is a bit early for a washer to die.

 

[Jeanne B]

My washer is 24 years old and still working. They say the newer ones don't last as long though.

Mine's 22 years old and still working...for the most part, lol (for the last few months I've had to shut the cold water off at the end of the wash cycle because the water won't stop running into the washer, I'm assuming a valve needs to be replaced). But I think I'm finally going to break down and buy a new one in the next couple months, would like to get a larger one, possibly a front load washer.

 

[MushyMushy]

My husband always goes to the library or our bookshelf when an appliance malfunctions and he normally can repair them. If my 6yo front loader was ready to be replaced, I'd be pretty peeved. Can you or your husband do some sleuth work? maybe there's a belt loose or something came unhooked/fell out like a bolt or screw. We're do it yourselfers around here and we just replaced a 35yo washer and dryer because they had simply worn out after many home repairs.

That's what I was going to say. A friend of mine -- a single mom -- has a couple of DIY books and also looks around online for tips. She fixed a broken washing machine for the cost of a $20 part.

What would it hurt to try?

 

[melk]

bump

 

[Live2Plan]

Well, based on my own recent experience with a Frigidaire front loader, I would say you will probably have to replace it so you might as well look around for some good deals. Here's my story:

We purchased a Frigidaire front loading washer and matching dryer in June 2001. About three years later (2004), we started having some thumping noise so had a repairman come out to take a look. Turns out the shock absorbers were gone so we had them replaced to the tune of about $225 for parts and labour.

Fast forward to 2007, when we again started having a thumping noise. This time DH took the washer apart, to find out that the belt had slipped and the counterweight had broken in half and fallen to the floor . The cost to replace this was going to be over $200 with parts and shipping, but doing it ourselves. So, we decided to forego the repairs and just limp along as best we could for as long as possible.

Long story short, in June of 2009, after putting up with the thumping noise for over 2 years, we had a big crash! bang! boom!..... the belt had broken along with a big spring and the drum had fallen out of place! You would not believe the noise that made! Time, finally, to put the Frigidaire to rest and get something new!

So, appliance shopping we went and after a false start (a Daewoo that had to be returned less than two months later), we ended up with a beautiful LG set. Some of the things I learned with all of the research I did:

- Buy a direct drive washer rather than a belt drive. It's the belt that is going to stretch over time and will eventually have to be replaced. Also, direct drive washers are much more energy efficient.
- If you get a new dryer you will likely find that it's more energy efficient than an older one
- A sanitize cycle is wonderful for washing smelly sports equipment
- Bigger is definitely better. Our new LG is 4.0 cu. ft. and I can fit A LOT of laundry in there - at least two times as much as in my Frigidaire.
- If you can afford pedestals, get them! They make such a difference, and we're only getting older with each passing year!

I hope this helps you with your questions on what to look for. I know that I now look forward to day!