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The great washing machine debate: UPDATE: I gave up.

Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:11 am
Posted by SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452741 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:11 am
So yesterday my washing machine started making a high pitched noise during the spin cycle, and then on the next load it filled up and shut off. After some basic research I am pretty sure the drain pump is clogged but I may need to buy a new pump because it's a 20+ year old model and I read they can break or crack during this.

There's a used appliance store here that has a service department. If I'm right, the repair shouldn't be that bad. If I'm wrong, the repair will probably cost more than a new washer.

I was looking at new, cheaper units (as I've read on here for years how shitty they are and the more tech you get, the more they break) and the reviews are all awful. Across the board. I even read a few Reddit threads where the OT's favorite, Speed Queen, is shitty now.

I am at the point where even if the repair cost more than a cheaper new unit, I'm thinking I'd be better off doing that than buying a new one. So I come here to see just how crazy of an idea that is.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 12:38 pm
Posted by SaintEB
Member since Jul 2008
23350 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:14 am to
Washing machines, for me, are throw away now. 600-700 bucks, when they die in year 3 or 4, just throw it and get another. Not worth fixing or stressing over. And yes, speed queen is struggling right now too. If you can't fix the drain pump yourself, get a new one and expect to continue doing so every 3-4 years.
Posted by BabyTac
Austin, TX
Member since Jun 2008
14578 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:14 am to
Fixed mine a few months ago. Ended up being a sensor. $20 part and easy to change. If you’re thinking about getting rid of it, might as well break it down. What’s the worse that can happen. They’re actually pretty simple to work on. YouTube is your friend.
Posted by member12
Bob's Country Bunker
Member since May 2008
32697 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:14 am to
Speed Queen
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
39547 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:15 am to
I own a Speed Queen washer and dryer. It's the top of the line with the more advanced control panel. It's solid. No issues, whatsoever. Backed by a 7 year warranty.

The model 3 washer (and dryer) comes with a 3-year warranty and has less "technology" than the 7 model that I have. If you're going to spend money on a new washer and dryer, buy Speed Queen.
Posted by Bayou
Boudin, LA
Member since Feb 2005
39279 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:16 am to
Nothing but love for top of the line Maytag
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
104343 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:16 am to
I’d have them come out and look at it, see what the repair will cost. If it’s more than the washer, then I’d consider getting a newer one. We replaced our old set when you could no longer get parts for the dryer and it was down to one heat setting. Went with a Whirlpool (set) top-load washer that has minimal tech, has a removable agitator and a deep fill setting. Been pretty happy with it, have had them for 3 years now.

Sucks you just missed Memorial Day sales.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 7:18 am
Posted by SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452741 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:17 am to
quote:

. If you can't fix the drain pump yourself, get a new one and expect to continue doing so every 3-4 years.

This is one of the old, bullet-proof units from the 90s my friend. If I fix it I hope it continues to work for another 20 years
Posted by GRTiger
On a roof eating alligator pie
Member since Dec 2008
66141 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:17 am to
Tough call. Those things just don't last anymore, so it's sad to see a 20 year old unit get tossed. But new shite is fun.

How much is the replacement part and do you think you could do it yourself? Fixing stuff is fun too.
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
39547 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:17 am to
My SQ replaced the top of line (at the time) Maytag W&D. I reconfigured my countertop to allow for a top loader washer (had a front loader Maytag, and I'll never own another front loading washing machine again).

The Maytag dryer crapped out. Both lasted about 7 or 8 years.
Posted by Rebel
Graceland
Member since Jan 2005
138420 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:17 am to
20 years old?

Consider yourself lucky and go buy a new one.
Posted by Snipe
Member since Nov 2015
14162 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:19 am to
quote:

fix an older, reliable unit


I'm not sure both of these can be true at the same time.



Posted by UptownJoeBrown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2024
2997 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:20 am to
My pump broke. $28 part. Super easy to fix. YouTube your make and model. Google model number for part.

Turn in your man card if someone else fixes it for you.
Posted by SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452741 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:20 am to
quote:

How much is the replacement part and do you think you could do it yourself?

Theoretically it may not even need a new part, if it's just clogged.

I could probably do it myself but looking online there are some tools (that I don't have) that make it much easier. Also there isn't a lot of space and it would just be one pain in the arse and I usually pay people to do the work if that's the case.
Posted by Bunk Moreland
Member since Dec 2010
63012 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:20 am to
I did the Speed Queen thing for the washer about two months ago. It is a beast, although I know some people here have said the quality is not the same as it was years ago.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 7:22 am
Posted by SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452741 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:21 am to
quote:

I'm not sure both of these can be true at the same time.

If there is just a clog, or even if a clog caused the pump to break, it's still reliable. Just on the wrong side of variance
Posted by zippyputt
Member since Jul 2005
6562 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:21 am to
Give a go at a repair. I fixed mine with eBay and Amazon parts and some investigation. Kind of fun and interesting actually. Less than $100 for 3 parts. Many sellers on EBay are parts repair shops that sell the more expensive parts from parts units. I replaced a washer control board for $30. That is a $200 part if bought new. Those pumps are not too expensive or can be cleaned I think. My base level Maytag lasted 8 years before any repair was needed. Going another 2 years since the above repairs.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 7:23 am
Posted by SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452741 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:22 am to
If I had a shop and an easy way to get the washer out (note: it still has some waster in it), I'd 100% give it a go myself first.
Posted by SDVTiger
Cabo San Lucas
Member since Nov 2011
88277 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:24 am to
quote:

a 20+ year old model and I read they can break or crack during this.


I can only imagine the way you smell irl



This is perfect for you
Posted by kciDAtaE
Member since Apr 2017
17010 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:25 am to
quote:

So yesterday my washing machine started making a high pitched noise during the spin cycle, and then on the next load it filled up and shut off

My wife did the same thing yesterday. So I guess we are saying the same thing.
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