- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: The great washing machine debate: UPDATE: I gave up.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:52 am to SlowFlowPro
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:52 am to SlowFlowPro
I bought my el-cheapo washer & dryer ~2009 or so. I've had to change out the heating element and the door sensor on the dryer (DIY thanks to Youtube) and that's it. Both still run like champs.
That dryer issue? I may have spent $20 on the parts, the only real issue was the time in taking apart the dryer then putting it all back together again. I probably saved a hundred or more bucks and all it really took was a little time.
At least check Youtube first to see if there's a video on doing it yourself. I've learned over the last few years that there are a TON of appliance issues which seem big and undoable at first, but then once you research it you find it can be fairly easy (and much cheaper) to do it yourself.
quote:
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.
quote:
I am at the point where even if the repair cost more than a cheaper new unit
That dryer issue? I may have spent $20 on the parts, the only real issue was the time in taking apart the dryer then putting it all back together again. I probably saved a hundred or more bucks and all it really took was a little time.
At least check Youtube first to see if there's a video on doing it yourself. I've learned over the last few years that there are a TON of appliance issues which seem big and undoable at first, but then once you research it you find it can be fairly easy (and much cheaper) to do it yourself.
3
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:54 am to Bard
quote:
At least check Youtube first to see if there's a video on doing it yourself. I've learned over the last few years that there are a TON of appliance issues which seem big and undoable at first, but then once you research it you find it can be fairly easy (and much cheaper) to do it yourself.
I watched a few videos last night. Not of my exact model, though, which is going to be tough given its age (and expected rarity).
In theory it doesn't seem difficult at all. As always, the issue is I am not sure what to do if something goes wrong, and I can't anticipate every possible issue. el gaucho's point ITT, for example, was something I had neve thought about after thinking about this for a few hours last night.
*ETA: and the space issue annoyance
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 7:55 am
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:58 am to Bard
On our washer there is a filter before the pump, when it gets clogged it will starve the pump and cause failure. I set an annual reminder to take the 10 minutes to clean the filter. We are going on year 8 now! (still expecting it to fail anytime). 99% of the trapped debris in the filter is Springer Spaniel hair.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:58 am to SlowFlowPro
quote:
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
I worked at an appliance store during college and depending on the model they’re pretty easy to work on. I agree to have a service tech look at it to see if it can be fixed. Could be something simple like the motherboard or pump.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:59 am to member12
quote:
Speed Queen
Back
A couple years ago I decided to "splurge" and I bought a pretty nice Maytag washer and dryer set.
The washer only lasted 25 months. I could not repair it myself so I called out an appliance repair person. He told me it would be $700 to repair.
I now have a Speed Queen
Posted on 6/4/25 at 7:59 am to SlowFlowPro
I had to buy a washer a couple of weekends ago and I didn't want to finance anything else at the moment. So I paid cash for a new Samsung from Lowe's for right at $500. It comes with a 2-year warranty. I figure if I get more than 5 years out of it I'll call it a win. A little noisy when spinning but other than that we're happy with it.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:01 am to SlowFlowPro
quote:
You do know older washers are better because they don't suffer from all the climate change regs, right?
Im sure they are better but there is little doubt you smell mildewy. Ive seen your website
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:02 am to SlowFlowPro
Buy a speed queen and be happy for the next 20 years
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:02 am to michael corleone
quote:
Buy a speed queen and be happy for the next 20 years
Apparently SQ is starting to suffer from the same issues, so I missed that window
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:09 am to Bard
quote:
At least check Youtube first to see if there's a video on doing it yourself. I've learned over the last few years that there are a TON of appliance issues which seem big and undoable at first, but then once you research it you find it can be fairly easy (and much cheaper) to do it yourself.
This is true.
Google your particular appliance and the symptoms. Spend a while reading various threads and watching some videos. Eventually, you'll probably come to the correct answer.
As a caveat, some things are not worth doing on your own (unless you just like tinkering.) Why? Because you might spend a lot of time and money replacing parts that aren't the problem. When, it's all said and done, you might end up with a really expensive old washing machine with new chinese parts that aren't worth a shite.
Take your time and do the research. Figure out what's really wrong with it.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:11 am to Ricardo
quote:
Just be aware that some of the "new" replacement parts are not as well made. So it might be "fixed" and run well for a year or two, and then break again. Unfortunately, this is the nature of the beast.
I just replaced an ice-maker in an old whirlpool refrigerator, and there are a lot of knock-off parts out there. You have to make sure you're getting a quality part.
I've had success buying a "used" part from Ebay. (Inverter control board for washer). Costed 1/10 of a new one and working fine 2 years after.
It seems like a lot of refurbished parts out there are better than OEM because they fix the simple flaws that causes the failure in the first place.
quote:
The drain from the basket is internal and the exterior drain hose is at the top of the unit for some reason so that won't work.
Have you tried hooking the shop vac to the exterior drain hose? This also might help see if a clog is the problem.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 8:13 am
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:13 am to SlowFlowPro
2016 was the last great year. That is the only thing we salvaged, took apart, and cleaned when our house flooded. Repairman commended us on the great job we did. Washer was 6 months old.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:14 am to KamaCausey_LSU
quote:
I've had success buying a "used" part from Ebay. (Inverter control board for washer). Costed 1/10 of a new one and working fine 2 years after.
Good idea on buying refurb parts.
Last tidbit I'll leave is to save all the old parts you take off. Get a plastic bin or something and label it, "Washing Machine Parts." Keep any screws, pulleys, belts, etc. No matter how insignificant it might seem. Some replacement parts will be missing a washer, bolt, clip, etc. At least save some money on that stuff.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:23 am to SlowFlowPro
Newbie
Post less
Post less
quote:As for your old washer, the simple solution to the complex prob is:
SlowFlowPro
Simple Solutions to Complex Probs
Member since Jan 2004
452266 posts
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:33 am to SlowFlowPro
I've had the same issue recently, older Kenmore 110 model known for its reliability and ease to fix. I had to decide if replacing the transmission and clutch or buying a similar used one.
I ended replacing the transmission, very simple repair just the part cost was high. I figured I replace this and then whatever little things pop up over the next twenty years it will pay for itself. Having piece of mind that I know what I have over not knowing what issues a used one may pop up with, ultimately led me to keeping it.
On a side note the local appliance parts store in Hammond always comments when I come in on how bullet proof the old 110's are. So far it's been true.
I ended replacing the transmission, very simple repair just the part cost was high. I figured I replace this and then whatever little things pop up over the next twenty years it will pay for itself. Having piece of mind that I know what I have over not knowing what issues a used one may pop up with, ultimately led me to keeping it.
On a side note the local appliance parts store in Hammond always comments when I come in on how bullet proof the old 110's are. So far it's been true.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:39 am to SlowFlowPro
I had to replace my old washer two years ago that went out right after the ball dropped on NYE. I did one more load of laundry while watching TV and didn't hear it start washing so I went in to check and there was a horrible burning smell and the washer buzzing. I did have an extra washer in my building but the timer must have broke when transporting. Probably was an easy fix but I put both to the road and bought a new one.
I'm used to it now, but I didn't care for the new one. The top has to be down when filling and you can't throw any extra clothes you may have forgotten when it's washing since it locks. I prefer the old style.
I'm used to it now, but I didn't care for the new one. The top has to be down when filling and you can't throw any extra clothes you may have forgotten when it's washing since it locks. I prefer the old style.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:39 am to SlowFlowPro
The more basic it is the longer it will last. Had an old Roper brand that the hinges literally corroded off of the door (top loading) and used it for another 5 years. It never quit. Was 20 years old and still running, but wound up trashing it because it just looked too ratty for our new house. Been through 4 since then, but as a rule the more basic it is the longer it will last.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:41 am to SlowFlowPro
quote:
The great washing machine debate: fix an older, reliable unit or buy a new, crappy one?
All I know through 26 years of home ownership while married, I've had the best experience with GE brand appliances. I been through 3 homes and GE has performed the best. GE Monogram for the kitchen and GE profile for the laundry room. Better than Wolf and Viking in the kitchen and better than Samsung and Maytag in the laundry room. Viking absolutely sucks in the kitchen. Wolf is comparable to GE Monogram in the kitchen just harder to clean. Samsung and Maytag suck in the laundry room.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:43 am to SlowFlowPro
Get a Samsung at HD. They look great and are cheap af. You're overthinking this and being miserly.
Posted on 6/4/25 at 8:44 am to SirWinston
I thought those leave the clothes smelly and break down in like a year.
This post was edited on 6/4/25 at 8:46 am
Page 3 of 8
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News