While technology is unquestionably built with a shelf life these days and not to last as it once was, most common faults when it comes to household appliances are down to user error and not to the mechanics or make up of the machine itself.
How many times have you overloaded your washing machine, used the wrong detergent or used the right detergent but put it in the wrong place? Sometimes it's a genuine mistake but mostly it's done under the false premise that if you wash more things together you'll use less electricity, less water, saving you time and money but it'll cost you a lot more to get it fixed than it would to separate your washing out into manageable loads.
The average washing machine is designed to be used no more than around five times per week and you really shouldn't need to use it more than this.
If you follow this rule, your washing machine should last between six and eight years but be prepared for this figure to be a lot lower if you consistently pack clothes, towels and bedding into the drum.
The following are common problems that can often be prevented by following manufacturer's guidelines on load size, detergent, serving and maintenance but if necessary be fixed easily and quickly by a trained appliance repair engineer.
The machine stops mid cycle - This can be very frustrating as a load of washing will be trapped and you'll have to call in a professional but on the plus side, the problem will probably be a simple one and getting it fixed will be considerably cheaper than recycling the old and buying new.
The machine is noisier than usual - This is more than likely caused by a bearings problem and this can be diagnosed by first determining when it is at its noisiest (i.
e.
when spinning or when still) and by opening the door of the washing machine and moving the drum directly up and down with your hands - if this causes a noise then your bearings have probably worn out and will need replacing.
This is a cheaper and longer term solution than buying a new machine.
There is water leaking from the washing machine - This is probably due to a worn seal or drain hose or potentially a problem with the solenoid valve which is the part which controls how much water is fed into the drum during a cycle.
Replacements for any of these three things are inexpensive but it's important to get the problem properly diagnosed by a professional.