The washing machine is 10 years old, is it worth repairing?

If a 10-year-old washing machine suddenly stops working properly, the owner faces a serious dilemma. On the one hand, the unit is tried and tested, but on the other, repairs may cost more than buying a new one. To choose the right option, it's worth estimating the extent of the damage, determining the scale of the problem, and evaluating the feasibility of investing in the broken appliance. The recommendations below will help with the calculations.

Let's discuss the benefits of renovation

To understand whether it is worth repairing ten-year-old equipment, you need to find out what is broken and how much it will take to fix the problem. Typically, 90% of problems with a washing machine can be fixed for a small fee, which is much more cost-effective than buying a new model. Thus, replacing a faulty drain pump, including consumables and labor, will cost a maximum of $25. Tensioning a complete drive belt to replace a worn one costs $12–$15. Meanwhile, the cheapest washing machine starts at $100.

But sometimes the benefits aren't so obvious. If the electronic unit breaks, the motor burns out, or a non-separable drum needs replacing, repairs will cost 5,000-8,000 rubles or even more. In such cases, it's more reasonable to consider investing in a new, more reliable machine. Remember that no repairman can guarantee that another problem won't arise after it's fixed. Remember that a 10-year-old machine is already very fragile and wears out faster. This is especially true for budget-friendly brands like VEKO, Indesit, Vestel, Whirlpool, or Zanussi. Such machines are called disposable and aren't repaired, as after 2-3 years of decent performance, they fully justify the initial price.

It's not cost-effective to repair budget-brand washing machines like BEKO, Zanussi, and Vestel after two years of use—it's cheaper to buy a new one.

In other cases, when a washing machine costing $250 or more breaks down and there's a reason to repair it to ensure it lasts another 3-5 years, it's best not to rush into buying a new one. Moreover, often the malfunction only seems catastrophic, while the repairman estimates the cost at a modest $10-$30. But the opposite can also happen, and a simple heating element replacement can reveal a rusted housing, a faulty pump, and other expensive issues. Often, one breakdown leads to another, as when repairing an electric motor, you have to replace the brushes, drive, and wiring. In such cases, you'll have to consider whether it's really worth extending the life of the machine for just six months.

It's a different matter if the broken old machine has a manual control. Such models are no longer produced, but they are still repaired. The secret lies in their high reliability and wear resistance. Therefore, it's more cost-effective to repair manual machines, as modern electronic models break down much more frequently. Even fixing a bearing assembly for 5,000 rubles would be more reasonable than buying a new unit. The main thing is that the owners themselves shouldn't be put off by the "old" nature of their washing machine.

To decide what to do with an old washing machine, you need to accurately assess the damage. If the upcoming repairs are comparable to purchasing a new one, the choice is obvious.

Is it worth looking for the breakdown yourself?

Only a professional can independently estimate the cost of repairs. To do this, you need to have the appropriate knowledge and a lot of practice. For example, if you notice the lights on your Indesit washing machine flashing erratically, you might blame the electronics. Repairing the control board is expensive, so the solution is to throw out the old machine and buy a new one. In reality, the flashing lights are simply signaling problems with the drainage system. The clogged debris filter needs to be cleaned, which you can do yourself for free.

Only a qualified washing machine repair technician can accurately determine the cause and extent of the malfunction.

It's best to contact a service technician immediately. For a comprehensive inspection of $4–$5, the washing machine owner will receive a detailed report with pricing and a forecast for the machine's near-term future. Incidentally, most companies offer free consultations for future repairs, so the decision is yours.

   

1 reader comment

1. May 7, 2023, at 8:00 PM

   Tatiana:

   Your prices are surprising. Can you tell me where they are? Diagnostics with a technician on-site is $10. Shock absorber replacement is $80. Belt replacement is $45. And they said replacing bearings would cost $160. So there you have it! And I think it's endless. Repairs are very expensive! Having been through all this repair hell, I think it's better to buy a new one right away. Without investing anything in the old one.

   Answer