Rarely does an apartment or house manage today without washing machine. Its breakdown may be due to wear of parts, manufacturing defects, or improper operation. In any case, the question arises whether it is worth repairing the washing machine or whether it is more profitable to buy a new assistant.
Repair under warranty
Upon purchase, they usually provide a 12-month warranty, and some manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty. This period may be extended under special programs. The warranty card and receipt must be kept.
If required repair until the end of the warranty, then you can safely contact the service center. An examination will be carried out there:
- if the reason is a manufacturer’s defect, then the washing machine will be repaired free of charge, replaced with a similar model, or the money returned;
- if the user himself is to blame, then the costs fall entirely on his shoulders;
- if the reason lies in a power surge or poor quality water supply, which can be proven in court, then third parties must pay for the repairs.
If it breaks down due to the user's fault, he can repair it or buy a new one.Since it is still under warranty, repair work is more profitable - the remaining elements will last a long time if you use the device correctly.
Old washing machine
The choice between purchase and repair usually arises after long-term use. To understand whether it is worth repairing your old washing machine, you need to consider the following factors:
- duration of operation;
- cost of repairs;
- degree of wear of other parts;
- current cost of a device with similar characteristics.
First of all, you need to evaluate the appearance of the washing mashine, be sure to inspect the lower part of the body. It’s worth calling a specialist; many organizations offer this service along with diagnostics for free. If you refuse to repair or if it is impossible, you will have to pay a certain amount, on average 500 rubles.
If washing machine 15 years old, then repair is advisable only for minor breakdowns. For most models of equipment, this service life is maximum, so it is better to buy a new washing mashine. The exception is Miele units, which can last just as long.
If the washing machine is 10 years old, then the decision depends on the manufacturer. For many Ardo, Ariston, Indesit, LG and Samsung models, this is the maximum service life, so it is more appropriate to purchase a new device. If this is equipment from Bosch, Hansa, Kaiser or Siemens, then you need to take into account the upcoming costs and the condition of the remaining parts of the unit. Such washing machines can easily last more than 15 years, so if they are in good general condition, it is better to choose repair over purchase.
Cause of failure
To determine whether your old washing machine is worth repairing, you need to find out exactly what happened to it. Sometimes you need to spend a little money on repairs, in other cases it is more appropriate to buy a new device.
Heating element malfunction
If the heating element fails, then there are two options: the washing water does not heat up, or when it is heated, it smells burning. Replacing the heating element will cost from 1.5 thousand rubles, the cost of the element is not included here.
You can replace the heater yourself. Its dimensions and location depend on the specific model. It is not necessary to install the original heating element; you can purchase a similar element with the same rated power. A maximum difference of 0.2 kW is allowed.
You should know that to replace the heating element, some models have to be completely disassembled. It is better to entrust such work to a master.
Bearing wear
If a bearing has failed, you cannot use the washing machine until it is replaced. Such a malfunction can be detected by a strong knock, grinding noise, noticeable play when the drum rotates or stops completely.
How much does it cost to change a bearing in a washing machine?
Price bearing replacement in a washing machine can vary depending on many factors: the make and model of the machine, the complexity of the procedure, and the region in which you are located. Below is a table of the cost of bearing replacement for major regions of the Russian Federation.
| Region | Average cost (RUB) |
|---|---|
| Moscow | 2500 – 5000 |
| Saint Petersburg | 2300 – 4800 |
| Ekaterinburg | 2000 – 4500 |
| Novosibirsk | 1900 – 4200 |
| Kazan | 1800 – 4000 |
| Krasnodar | 1700 – 3800 |
| Vladivostok | 2000 – 4600 |
| Omsk | 1600 – 3700 |
| Chelyabinsk | 1800 – 4100 |
| Samara | 1700 – 3900 |
Factors affecting cost
- Washing mashine make and model: Bearing replacement is usually cheaper on budget models.
- Complexity of the procedure: In some cases, replacing a bearing requires completely disassembling the machine, which increases the cost of the work.
- Materials: The cost of the bearing itself may vary.
- Region: In metropolitan regions and large cities, prices are usually higher.
How to save money
- Compare prices: Before contacting a service center, compare prices in several places.
- Parts: If possible, purchase the bearing yourself, it may be cheaper.
- Seasonal promotions and discounts: Take advantage of seasonal offers or discounts.
You can change the bearing yourself if you choose it correctly. To do this, you need to disassemble the washing machine. If the tank is not dismountable, then you have to saw it and resold it.
Problems with intelligent control
Such a malfunction is not uncommon; the cost of work depends on the scale of the problem. Replacing individual sensors, indicators and other electronic components is inexpensive, but sometimes you have to replace the entire module. This is mandatory for Bosch, Electrolux, LG, Siemens, Zanussi equipment. If the washing machine is 10 years old, then the solution is clear – buying a new one.
Engine repair or replacement
This is an important element of the unit. The entire engine does not always need to be changed; sometimes new brushes, bearings, and sharpening of the lamellas are enough.
It is more difficult in the event of a break or short circuit in the winding; in such a situation it is easier to install a new motor. The engine is an expensive part, and for the work the craftsman asks from 1-1.5 thousand rubles. Such repairs are advisable when the equipment is much more expensive than the motor, and its remaining parts are in good condition.
If the washing machine is 10 years old or more, then engine problem natural. Its service life largely depends on the literacy and frequency of operation of the unit.
Minor damage
This category includes replacing handles, latches, O-rings, opening the loading hatch and a number of other works. Such services usually cost up to 1 thousand rubles, the parts are inexpensive.Minor repairs are justified for any device if, overall, it works flawlessly.
In most cases, the answer to the question is it worth repair an old washing machine, positive. Buying a new unit is more appropriate when the equipment has served for a very long time, most of the parts have worn out, or repairs will be too expensive.
