Undoubtedly, your washer and dryer are essential fixtures for your busy household. Often, they are not appreciated for their role in your life until they start to falter. From unusual noises to cleaning or drying inefficiency, knowing when to invest in a new unit ensures your laundry routine remains seamless and stress-free. Recognizing the signs that your washer or dryer is on its last legs can save you from inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs. Here’s what to watch out for to keep your laundry room running smoothly.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Washer or Dryer
Leaks
A leaking washing machine can be a homeowner’s nightmare, especially if it is on an upper level or finished part of the home. If you find water on the floor when running your washing machine, there are several causes:
- Overflow from the tub is common in older, non-high-efficiency top-loading washers.
- A loose or damaged water supply hose.
- A bad seal on the door of your front-loader.
- A cracked or damaged tub is less common today in washers with stainless steel tubs.
Ignoring a leak is not an option, as it will only get worse over time—and often quickly. Assess and fix the problem at the first sign of water leaking from your washing machine.
Strange Noises
One of the most evident signs is that it is time to replace your washer when it starts making odd noises during normal operations, especially if there’s an off-balance load. Loud thumping noises might not indicate trouble, particularly if your machine has built-in load-balancing technology.
If your washer or dryer regularly makes a lot of noise and you’ve ruled out load imbalances or leveling issues, it could indicate a more severe problem, such as a loose dryer drum or motor mount issues.
Inappropriate Movement
Often, strange noises can accompany your machine’s movement in a way that was not intended. Your machine could be out of level. While some movement is typical, beware of significant changes that could cause your washer to disconnect from its water source hose or your dryer to separate from its vent hose. Both issues can lead to huge messes and even, in gas dryers, toxic exhaust fumes leaking into your home.
Dingy Clothes
If your clothes are not getting as clean as they once were in your washer, it might be time to replace it. Your washer may be having trouble moving through the cycles correctly.
Another possibility is that your machine’s computer control components are not working correctly due to damage from power surges or other sources. It may be worth calling a repair technician with specialized equipment to determine if your washer or dryer is experiencing an electronic failure.
Long Dry Time
Prolonged drying times in your dryer could signal failing computerized components.
However, a more common culprit is a malfunctioning heating element, which hinders the dryer from reaching the necessary temperature for efficient drying. Additionally, venting issues are often overlooked but can pose serious risks if left unaddressed. For example, a clogged vent hose significantly increases the fire risk when operating the dryer.
Age
Finally, if you have had your washer and dryer for more than a decade, it is time to update them. You will love the modern technology and efficiency of newer machines and be glad you made the switch!
Smart Choices for Your Home at Appliances for Less - Flint
At Appliances 4 Less – Flint, we understand the importance of quality and affordability for home appliances. That’s why we’re proud to carry Quality Global, a brand known for its low-cost, high-quality products. With ENERGY STAR certification and government-approved rebates, Quality Global appliances offer unbeatable value for money. Additionally, we offer open-box LG and Samsung appliances up to 50% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with a two-year warranty.
Choose Appliances 4 Less – Flint for all your appliance needs! Call us today at 855-254-LESS (5377) to explore our wide range of washers and dryers.