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

If the washing machine is 10 years old, and it suddenly refuses to work as before, the owner faces a serious dilemma. On the one hand, the unit is tested and already familiar, and on the other, repairs can cost more than buying a new machine. To choose the right option, you need to estimate the amount of damage, determine the extent of the trouble and calculate the feasibility of investing in broken equipment. The following recommendations will help with the calculations.

Consider the benefits of repair

To understand whether it is worth repairing a ten-year-old equipment, you need to find out what has failed and how long it will take to solve the problem. As a rule, 90% of the problems encountered in the washing machine are fixed for little money, which is several times more profitable than buying a new model. So, replacing a faulty drain pump with consumables and the work of a master will cost a maximum of 2500 rubles. The tension of the whole drive belt instead of worn - 1200-1500 rubles. At the same time, the cost of the cheapest washing machine starts at 10,000 rubles.

But sometimes the benefits are not so obvious. If the electronic unit breaks down, the engine burns out or a non-separable tank is required to be replaced, then the repair will cost 5-8 thousand and even more. In such cases, it is more reasonable to think about investing in a new, more reliable machine. Remember that no master will guarantee that after the resolved problem another will not arise. Remember that the device of a 10-year-old machine is already very flimsy and undergoes wear faster. Especially if the washer is budget, of the VEKO, Indesit, Vestel, Virpul or Zanussi brands. Such machines are called disposable and not repaired, since after tolerable work for 2-3 years they completely justify the initial price.

After 2 years of service, it is not profitable to repair washing machines of budget brands such as BEKO, Zanussi, Vestel - it is cheaper to buy a new one.

In other cases, when a machine with a cost of 25 thousand rubles or more broke and there is a reason to repair it for another 3-5 years, it’s better not to rush to buy a new washing machine. Moreover, often the problem only seems catastrophic, and the called master estimates the problem to be a modest 1-3 thousand. But it happens the other way around, and the banal replacement of the heating element reveals a rusted case, a faulty pump and other expensive things. Often one breakdown pulls another, as when repairing an electric motor, you have to change the brushes, drive and wiring. Then you have to think about whether there is a need to extend the life of the unit for only six months.

Another thing is if a broken old machine has mechanical control. Similar models are no longer available, but are still being repaired. The secret is the high reliability of the devices and their resistance to wear. Therefore, it is more profitable to repair the "mechanics", as modern electronic models break down many times more often. Even repairing a bearing assembly for 5 thousand will be more reasonable than acquiring a new unit. The main thing is that the owners themselves should not be embarrassed by the "old" washing machine.

To decide what to do with the old washing machine, you need to accurately assess the losses incurred. If the upcoming repair is commensurate with the purchase of a new machine, then the choice is obvious.

Is it worth it yourself to look for a breakdown?

Only a professional is able to independently assess the cost of repairs. To do this, you must have the appropriate knowledge and a lot of practice. For example, when you see that the indicators blink randomly on the Indesit washing machine, you can blame the electronics for breaking. Repairing the control board is an expensive pleasure, and the decision is to abandon the old washer and buy a new model. But in fact, by flashing lights, the system reports problems with the drain system.You only need to clean the clogged trash filter, which in general can be done with your own hands absolutely free.

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

It is better to immediately contact the service staff. Having paid 400-500 rubles for a comprehensive inspection, the owner of the washing machine will receive a detailed report with prices and forecasts for the near future of the unit. By the way, in most companies with further repairs, the consultation will be free, so it's up to you.