With the rising costs of buying a new washer, many homeowners find themselves wondering if it’s worth fixing their aging washers that are 10 years old or more. There are several factors to consider when determining if an old washer is worth repairing or if it’s better to replace it. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing a 10 year old washer to help you decide what’s best for your situation.
The pros of fixing a 10 year old washer
There are some advantages to fixing an older washer rather than replacing it. Here are some of the top pros:
- Cost savings – Repairing a washer is almost always cheaper than buying a brand new one. The cost of a repair may range from $100-$350 depending on the issue, while a new washer can cost $500 or more.
- Convenience – Arranging for a repair is generally faster and easier than shopping for a new appliance and having it delivered/installed. You can continue using your current washer rather than going without one during the replacement process.
- Familiarity – By fixing your current washer, you get to keep a machine you’re accustomed to using rather than learning a new model. You already know how to operate it and what cycles work best for your laundry.
- Reduce waste – Choosing repair extends the useful life of your existing appliance instead of discarding it and buying new. This avoids adding more electronic waste to landfills.
- Quality materials – Washers built 10-15 years ago were typically made with higher quality materials and meant to last longer than today’s budget models.
Considering these benefits, repairing an older washer often makes sense if the issues it’s experiencing aren’t too severe and it’s still in fairly good condition overall.
The cons of fixing a 10 year old washer
However, there are also some downsides to attempting to repair an aging washer instead of replacing it. Here are the top cons to weigh:
- More repairs likely – Once a washer reaches 10 years old, breakdowns become more common. You may end up needing multiple repairs over a short period of time.
- Difficulty finding parts – Manufacturers typically stop producing replacement parts after 7-10 years, making repairs more challenging and expensive.
- Outdated technology – Newer washers have more cycles, settings, and features to enhance cleaning and efficiency that you won’t get from an old model.
- Energy efficiency – Washers made 10+ years ago use significantly more water and energy compared to new ENERGY STAR models.
- Small loads – The capacity of older washers tends to be smaller than modern high-efficiency washers.
- Diminished performance – With extensive use over 10 years, washers naturally lose cleaning power and have weaker spin cycles.
Taking these drawbacks into account, fixing an aging washer may not be worth it if the machine needs major repairs or complete overhaul.
Factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace
When faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace a 10 year old washer, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Repair costs – Get a repair estimate and compare it against the cost of buying a new machine. As a rule of thumb, it’s not worth fixing if the repair is more than half the price of a replacement washer.
- Washer’s condition – Examine issues like rust, mold, leaking, noises, etc. Extensive problems usually indicate replacement. Minor issues may merit repair.
- Availability of parts – Determine if the necessary replacement parts are still being manufactured or can be found online.
- Age and brand – On average, top brands like Speed Queen and Maytag tend to have a longer lifespan of up to 15 years.
- Warranty – Review whether you have any remaining coverage under the original product warranty.
- Cost of replacement – Look at current prices for the washer you need. Replacement may not be too costly.
- Special features needed – Consider if you require specific functions like extra capacity, steam, WiFi, etc. that your old model lacks.
Carefully weighing these factors will help you decide if repairing or replacing makes the most financial and practical sense in your particular situation.
Signs it’s time to replace your old washer
Here are some clear indicators that it’s time to retire your aging washer and purchase a new one:
- It’s needing repairs that cost over 50% of a replacement washer’s price
- Structural issues like a warped tub, damaged drum, or corroded outer body
- Constant leaks that continue happening even after repairs
- Noticeable mold or mildew buildup inside machine or hoses
- Noisy operation even after bearings, motor, and suspension have been fixed
- Not effectively cleaning laundry even on the highest settings
- Electrical issues involving frayed cords, burnt out motors, etc.
- Unable to find replacement parts for critical components
- Costing substantially more per year in utilities compared to a new ENERGY STAR model
Once your washer shows any of these warning signs, it’s usually better in the long run to replace it rather than sinking more money into repairs.
What type of washer should you purchase as a replacement?
When shopping for a new washer to replace an older model that’s 10+ years old, look for these key features and benefits:
- High-efficiency (HE) top loader – Uses 35-50% less water and energy while still getting clothes clean.
- Large capacity – Look for at least 4-5 cubic feet to handle larger loads less frequently.
- Dual action agitator – Provides extra washing motion to clean thoroughly.
- Steam cycles – Helps remove stains and odors.
- sanitize cycle – Kills over 99% of bacteria using hot water and extended spin.
- WiFi enabled – Allows monitoring and control from your smartphone.
- Reversible door – For installation flexibility.
- Quiet operation – Look for noise dampening features and low decibel ratings.
- Energy star certified – Ensures energy and water efficiency.
- Long warranty – Look for at least a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
Prioritizing these aspects will ensure your new replacement washer lasts for many years while providing maximum cleaning power and efficiency.
Top brands for reliable washers
When selecting a new high-performance washer to replace an older model, consider purchasing from one of these top rated brands:
| Brand | Average Lifespan | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Queen | 15 years | Commercial grade components, simple mechanical design, excellent cleaning performance |
| Maytag | 12-15 years | Rugged construction, centralized controls, localized assembly in the U.S. |
| Whirlpool | 10-12 years | Affordable, efficient, wide selection of models and capacities |
| LG | 10-11 years | Smart diagnostic features, sleek designs, energy and water efficient |
| Samsung | 10 years | Innovative technology like AI, integrated home automation |
Sticking with long-lasting brands like these will help ensure your new washer provides reliable service for over a decade rather than needing replacement after just 5-6 years.
Average repair costs for common 10 year old washer problems
To determine if fixing an aging washer is worthwhile, you’ll need estimates on the typical repair costs for common issues a 10 year old machine may develop. Here are average price ranges for repairs by problem:
| Problem | Repair Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Leaking water valves | $125-$250 |
| Drain pump failure | $150-$300 |
| Drive motor breakdown | $200-$450 |
| Rusty or damaged drum | $300-$500 |
| Corroded tub | $350-$600 |
| Bad bearings | $200-$350 |
| Timer and control board failure | $180-$350 |
| Shock absorber replacement | $150-$250 |
As you can see from the table, the costs can add up quickly if an older washer begins experiencing multiple component failures. This is why a single expensive repair over $300 or so is often the tipping point to replacement.
How long should a washer last?
The average lifespan of a washer depends on factors like brand, frequency of use, maintenance habits, and type. Here are the typical lifespans you can expect:
- Top load washers – 7-12 years
- Front load washers – 10-13 years
- High-efficiency washers – 12-15 years
- Commercial grade washers – 15+ years
With proper care and maintenance, a home washer should reliably last over 10 years at minimum. Higher-end models or sturdier commercial machines may last 15 years or longer before needing replacement.
Tips to help your washer last
You can maximize the lifespan of your washer and avoid premature breakdowns with these maintenance tips:
- Cleaning the interior monthly to prevent mold and residue buildup
- Leaving door open to dry out drum when not in use
- Wiping exterior and control panel to avoid dirt/grease accumulation
- Cleaning lint traps and drain fittings regularly
- Avoid overloading drum past recommended capacity
- Running occasional empty “tub clean” cycle
- Using high-quality detergent to prevent detergent buildup
- Leveling machine properly to prevent imbalance
- Hiring a technician for periodic maintenance checks
Performing proper maintenance goes a long way towards adding years to your washer’s expected lifespan.
Conclusion
When faced with an aging washer that’s reached the 10 year mark, take time to weigh the costs and benefits of repairing vs. replacing. Factors like repair costs, replacement prices, durability of your model, and new features needed should all play a role in your decision. in many cases, replacing an old inefficient washer ends up being the better investment long-term provided you select a high-quality Energy Star certified model. With proper maintenance and loading habits, your new washer should then easily last 10-15 years or beyond.