A homeowner facing a $500 repair bill for a secondhand washing machine turned to Reddit for advice, where commenters pointed to a potential $100 fix.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit's r/BuyItForLife community, the homeowner described a top-loading Whirlpool with a center agitator that was more than 20 years old.
The original poster explained that its failure to move through the wash cycles marked a departure from its otherwise reliable performance.
OP wrote, "Our top-load, center-agitator 20+ year old Whirlpool washer that we bought secondhand for $150 seven years ago has stopped running through the wash cycle… Repairman say's it's a $500 fix. I have absolutely loved this washing machine the entire time we've owned it."
They then asked the forum, "That being said, would repairing it be throwing good money after bad?"
One commenter suggested a faulty timer could explain both symptoms, writing, "That's the exact part that does that, won't step through the cycle on its own and the rinse just sits there… the timer is usually well under $100."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Another suggested that OP "DIY the fix yourself and see where it gets you. I wouldn't bother with a technician as they will certainly overcharge."
A third user wrote, "I had the same problem. I discovered that the sensor had rusted out and bought a replacement on Amazon for $12.95… Worked like a charm. YouTube video helped as well. Always go to YouTube. There is a tutorial for practically everything there once you know what the problem is."
Concerns about a replacement's lifespan and future repair needs made this more than a question of whether a new washer was affordable. The homeowner could buy one, but was considering whether to spend $750 or more on a replacement rather than pay $500 to repair the Whirlpool.
What can be done?
The identification label beneath the washer's lid offered a starting point for finding the right timer: the washer's exact model number. One commenter recommended using that number to determine which timer the machine needs before buying any parts.
Another commenter suggested using a multimeter and YouTube videos to investigate the problem. They noted that many do-it-yourself repairs could involve parts costing under $100, though a main circuit board could be a more expensive exception.
A third commenter described photographing appliances and their identifying labels and sharing the pictures with Google AI mode to find model-specific troubleshooting information. They also recommended reviewing video instructions before buying parts or disassembling the appliance.
Where can I learn more?
Other appliance owners have also weighed repair bills against the cost of replacing an older machine.
• One Maytag owner spent $300 on repairs before discovering an underpowered aftermarket part.
• Another Maytag owner used a wire nut and tape to fix a water-filled washer.
• An old washer stopped agitating, prompting its owner to clean clothes with a plunger.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
