<p>Noticed my 17 yo Maytag washer was leaking last night. H is going to pull it out tonight and see if there is a logical repair, such as a loose hose. </p>
<p>If not, we are considering replacing it with a front loader, which I’m told use less water & is gentler on clothes. What brands or model do you recommend to buy or stay away from and why?</p>
<p>Miele. This is what I have at home - their largest capacity front loader. It handles anything from a king size comforter to a single pair of lace undies very well (not that I would ever wash a single pair of undies in a washer, but my washer definitely can do this). Also, I was impressed with the tiny stackable Bosch front loader in our vacation rental condo.</p>
<p>I have a year old kenmore high efficiency top loader which I love. I am sure it is really made by maytag or GE. It has no agitator and determines the amount of water based upon the load size.</p>
<p>Just replaced my whirlpool front loader with a Samsung top loader. I was discouraged from purchasing another front loader after having mold growing around the seal and the undesirable odor that accompanied it, and yes I did leave the door open when not in use. </p>
<p>Been very happy with this new model so far. It’s been about 4 months. Kind of funny my first post on cc is about appliances :)</p>
<p>If it is the hose, hopefully -replace it with one that is metal reinforced. This minimizes (eliminates?) the risk of a hose rupture that could easily flood your house. It’s worth the extra $5-10.</p>
<p><a href=“Water & Gas Supply Hoses”>Water & Gas Supply Hoses;
<p>My 15-20 y/o Whirlpool washer started to leak a couple of months ago. I ended up taking it apart and figuring out it was leaking from the water inlet valve (a valve where the water comes in on one end and out on the other end with a solenoid in between to turn the water inlet on and off) so I spent $40 on a new one and fixed it myself.</p>
<p>There’s not much to a washing machine and they’re generally fairly easy and inexpensive to fix (at least if you do it yourself) as long as they’re standard brands such as Whirlpool/GE and all of the variants (of which Maytag is one). When it comes to a leak it’s almost always going to be the hose, water inlet valve, or the tub seal. There’s really no place else it can leak.</p>
<p>It’s usually easy to find the procedure on the internet (complete with videos) for inspecting and replacing these components. </p>
<p>Of course, fixing the old one doesn’t get you a new one so the above might not be what you want to hear.</p>
<p>" H is going to pull it out tonight and see if there is a logical repair, such as a loose hose."</p>
<p>How much is he charging for this service? Our local repairmen cost $175 and hour!</p>
<p>H is very handy! He’s repaired the dryer several times - drum belt & heating element. I’m hoping it’s something simple like a loose hose, as I’m heading to Australia on business Wednesday & can’t deal with buying a new one. (at least I got my laundry done yesterday - S1 did not…)</p>
<p>We do have a water shutoff, so in the event a big problem, it would only be what’s in the machine & I typically don’t leave the house when the washer is running. (It’s in the kitchen).</p>
<p>Happy with the very quiet Samsung top loader we got about 6 months ago to replace 25+ yo Maytag.</p>
<p>
He s/b able to fix this okay himself then if he wants to give it a shot. Again, he can do an internet search for “Maytag washer leak repair” and do a youtube search with that as well. It’ll at least give him an idea if he wants to tackle it.</p>
<p>Two people I know just replaced washing machines, both with HDepot LG machine, under $1000. Each got top loader, the one with bigger capacity. Unlike the old top loaders (like mine), where I can start the wash and then add in clothes, this model has a latch. It’s still easy to press pause and add forgotten items. Of course, many people have their reasons for liking front loaders. As I’ve never used a front loader, I cannot make a comparison.</p>
<p>Recommendation for what NOT to get: LG front loader washer. My apartment has a brand new one and within 4 washes, the thing smells awful no matter what you do. I’ve bought the washing machine cleaner, left the door open to dry it out, ran bleach cycles, everything. It just smells bad. The LG front loader electric dryer isn’t bad, but some cycles will leave your clothes slightly damp despite it thinking they are dry</p>
<p>I love my Samsung front loader. I waited a long time and dithered over the idea of a front loader and now I wonder why I waited so long. Very happy.</p>
<p>I have the Whirlpool Duet front-loading washer and dry and ADORE them both.</p>
<p>You may have a Maytag of the reliable old vintage, which might be worth fixing.</p>
<p>Search for the old threads on washing machines. Some folks don’t like their new front loaders. Part of the issue I think is the tendency to close the door (so not in the way)… it can get a mildew smell.</p>
<p>We have a GE top loader that we got about 7+ years ago from Home Depot. It’s High Efficiency and has “hydrowave” which makes it incredibly quiet. CR gave it high marks at the time. The problem: it’s so darn efficient it shreds my clothes. I have holes in clothes that never had holes, like my denims: several on the front thigh and behind the knee. It has an extra rinse cycle and never use it. Otherwise, clothes would come out practically dry, but in a tight wrinkled twist. </p>
<p>And there’s another weird quirk. Inside the cover are directions to load: put in clothes, detergent, and close lid. Instead, I used to turn water on, throw in the detergent, after awhile, I’d add clothes, then close the lid. Since I left the lid open as it was filling, the washer leaked big time. Plumber came in (no handy husband here) and explained that was something to do with how they programmed the washer. Presumably they reprogrammed it, but I’ll never get this model again. I miss my old Sears washer.</p>
<p>
Which most likely was a Whirlpool with a Kenmore name on it.</p>
<p>I have a front loader. It is the reason an extended warranty can pay off. I love the washer but they break much more often.</p>
<p>Well, we got a new Kenmore and something about the energy efficiency means it takes forever to run, close to an hour, no matter what cycle (I checked online comments and everyone is hassled by this.) I was used to being able to flip the dial around for light washes- just get maybe a 10 minute run, then rinse and spin. I also can’t run the water unless the lid is closed (it then locks) and once the thing starts washing, I have to hit stop and wait for the darned brain to respond and unlock the lid. And, it’s soo darned quiet, I can’t tell if it’s running. I have had no issues with shredding and the wash seems acceptably clean.</p>
<p>These may be minor inconveniences. Maybe laughable. But, my advice: ask and then confirm online how long the actuual cycles are. Ask if you can somehow override for a quick cycle. Or just a rinse (I suppose I can do this, but haven’t figured it out.) And, whatever else you feel fits your preferred style.</p>
<p>When we bought the house, I was Whirlpool all the way and loved those products.</p>
<p>Oh, but should add: when we replaced the dryer about four years ago, even in our family’s high use season (when everybody is home,) we saw a drop in elec costs. And, another when we replaced the washer and dishwasher. In our case, I do have to wonder if it’s from the new equipment.</p>
<p>I just replaced my Whirlpool front loader, hated that dang thing! I bought a Maytag Bravos XL top loader and I love it! My clothes smell better, are much cleaner and I love the huge capacity. I read a lot of reviews on the Bravos, people either love it or hate it. Fortunately, I love mine!</p>