By Andy Grove, Welkom Appliance Repairs, Riebeeckstad, Welkom
I have been repairing appliances for 42 years. I qualified as an electrician in 1987, and I have opened up more washing machines than I can count. That means I have seen what is inside them, what breaks, and why. The machine that looks best in the showroom is not always the one that lasts. Here is what I tell my own family and customers before they spend their money.
1. Start With Your Household, Not the Brochure
Before you look at a single model, answer three questions:
- How many people live in your home? One or two people can manage with a 6 to 7 kg machine. A family of four usually needs 8 to 10 kg. Do not buy too small, because an overloaded machine wears out its bearings and suspension far faster.
- How often do you wash? Washing every day is much harder on a machine than washing twice a week. Heavy users should spend more on build quality.
- Where will it stand? Measure the space, the door swing, and the route through your passageways. Check that you have a tap and a drain within reach.
2. Top Loader or Front Loader?
This is the most common question I get, and there is no single right answer.
Front loaders
- Use less water and less electricity.
- Are gentler on clothes and usually clean better.
- Spin faster, so clothes come out drier.
- Need the rubber door seal kept clean and dry, or it will get mouldy and smelly.
- Cost more to buy, and some repairs cost more too.
Top loaders
- Are easier on the back, with no bending down.
- Let you add a forgotten sock mid-cycle.
- Wash faster in many cases.
- Use more water and can be rougher on clothes, especially agitator types.
- Have simpler door mechanisms, so there is no seal to fail.
My honest advice: if you want the best wash and lower running costs, choose a front loader. If you have back problems or want simplicity, a good top loader is a perfectly sensible choice.
3. Build Quality: What Actually Decides How Long It Lasts
This is where 42 years of repairs counts. Most machines fail in the same few places.
Drum bearings. These are the heart of the machine. A cheap machine with small bearings and a lightweight drum will start to rumble and howl within a few years, especially under heavy loads. If a bearing fails, the repair is a major job, and on some machines the drum is sealed so the whole tub must be replaced. Ask whether the tub is serviceable.
Suspension and shock absorbers. These control the shaking during spin. Weak ones mean a machine that walks across the floor.
Door seals and hinges. Check that the door feels solid, not flimsy.
Drain pump. Coins, hairpins, and small objects end up here. A machine with an easily accessible pump filter saves you a call-out.
Control board. The electronics are the most expensive single part on many machines. This leads me to the next point.
4. Protect Your Machine From Our Power Supply
In South Africa, power surges, dips, and load shedding are the biggest killers of control boards. I trained as an electrician in high-tension systems, so I take this seriously.
- Plug your washing machine into a good quality surge protector or a dedicated protection plug. Do this on day one.
- Never run a machine through a cheap extension cord.
- If the power trips mid-cycle, let the machine settle for a few minutes before restarting.
A protector costs a fraction of a new control board.
5. Check Your Water Before You Buy
Two things matter here:
- Water pressure. Some machines need a minimum pressure to fill properly. If you are on a gravity-fed system or a low-pressure supply, check the requirements first.
- Hard water. Scale builds up on heating elements and inside the machine. Use a descaler regularly, and do not use more detergent than needed.
Also fit the inlet filters properly, and check them from time to time.
6. Features Worth Paying For (and Ones That Are Not)
Worth it
- Inverter or direct-drive motors. They are quieter, more efficient, and have fewer parts to wear than belt-driven systems.
- A solid, balanced spin system. Spin speed of 1000 to 1200 rpm is plenty for most homes.
- Good energy and water ratings. They save money every month.
- A child lock. Useful if you have little ones.
- A clear display with fault codes. This helps your repairer find the problem fast.
Often not worth it
- A dozen wash programmes. Most people use three or four.
- Wi-Fi and app control. More electronics means more that can fail, and the benefit is small.
- Extreme spin speeds above what you need. They add stress and cost for little gain.
7. Brand, Parts, and Service Matter More Than People Think
A washing machine is only as good as the support behind it. Before you buy, ask:
- Are spare parts available in South Africa, and for how long?
- Is there a local authorised service agent near you?
- What does the warranty cover, and is it for parts only or labour too?
Working here in Welkom, I see first-hand how parts availability and distance from the big centres affect repair costs and waiting times. A brand with local parts and trained technicians will always be cheaper to own than an unknown import that cannot be repaired when something breaks.
8. Do Not Choose on Price Alone
The cheapest machine often costs the most over ten years. A budget machine that needs replacing in four years is not a bargain compared to a better one that runs for twelve. On the other hand, the most expensive model is not automatically the most reliable. Aim for the middle of a reputable brand’s range, with sturdy construction and simple, proven technology.
9. Installation and Daily Care
Even the best machine fails early if it is installed badly.
- Remove the transport bolts on front loaders before the first wash. Forgetting this can damage the machine badly.
- Level the machine on all four feet so it does not vibrate.
- Do not overload it. The drum should never be packed tight.
- Use the correct detergent and the right amount. Too much soap causes suds, poor rinsing, and residue.
- Leave the door open after washing to let the drum dry.
- Clean the pump filter every few months, and wipe the door seal.
- Run a hot maintenance wash once a month with a washing machine cleaner.
10. Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- ☐ I know how much capacity my household needs
- ☐ I have measured the space and checked taps and drainage
- ☐ I have decided between a front loader and a top loader
- ☐ The brand has local spare parts and an authorised service agent
- ☐ The drum and bearing build feels solid, and the door is sturdy
- ☐ The machine has a good energy and water rating
- ☐ I have a surge protector ready
- ☐ I have checked the warranty terms
Final Word
After 42 years, my advice is simple: buy a machine that is well built, from a brand that has parts and service in South Africa, protect it from power problems, and look after it. Do those four things and a good washing machine will serve your family for many years.
If you are unsure which machine suits your home, or you want an honest opinion on the one you already own, get in touch with the Welkom Appliance Repairs team. We would rather help you choose well than fix a bad choice later.