The first thing Ben did when he got home from Florida on Saturday morning was unpack all of his and Dorothy’s luggage and start a load of laundry THAT BROKE THE WASHING MACHINE.
The washer was just a little younger than 10 years old, which I remember because the first washer we had broke just 2 years after we bought it, and I was traumatized by its untimely demise and the weeks it took to get a new one. Seriously, not having a washer for a week was AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. I mean, I don’t handle appliance breakdowns well in any circumstance (REMEMBER THE PANDEMIC DRYER INCIDENT? AND THE FRIGGING DISHWASHER??) but no washing machine? GAH.
It was SATURDAY, meaning no one would come look at it until Monday at the soonest. Then we'd likely need a part. Then we’d have to wait for that part. Then someone would come back and install the part.
Did I I mention that the old one leaked EVERYWHERE and we used SO MANY TOWELS to clean it up?
Sooooo, we googled the problem, read our owner’s manual, and tried to fix it. We were getting a no drain error, meaning there was a clog somewhere, but we cleaned the filter and used a snake on the hoses, and nothing changed. Ben called his friend who is a plumber, and he said it sounded like the pump and we really probably wouldn’t able to fix it without a professional.
I immediately started to cry in the middle of our ransacked laundry room, thinking of catching up on work this week and doing all of our normal stuff AND ALSO going to the laundromat.
Ben was googling something on his phone— I assumed emergency weekend washer repair, but then a video started to play, and it was a guy telling us how easy it is to install a new washer. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.
The washing machine is the absolute worst non-food-related appliance to break, IMO. I had a dryer break at Christmas during the pandemic, but at least I could hang the clothes. The washing machine though? Ahhhhh!
ReplyDeleteAGREE!! The fridge would for sure be more expensive in terms of replacement AND food waste, but it’s easier to eat out than to wash out.
DeleteUgh, I can see why he decided to just replace it versus wait days for a repair when it was 10 years old! We got a new washing machine during the pandemic as the previous one has black mold on the door that I could not get rid of despite all of my best efforts (the person who did our inspection told me how I might be able to get rid of it - it did not work). Ours is not as fancy as I don't get texts or we didn't turn on that feature? But that's fine because my husband is very good at staying on top of laundry. I will do a load when I WFH and it will take all day because I will forget to put it in the dryer. That does not happen for my husband! But the nature of our work is really different and he doesn't do all the client calls I do.
ReplyDeleteSee, you need the passive aggressive laundry texts LOL
DeleteSo glad you have a new washer! That's an essential appliance in my view. The passive aggressive text made me laugh. The clothes aren't going to wait around for you all day!
ReplyDeleteSO PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE
DeleteThat text made me LAUGH. Hilarious, but also slightly stressful.
ReplyDeleteGah. Appliances going off are so stressful. Our washing machine broke years ago the night before my husband was leaving on a work trip and needed laundry. We were able to get it fixed quickly, but it was very stressful.
We bought an older home and it came with all the appliances which are all also old. BUT THEY ARE INCREDIBLE. We've spent about $250 in total to repair the stove and washing machine, but that is it. They have no computerized parts because they're so old - seriously, our dishwasher looks like something off Noah's Ark - but they work so well. I am dreading the day we need to replace anything because I know the new appliances just won't last.
The only appliance we brought with us was the toaster and microwave and we've gone through like 4 new ones of each of those things in 14 years of marriage. They just don't make things like they used to...
All that to say - I feel you pain and I'm SO glad you were able to get a new washing machine right away. Would you consider repairing the old one and having two? No idea if you laundry room could hold that, but I know someone that has two washers and dryers and LOVES it.
The appliance guy said the same thing— he was like you can buy this old top loader with no computerized parts and it will last forever OR you can go shiny shiny bells and whistles and it will break LOL
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ReplyDeleteAccidental deletion!
DeleteO wow! I can imagine how disastrous that would be for your home work flow.
ReplyDelete(I say "imagine" because I can ignore laundry. I returned from Jamaica three weeks ago and all my resort clothes are still unlaundered. What? It's not like I need them in MI anyway.)
Some day I will be this person—- but I will be very very old because I will have kids in my house post-retirement
DeleteOur worst was when we moved a few years ago and our brand new washer died after about 24 hours. We got a repair person out quickly, but they said it would be over a week to get a new electric panel. Or about the same time to get a new washer (delivered). Luckily we were able to call and get a refund on just the washer and my husband was able to buy an identical one from another store (original from Costco, second from a home improvement store).
ReplyDeleteMonday our oven stopped working (for the second time in 3 years), so now I am getting a new one for my birthday...
I do sort of hate my fridge and I want a double oven, so at least these would be fun replacements
DeleteOMG, has your husband ever looked sexier than when masterfully deciding that THERE SHALL BE A NEW WASHING MACHINE. No washing machine and five kids? Uh, NOPE. May your laundry machine karma be a thousandfold improved going forward.
ReplyDeleteSeriously.
DeleteOMG, what a romantic anniversary gift! No but seriously, IT IS. What is more romantic than your husband deciding NOPE, THIS WILL NOT DO. And making sure you had your washer?!?! HEART. EYES.
ReplyDeleteBut ohhh, the passive aggressy texts. NOT COOL.
He is usually into cost savings and not buying new stuff
DeleteUgh, I am sorry that happened. What is it with the new appliances breaking before their time? And how is it that we get excited about appliances now?
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I wish our (old, hand-me-down) washer would break so I could get a frontloader. Not that I want to pay for one, but I hate that old clunky thing.
It is very old lady to be so excited a bout a washer LOL
DeleteOMG. Five kids. People back from traveling. Crisis brewing...and Ben to save the day? What a story. I would freak out if my washer died, and it's just me!!!
ReplyDelete