I'm having leakage problems

[shortylickens]

Get a Maytag. Maytag is better than Whirlpool.
Yes, I know they are made by the same company.

 

[DrPizza]

I mentioned two ways the top is attached - I neglected the 3rd. Whirlpools control panel is held on by 2 screws on the back.

Here's a video of a pump being replaced. Yes, it's this easy to replace parts for most brands of washing machines. Another very common repair is the coupling from the motor: 2 plastic pieces with 3 holes each & a plastic thing between them which couples them together - another $10, 10 minute repair (if that) and reason many people just go out and purchase a new washing machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue4pkhSJw7U
(he sounds like a goofball, but you can see how simple a washing machine comes apart - definitely worth knowing.)

I have zero experience with front loaders. I don't care that they use less water. But, if repairs are more difficult, then that's a huge reason I wouldn't purchase one. Our last washing machine worked great for over 20 years. During those 20 years, I replaced the coupling twice, and the dog teeth (or whatever they're called) once. Ran like a brand new machine after those dog teeth were replaced. Unfortunately, the room it was in got really cold & everything froze. The motor overheated when trying to run, etc. - not worth bothering with at that point. I saved a few parts though.

 

[DrPizza]

Oh, and if worse comes to worse, you can always do this to recycle your old machine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqdQ5RAL9A0&feature=related

 

[0roo0roo]

Front loaders use a lot less water.

just make sure to keep the front wide open...
more prone to the mold issues and such cuz of the small door

 

[alkemyst]

Whats so good from going from a top to a front?

you can be trendy and brag about all the water you are saving for $500.

 

[Linflas]

Washing machine leaks are one of the most common home insurance claims.

That is why we insisted they put the hookups for ours in the basement.

 

[Paperdoc]

I've fixed various sources of leaks. The most recent, on a pretty old machine, turned out to be a leak from the pump. I had to open the covers on the back a bit and watch it operate to see where the leak came from. In this case, the water came from a hole in the side of the plastic pump case. I recognized that, in fact, the real problem was that the shaft seal above was worn out to allow water to leak down and damage the bearing below. So I just bought and installed a new pump. Problem solved.

 

[Rubycon]

Oh, and if worse comes to worse, you can always do this to recycle your old machine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqdQ5RAL9A0&feature=related

Or throw things at it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7et236gO-4U

 

[Beev]

Sir, are you aware that you're leaking coolant at an alarming rate? Let me just patch you up with some hot resin.