Washers combine water, motors and heavy, unbalanced loads, which puts a lot of stress on their parts. Pumps, drain hoses, door locks, lid switches, bearings and control boards are frequent sources of trouble, and front-loading models can develop mold or odor problems around the door seal.

Signs to watch for include water left in the drum after a cycle, leaks on the floor, a musty smell, loud banging or grinding during the spin, and error codes on the display. A clogged drain filter or kinked hose is often a quick and inexpensive fix. Worn bearings or a failed control board tend to cost more, and sometimes the repair price gets close to the price of a replacement.

To reduce wear, avoid overloading the drum, use the type and amount of detergent the manufacturer recommends, and leave the door open after washing so it can dry. Check the supply hoses now and then for bulges or cracks, since a burst hose can cause water damage that costs far more than the washer itself.