Washing machine...

[Jarlaxle]

...may have died. Liz just told me it has leaked everywhere.

[Burning Petard]

you're in luck POTUS just instituted special tariff protections for US Washing machines. You can feel much safer.

snailgate

[Jarlaxle]

Not an issue...the replacement was going to be a (Wisconsin-built) Speed Queen, regardless. The old one went 40 years, the replacement will be just as good.

Yes, Speed Queen washers are THAT tough.

[Jarlaxle]

Maybe not...after moving the thing, it looks like the washer might be fine: the drain backed up. So, probably don't need a washer, but may need a plumber. (Landlord said he'd try snaking it tomorrow-it is currently soaking in Drano.)

[Jarlaxle]

Well, might need a washer after all. It still works...but is close to collapsing from corrosion. Basically: the entire internal structure of the machine is badly rusted, and the housing is also starting to rust pretty badly.

Drain is now working, after being snaked.

[Joe Guy]

Get a new one already! You know they do make them without the manual clothing ringers now.

It's true! The new washing machines don't look like this anymore....

[RayThom]

... It's true! The new washing machines don't look like this anymore...

Look on the bright side -- no more broken shirt buttons.

It's time.

[Burning Petard]

No, I get the broken shirt buttons when I send it out to the professionals

On the other hand, Lehigh Hardware in Ohio (specializing in stuff for the Amish) will probably sell you one that looks like that and runs on gasoline.

snailgate

[oldr_n_wsr]

I worked on a speed queen back when I worked for factory services (aka sears) fixing washers and dryers. Built nice and the one I worked on didn't have the big heavy transmission (top load). It used a computer to vary the drive motor speed/direction/agitation. That one had a broken spring that ties the tub to the base.

You getting a top load or front load?

I'm a whirlpool man myself. Parts easy to get and inexpensive.

Just don't get a maytag (even though they are owned by whirlpool, they are their own entity and are a nightmare to fix and get parts for). I hated working on maytag. No easy way to take apart, specialty tools needed. Getting parts was twice as long as any other washer/dryer.

Good luck, but I would wait til something crumbled before buying.

[Jarlaxle]

Front load Speed Queen.

[Jarlaxle]

Check that: top load Speed Queen. This thing is SOLID.

[Burning Petard]

Broken shirt buttons from a washing machine? I can't figure that. That usually happens when professionals use a mangle to iron the shirts and are lazy or careless. I grew up with washing machines like the pictures above. The rollers were build to release when you got a finger caught in them. Can't imagine they would break a button. But they are the origin of the phrase 'Don't get your tit caught in the wringer.'

snailgate

[BoSoxGal]

Unless they’re getting knocked against the inside of the barrel during agitation and that’s breaking them? Solution is to button the shirt and turn inside out before washing.