To ask for my money back?

[KitKat1985]

So, our washer dryer stopped working about 2 weeks ago. It would get to mid-cycle and then stop working and all the lights on the display would be flashing. We called a repair man who came out to see it, said it needed a new PCB board (main computer circuit). Me and DH debated the relative benefits of fixing it versus replacing the washer dryer but as the machine isn't too old (coming up 5 years old) and the fact that money is tight we thought we would try and fix it as a new washer dryer would be about £400-500. It's taken a couple of weeks for someone to come out and do the repair as there was a delay getting hold of the part and also we have had to fit the repair appointments around mine and DH's work schedules. However man came to do the repair yesterday morning and replaced the part. In total for call out, new part and labour we have spent £160. So we put the machine on yesterday after the repair man left (rather excitedly as was fed up of the laundrette trips and with a toddler we aren't short of laundry!) and mid-cycle it stopped working and all the lights on the display started flashing again. So, exactly the same issue as before. We called the company back and the repair man came out again that afternoon. He basically spent half an hour looking at it and said he didn't know what the problem was and will take it away to look at. We haven't heard back yet.

My concern is that we've spent quite a lot of money for a replacement part but the original problem is still there, so I'm questioning if that part ever really was at fault and if so whether we've wasted money replacing the circuit board unnecessarily? Also I'm worried we are still going to have to spend money out on another repair or buy a new machine if it's unfixable. If I knew we were going to potentially incur two repair bills I would have been more inclined to replacing the machine in the first place rather than repairing it. Where do I stand on this? They a family-run company so I don't want to be unreasonable (and the repair man was very apologetic about the ongoing issue) but I also am worried I've wasted a lot of money here.

[AliceInUnderpants]

If it was the engineer who diagnosed the fault, and suggested what was needed, you will not be liable if this was incorrect. However, the issue could be the circuit board and something else, so you may still need to pay if the part is still needed, iyswim?

[SilverDragonfly1]

Do they only do repairs? Our repair shop also sells appliances and if a machine is unfixable they take the price of the call out off the new machine, so that covers some of the cost. If they don't do this, they may well be able to direct you to a company that can give you a good deal, or sort out a reconditioned machine. Worth asking?

I know it's not the same situation as you have bought a pricey part, but there may be room for a compromise that leaves everyone happy.

Good luck!

[KitKat1985]

Thanks. Obviously if there are two faults with the machine then fair enough we have to pay for two repairs, although as I say I probably wouldn't have gone down the repair route if I had known the bills were going to escalate in this way. The company do indeed sell new appliances as well as do repairs, so if the machine is repairable I will speak to them about some sort of deal on a new machine.

[KitKat1985]

if the machine isn't repairable that should say.

[maplerose]

What type of machine is it? My hotpoint did exactly that recently. There was a blockage in the pipe.

[KitKat1985]

Yeah it's a hotpoint aquarius. The repair man didn't see anything obvious wrong with the pipe but it's interesting that someone else has had a similar issue.

[VodkaJelly]

I had one of these, just the washing machine and it would do this if the pipe was blocked with coins/rubbish/dog fur, we fixed it by emptying it often but it got worse and would need emptying more often then it died, flashing lights, nothing worked so we bought a new machine.

[maplerose]

Yep Hotpoint Aquarius? When us started flashing was there water in it?

[maplerose]

My DH said call a plumber so while he was at work I called Youtube -because Im a tight Northerner- I took the panel off the bottom at the front, unscrewed the filter, got all the dirty fluffy water our along with a 20p piece. I then cleaned out the drainage pipe and removed a stone, put it back together and it works fine.

[KitKat1985]

Yep water still in it. All clothes in it were soaking and needed wringing through.

[KitKat1985]

Hmm that's interesting Maplerose. Surely if it was something as obvious as that though the repair man should have spotted it? And I really won't be happy if I've bought a new circuit board and it was just a blocked pipe.

[maplerose]

Its not pumping out. Have they left the pipes connected to your sink? If they have take them off completely and see if there is a blockage

[maplerose]

I dont know kitkat but your problem is identical to what happened to mine. I never call repair men, I don't trust them but I am extremely cynical.

[simplysarcastic]

Same problem with mine and I did exactly what maplerose did and found £3.50 and a kinder toy. It works fine now.

[KitKat1985]

Thanks Maplerose I'll have a look. Have to go out now but will update you when I know more.

[PegsPigs]

Same with mine. Emptied out all the guff and works fine! Happened as my MIL was coming over and she was impressed I 'fixed' my washing machine.

[maplerose]

Did you get this sorted out Kitkat?

[KitKat1985]

No. I had heard nothing after they took the machine away on Friday afternoon so I phoned their shop / workshop at about 3pm today and asked what was going on, and the guy said it was in a "million pieces" and they still didn't know what the issue was. He said they would ring me later but they haven't. Getting a bit fed up now (and have a laundry mountain).

[maplerose]

Very cynical me would be there first thing in the morning to see exactly what a million pieces of washing machine looks like. Have you googled the company for feedback from other customers? Hope you get it sorted out soon. I hate having mountains of washing. Id be farming it out to MIL by now

[Fooshufflewickbannanapants]

Ours is the same model and as pp have said it did that and it was just blocked with crap. Works fine now and I empty the front bit now as well.

[BMW6]

Mine did the same (stopped mid cycle and lights flashing) - there was a coin jammed in the outlet.

[KitKat1985]

Thanks. They tell me they have checked all the pipes etc so I'm assuming there's no obvious blockage. Have to work a double shift tomorrow but I will be back onto chasing them Wednesday. I'm getting a bit grumpy about the whole thing now.