What can I do with the sodding washing machine?

[SolidGoldFrankensteinandmurgh]

Last night it refused to empty or spin. Ended up sticking a bucket under it, opening the door, putting the wet items through the spin dryer and then bailing the water out of the machine with a plastic cup.

I live in a rented house but the washing machine is under my responsibility, not landlord's (not unreasonable really as I have had 7 years use out of the thing). Is it worth trying to get someone to mend it or do I have to go and buy a new one?

have you unscrewed the pump filter yet?

Yes first unscrew pump filter and check it's not blocked with anything.

Similar happened to mine last year and I think it was the brushes (?). I got a man in to fix it but apparently you can do it yourself if you google for instructions.

I had the same thing the other night, error codes flashing.

You wouldn't believe the gross-ness I found in the pump filter. I do clean it out every now and then, but clearly it had been a while.

And check the drain hose hasn't become kinked or trapped under something.

I have no idea how to do any of this shit. Oh dear, rubbish feminist. I will get my mate P to come round and hit it with a spanner for me.

look behind that fold-down plate at the bottom of the front of the machine and unscrew the large plastic cap, wearing a pair of rubber gloves

yes, get a strong friend to pick the thing up and tip it up outside the back door, loads of shitey water will spill out. Then get them to fiddle with the filter which is behind the removeable plate at the bottom front of the machine. Any amount of goodies will be caught in there, hairgrips, 2ps, marbles, actual horse hair no doubt, curtain rings. Pull it all out, and your machine will be merry again.

Any luck?