Thread Number: 61143
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Best washer for large family? |
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Post# 837837 , Reply# 4   8/23/2015 at 08:25 (3,140 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 837862 , Reply# 10   8/23/2015 at 12:24 (3,140 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)   |   | |
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Post# 837867 , Reply# 11   8/23/2015 at 12:48 (3,140 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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well that one was from the horses mouth, but don't see that as a great impact on laundry, I swear I get more laundry from three kids than when I had ten....
later down the road, consider gray water setup for things like the washer and kitchen sink, it will save your septic a lot.... cycle times may be a factor to keep in the back of your head.....the TL with do a load in about 40 minutes, the FL will require just over an hour.....but granted too, the FL will hold twice as much..... I am all game for two washers, more if space allows, as noted in some of our collections, but even something simple as a wringer would help with soaking things like diapers or rugged work gear..... |
Post# 837884 , Reply# 13   8/23/2015 at 15:39 (3,140 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)   |   | |
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If your on a well and have a septic system as well, I would not get a top loader like the Speed Queen. Granted they do a load rather quickly but your water pump will be in use quite a bit not to mention the water being dumped into your septic system. I have an LG 3570 front loader that I love and has the capacity you seek and also has a water heater...something the SQ front loader does not have. The washer also has a steam feature as well as a Sanitary cycle that is designed for things like diapers. This front loader rinses well and on Cotton/Normal cycle , times are right about equal to a top loader. The washer uses TurboWash which has two jets in the front and an overload jet to spray rinse the load.
LG front load machines are also rated well in Consumer Reports, the SQ machines...not so much. And they are reliable. The other thing is price, the LG machines will not break the bank like an SQ front loader can and for what you get for the money, LG is the way to go. The other thing is that the LG washer door can be propped open to air out between wash days and it will also let you know when its time to be cleaned out. This washer is not shy about using water an it uses that water efficiently. The only thing you will need if you go LG is water hammer arresters since they use a rapid opening and closing of the water valves. It will also heat water if your water temp isn't up to par. I had an SQ washer and I actually still have the machine in my basement that is off to the side. I have replaced the drive belt once and with a large family, you will go thru belts on this washer in fact it eats them. Replacing the belt is no small feat but it can be done. The belt runs about $22 a pop. No drive belts in an LG washer, since the wash drum is direct drive. The LG washer also extracts much more water out of the clothes than the SQ top loader. High speed tops out at 1200 rpm, the SQ 710 rpm. The hole pattern on the SQ washer retains water I found. If you want your clothes to last longer and with a large family, thats a huge factor, then again, the LG is the winner here. The SQ top loader will wear the hell out of clothes and cleaning is kinda meh. The LG I can throw stains at this washer and with a good detergent like Persil, it will remove anything and old stains too that have been set in. With kids one has to think about that since they get into anything. |
Post# 837904 , Reply# 15   8/23/2015 at 18:32 (3,140 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))   |   | |
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Actually, there were problems, several even, and some of the 5k+ post club even said that they are not the only thing out there that is good. |
Post# 837908 , Reply# 16   8/23/2015 at 19:09 (3,140 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)   |   | |
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Don't believe me? Google SPEED QUEEN WASHER REVIEWS FOR ANY MODEL and see what customers say!! Mike |
Post# 837916 , Reply# 18   8/23/2015 at 19:46 (3,140 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Normally, I'd recommend a front-loader, especially given your septic system; but if you want to soak diapers, a top-loading Speed Queen is probably your machine.
Mike, LG washers are not junk. Say it as many times as you want followed by as many exclamation points as you want. They are reliable washers that clean well using less water and energy than a Speed Queen top-loader. Everyone I know who has an LG made in the past five years likes it. A number of discerning people here at AW have one and swear by it. |
Post# 837926 , Reply# 21   8/23/2015 at 20:55 (3,140 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
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Well said Eugene in your reply #18. One man's poison may very well be another man's pleasure. I think that it is wonderful the Speed Queen owners are so happy with their washers. However they should consider that others may also be happy with their washers too, for different reasons. Seems like the members of this site would be well served to recognize that others have their own reasons for either liking or not liking their washers. That said, Patrice I think that you could very well use an LG FL for your diapers without needing to also use your utility sink. As I recall in the 50's and 60's before disposables became popular people soaked diapers in a diaper pail with either borax or Lysol. Then they would wash them in hot water, usually with soap flakes or powder. In an LG FL you could put the presoaked diapers in the washer, set for a prewash, then a reg cycle using hot water, add an extra rinse and turbo and you should be good to go. Since you will be washing diapers get an LG with an internal heater, this will insure extra hot water. And while the LG will take a bit longer than a Speed Queen TL, you will be able to wash way more diapers, therby reducing the number of times you'll need to take on this task. Good Luck! And as for a dryer, I own the companion dryer to my LG FL and it is wonderful. There is even an anti bacterial cycle that would be perfect for diapers.
This post was last edited 08/23/2015 at 21:22 |
Post# 837944 , Reply# 22   8/23/2015 at 22:34 (3,140 days old) by brucelucenta ()   |   | |
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Post# 838035 , Reply# 26   8/24/2015 at 13:53 (3,139 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Being on a septic system the water saving of a front load machine make a lot of sense. Also load capacity of a front load machine will likely be superior.
You will read a lot of reviews on the Interwebs (also know as the CB on TV) which will state negativity towards front loaders due to a plethora of reasons. Supposedly they don't rinse as well, or that they all get stinky or they don't clean as well. The question is why do some users have great luck with them and won't consider changing from a front loader for their next machine? It's all how they adapt their wash practices to an entirely different machine. Its a bit like using a screwdriver like a hammer and saying it makes a lousy hammer... Ultimately the choice is yours and it depends on what you expect from your machine. If you want to just do laundry as you always have, buy a SQ top loader which is the best currently available machine if that style. If you are willing to modify your washing habits then you can reap the benefits of a new front load machine. |
Post# 838064 , Reply# 28   8/24/2015 at 18:43 (3,139 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)   |   | |
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I can't offer an opinion of one machine over another, as most machines on the market are good, as other posters said; the user is what makes the difference.
I had a Maytag top loader that I loved, when It was near death I began searching. Though I am on city water, we have had drout situations for the last few years. When I do the Saturday wash--the bedding. It would take me three loads at 50 gallons of water each load. Sure the cycle was done in 30 minutes, rinsing still wasn't that good,
With a front loader I am able to wash what was three loads in one load: 2 king sized sheets and 4 pillow cases, 2 full sized sheets and two pillow cases, 2 twin sized sheets and 1 pillow case using approximately 18 gallons of water, taking about 1HR 10 MIN. rinsing three times and if there were stains I could add a steam treat that would 20 minutes to the cycle.
Another thing I discovered, dingy clothes were bright again,. Pit stains were gone, and the clothes came out on high speed spin practically dry.
Would I buy another front loader? You betcha.
Honestly if you were to go with a top loader, Speed Queen would be about the only choice. If you went with a front loader, there are many on the market, and with exception for a few you will more than likely get good service out of it. |
Post# 838098 , Reply# 31   8/24/2015 at 22:48 (3,139 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)   |   | |
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Dear Patrice,
If you have to get a top loading machine, I highly recommend the LG Model WT1101CW. I've had and used mine almost six months and not one issue of any flaws or breakage. It is an HE machine and senses the right amount of water to use. No guessing of what to set the water level to. 4.7 cu ft. capacity, high speed 1100 rpm spins,all stainless steel tub and impeller,see through glass ,slamless,hydrowave lid, and gets my clothes so clean!!!!!!! Uses less water giving the option of either deep or shallow rinses. That depends on whether you're using fabric softener or not.. There's also a recirculating spray that getsactivated when not using the "Fabric Softener" option to spray the load as the drum revolvrs and the pump drains out the dirty rinse water until it's crystal clear. Amazing how great this unit is in getting HUGE loads clean and well spun out.Short cycle options and extremely quiet operation. Ten year long motor warranty. Direct Drive. No pullys,no gears,no belts. Just a flat , reversing, quiet, DC motor and a 1/4 hp pump. It has.yet to oversuds and has.only not spun fully once when I had a 9'X 18" runner in it. After.I redistributed and restarted the final spin,it finished the cycle. No backsplash. The controls are up front right where the lid handle is. Just flat in front at counter . Easy to see and read. Hope you find your dream machine!!! |
Post# 838142 , Reply# 33   8/25/2015 at 07:44 (3,138 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)   |   | |
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Since I was washing essentially three loads in one, saving approximately 120 gallons of water, the 1:10 wash time was actually shorter than the three wash cycles it would have taken to do this much wash in a conventional top loader.
I have a Maytag/Whirlpool BTW. Though I do shy away from the Korean machines, the May-pool is actually built in Germany, and the dryer in U.S. |
Post# 838178 , Reply# 35   8/25/2015 at 10:25 (3,138 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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Wasn't it Raytheon who owned Speed Queen while they still owned Amana?
Anyways, I guess I would have to say that I'd recommend an LG with turbowash as well. I understand not wanting the recirculating spray but that is an option that is enabled on demand. The recirculating spray is driven off of a pump attached to the drain pump. When the spray stops, the water empties back into the tub. The water is filtered through the same screen that is in the pump to keep it from clogging. From what I've seen, you aren't really washing physically soiled diapers, just diapers that have soaked in whatever solution first to break down the soil. You would have the option to do NSF sani-temps. The only thing I've really noticed missing from most FL machines is a soak. The Whirlpool Duets have an 8 hour soak option, they also have a recirculating spray but the LG's have a better wash motion. If the LG's had an extended soak option they would really fit the needs of a lot of customers. With these eco machines, a recirculating spray and heating element really makes a better performing machine. They are tumbled in a constant spray of soapy water then during the rinse they are tumbled in a constant spray of rinse water as well as fresh water depending on the rinse option. I'll be the first one to admit that I am against Samsung washers... But with my digging on this forum, gardenweb and from seeing our service logs, LG makes a pretty reliable washer. These machines will give a good life if taken care of. A lot of our logs are showing that the average life cycle is around 10 years of useage with minor service calls. The biggest thing is don't use a ton of fabric softener, always run at least one hot wash a week, leave the door propped open when not in use and wipe the lint/pet hair/what-have-you from the seals when they are moist. The new LG's have a magnet that pops out from the bottom of the door to leave the door ajar for airflow. I guess this rambling is my two cents, but even with all of the brands we sell, I'd go with an LG turbowash pair. |
Post# 838316 , Reply# 38   8/26/2015 at 07:41 (3,137 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Speed Queen Front Load machine hands down, nothing else meets your requested requirements.
It is very durable and should last 25-50 years.
It is easy for you or your husband to work on, or repair personnel, NO OTHER FL WASHER IS ANYWHERE NEAR AS EASY TO REPAIR, you can even do a main bearing job on a SQFL washer without special tools in just an hour or two.
The LG and Samsung junk you will be lucky if you can even get parts for these in just a few years let alone ten years. And if you do not repair your own appliances call your local company and ask them how they feel about working on this Korean- Chinese machines, [ many of the SS, and LG laundry appliances are now made in China ]. A customer and I are currently fighting with Samsung over a 2 1/2 YO SS DW, the control panel is NLA and the DW cost over $1000 installed from Home Depot, currently it looks like the customer will file suit against HD for selling a non-repairable product as SS is just saying tough luck, life is too busy for this type of buls..t service. Yet another customer that will NEVER but a Korean appliance again, we literally have people begging us to help them with this junk EVERYDAY.
Buying a SQFL washer is like buying a Kitchenaid stand mixer if you like to cook, either one of these appliances will last most of your lifetime and either are designed to be repaired if and when needed.
John L. |
Post# 838337 , Reply# 39   8/26/2015 at 10:13 (3,137 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Speed Queen Front Load machine hands down, nothing else meets your requested requirements.
It is very durable and should last 25-50 years.
It is easy for you or your husband to work on, or repair personnel, NO OTHER FL WASHER IS ANYWHERE NEAR AS EASY TO REPAIR, you can even do a main bearing job on a SQFL washer without special tools in just an hour or two.
The LG and Samsung junk you will be lucky if you can even get parts for these in just a few years let alone ten years. And if you do not repair your own appliances call your local company and ask them how they feel about working on this Korean- Chinese machines, [ many of the SS, and LG laundry appliances are now made in China ]. A customer and I are currently fighting with Samsung over a 2 1/2 YO SS DW, the control panel is NLA and the DW cost over $1000 installed from Home Depot, currently it looks like the customer will file suit against HD for selling a non-repairable product as SS is just saying tough luck, life is too busy for this type of buls..t service. Yet another customer that will NEVER but a Korean appliance again, we literally have people begging us to help them with this junk EVERYDAY.
Buying a SQFL washer is like buying a Kitchenaid stand mixer if you like to cook, either one of these appliances will last most of your lifetime and either are designed to be repaired if and when needed.
John L. |
Post# 838358 , Reply# 42   8/26/2015 at 12:55 (3,137 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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You have to be authorized to service Samsung and LG to get parts from either company. If a service center isn't authorized, they aren't going to get parts as neither companies use third party distribution.
I would say we sell more LG units than we do Speed Queen front load. That is entirely on the fact that the sales reps aren't educated on the advantages of Speed Queen. In this scenario I would STILL recommend the TurboWash FL machines from LG even though I sell most brands. Also, there are not a lot of mechanical issues we have with LG. The most common issue we have a call for is after a big storm people call about their washers not working. Surges can affect any electronic device that is plugged in. Also, regardless of what you go with, buy from the dealer you want doing the service. Big Box stores sell different products from what the dealer sells, big box stores also don't have their own service. The last bit, A dealer doesn't have to service a product you have if you didn't purchase it from them. They won't tell you no, but you'll get booked 3 months out. You will always have priority service when you buy from your servicing dealer. |
Post# 838402 , Reply# 43   8/26/2015 at 19:37 (3,137 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)   |   | |
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So you have a large family? OK! You are on septic? Yes, great! What is the largest bedding in your house? Is your current dryer working? If it is, no need to upgrade unless the units are in view like off the kitchen, family room or under 7.3 cf! Some things are often overlooked and the little things makes a huge difference! I've own the Electrolux Wave Touch since 2009 and by far it's the best machine I've used in my life! So far no repairs and only once the machine did not spin a load because it could not balance which was about 2 or 3 weeks ago! Now keep in mind that the drum tilts 10* towards the rear so keys, coins, toys will stay in the drum without getting caught between tub jamming the pump! Water temperature is flexible and most normal soil wash loads can be done in 1 hour 10 minuets give or take! The newer Wave Touch machine has steam and add more water button but it's not needed if you use the right amount of detergent and cycle according to soil level and load size! I'm not going to debate what MFG the best but the link below will let you see the difference between TL and FL when I got my Electrolux. Here's a video I've posted how a shirt goes from front to rear of the tub: Good luck on your purchase! CLICK HERE TO GO TO cleanteamofny's LINK |
Post# 838412 , Reply# 44   8/26/2015 at 20:17 (3,137 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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While a tilted tub in a FL washer will probably prevent SOME items from going over the lip at the front of the tub and getting in the trap or water pump, it is far from a guarantee that it won't happen. In our appliance service business we still pull plenty of foreign objects from traps in Maytag Neptune's and WP Duets, both of which have slanted tubs.
The one thing that a slanted tub does guarantee is tangling and poorer washing performance, all the way back to the early Westinghouse Slant-Front washers onward having a slanted wash basket has caused performance problems.
Also Frigidaire is absolutely the WORST FL washer on the market when you get stuff caught in the sump and water pump. Not only do they not have a way to clean out foreign objects from the front of the washer they have no easily cleanable trap at all even after you pull the whole machine out of its installed position, take the back off and tilt a machine filled with dirty water 45 degrees and start taking the sump hose off the outer tub and water pump. We have started cutting a 4 1/2" hole in the lower front of FD FL washers that have blocked pumps to remove the crap from the sump and water pump. It is still not easy as there is no clean-out.
We are finding that higher end Frigidaire appliances are having lots of problems, whether you are talking wall-ovens, cook-tops, gas electric, or induction, SXS and french door bottom refs, high end electric gas and electric free standing ranges are nothing but lemons in many cases. Their DWs and fancy OTR microwaves are also way to troublesome.
If you buy any FD appliances stay with the basic models and don't count on them lasting a really long time.
In this sense I was hoping that FDs buyout of GEs appliance division would go through and FD would just close all their factories and continue building GE appliances and put the FD name on them, But I know that will not happen.
John L. |
Post# 838424 , Reply# 46   8/26/2015 at 21:48 (3,137 days old) by logixx (Germany)   |   | |
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Post# 838448 , Reply# 48   8/27/2015 at 01:06 (3,137 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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The rep said the power wash cycle on the duets/maximas was a recirculating spray. I haven't taken a machine a part to confirm, but the spray patterns are different when the machines are running on those two cycles.... Is that not a recalculating spray that kicks on for a good portion of the cycle? The new top loaders do it as well.
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Post# 838449 , Reply# 49   8/27/2015 at 01:17 (3,137 days old) by jkbff (Happy Rock, ND)   |   | |
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Post# 838451 , Reply# 50   8/27/2015 at 03:57 (3,136 days old) by cleanteamofny ((Monroe, New York)   |   | |
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Every machine has it quirks in problems and yes there is a learning curve to get the best bang for your buck! Since I've own the Wavetouch washer for several years, tangling has not been an issue! Washing performance is outstanding because of the multi-speed tumble action with the right amount of detergent and water temps will get the job done! A tilted tub will keep coins, pens and other odd objects towards the rear of the tub and not towards the front like true horizontal washer for I've washed more or less $10.00's worth of that shiny metals over the years. As long as we don't overload the machine, chances of anything getting caught between gasket is next to nil. There is a tub guard near the 11:00 mark to push items away from the gasket back into the tub before it ramps up for the spin cycle. So don't let this dissuade looking into this brand or any brand with a tilted tub. Being a fellow ex Garden Web and Opinion member, I've seen enough consumers go out to get the latest brand because XYZ said its will out shine your boots like no other and then BAM, at the three year mark, multiple machines failure begin to happens! FrigGeMore's was known for bearing and spider failure, Kenmore/Whirlpool Calypso was known for U-joint/pump failure with the dreaded electronic control panel codes, Neptune's for mold and door lock failure, the mighty Miele with electronic control panel failure with struts and pump issues, LG for door leaks and excessive shaking, Samsung not using enough water to wash and rinse properly, the Electrolux IQ and Wavetouch had three minor issues that the gasket shed when a load was too heavy during the spin cycle, main wash detergent gets dispensed during the prewash cycle due to long slow A.T.C. prewash fills and on some models the door may rattle. I think I've read enough consumers reviews from Sears, Home Depot, A.J Madison, Loews, Garden Web, Opinions and Consumers Report's to see what shine and what to stay away from and I've based my judgement on facts from multiple sources and several YouTube videos! Just be real with what you read and don't fall in line with those who beat the drum the loudest! |
Post# 838474 , Reply# 51   8/27/2015 at 07:38 (3,136 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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But when someone comes to me and asks for a highly durable no nonsense washer for a big family that doesn't use too much water the SQ FLer is the clear winner.
The SQ FL washer is the ONLY commercial grade washer available to the general public, it has an unsurpassed warranty that would bankrupt most other companies if they dared offer it on their machines.
Eleven years ago my Brother Jeff [ who started this business 35 years ago with me ] said he was going to a dealer in Ohio to buy a new SQ FL washer, to which I responded " are you crazy " why would spend your after tax income on a new washer when we have virtually every type of washer made for the last 40 years coming out of our ears.
Well he bought the new SQ and after I looked at it I bought my first new washer ever within the next year.
For people that actually work on appliances it is built like NOTHING else is today.
When my dog became old and incontinent I had to keep her in the kitchen area during the day to keep her off the wood floors and oriental rugs. Every day for the better part of one year I came home and put 5 thick cotton rubber backed rugs [ 30"X40"] in the SQ washer, and day after day they came out in less than 40 minutes perfectly clean.
And now after 10 years the machine has never missed a beat, I still like putting my head inside and taking a deep breath of the clean-new washer smell that this machine still has and always likely will have.
Most of the washer enthusiasts on this site do not have big families, we like our gadget laden machines, my self included [ I never have less than 5 washers hooked up and ready to wash clothing ] But if you actually work on washers and dryers every day like I do there is a huge difference. Yesterday I looked a a 1994 Amana [ SQ ] dryer that would not start, the lady said she loved this dryer and hopped it could be fixed. It had had a LOT of use and it did have a bad motor, and in 30 minutes time I replaced the motor, right rear drum roller and belt for a total service cost of $252.00 without even moving the dryer away from the wall.
This type of service is not possible even on a new LG, SS, Frigidaire, or GE dryer today, and SQ dryers are less expensive to buy than most of the other brands of dryers listed above.
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Post# 838600 , Reply# 53   8/28/2015 at 16:22 (3,135 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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but there is another view that says you may get 10yrs from your LG et al or you may be less lucky and get much less. And aside from possible warranty extensions, you still have to hassle with it all again. And that thought is why i went with SQ. I would go so far as to say EXPECT continious wash tech revisions to keep people buying something that was essentially perfected years ago much to the chagrin of the industry. It's why you see consolidation going on, like the tire industry before, who bettered their product too far for the desired/expected profitability margin. So perhaps, different strocks for different folks as it were, but good observation. |
Post# 838635 , Reply# 55   8/29/2015 at 10:00 (3,134 days old) by golittlesport (California)   |   | |
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Speed Queen TLs are probably the best TL's on the market today, but with a septic system they will probably use way too much water, especially if you use an extra rinse for diapers.
If SQ FL's offered a water heater, I'd vote for them. Unfortunately for some unknown reason they do not. If I was washing diapers I would want a heater to sanitize and get whites brilliant. That will save you from having to use chemicals to sanitize and remove stains on baby things. I have a LG 3570 and love it. Sturdy machine with best consumer rating for fewest repairs in first five years of all FLs. Mine has heater and turbo wash - a recirculating spray that thoroughly saturates load. Also has spray rinse during high speed spin. Check out the features on LG. A FL will offer greater capacity and let you breeze through loads like mattress pads, comforters, rugs and other items that choke a TL. I previously had a Frigidaire FL that I was very happy with, but the LG is light years ahead. The LG washes a normal load in about 30 - 45 minutes depending on one or two rinses. Heating the water will bring the time up to about 90 minutes. Good luck with whatever you choose. |
Post# 838986 , Reply# 58   9/1/2015 at 10:08 (3,131 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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My girlfriends father has religiously had his septic tank pumped either annually or bi-annually for the 35 years he has lived in their home. I'm not sure if it preventative or just paranoia. Clearly I see the ads from the sucking services working to inspire paranoia to sell their services.
They have one of the mid-2000 Amana top load washers that somehow seems to just keep working. It runs many loads each week and puts a LOT of water down the drain. I'm no septic system expert but sometimes I wonder if a lot of water flowing through the septic helps to keep things flowing? The one thing they are very cautious about is to always filter the washer lint from the discharge water to prevent non-digestible synthetic fibers from plugging the drain field. |
Post# 839300 , Reply# 64   9/2/2015 at 22:10 (3,130 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Best anyone can do when researching appliances is to enquire of informed views then dissect given information use along with other sources.
Miele, Speed Queen, etc... it is like Baskin and Robbins ice cream; everyone has their favorite but that may not be up your particular street. Besides having a degree in Marketing am a natural cynic; so when Speed Queen says "Built Better To Last Longer..." my first reaction is "than what?". Happily Alliance provides a handy-dandy calculator....www.speedqueen.com/the-speed-quee... All laundry appliances both commercial and domestic have what is commonly referred to as a duty life cycle. That is how many loads per day (or week) they are rated to process. This number in turn provides an *estimate* of how long the machine will last on average. Of course commercial washers and dryers are largely designed for repair and or even being rebuilt. There are commercial washers >30 years old that have basically over the years had almost every major part replaced (motor, bearings, etc....) and are still chugging along. Average lifespan of washers is around 250 hours/10-11 years. Front loaders can have a shorter lifespan of only about five years but there are qualifications to both. H-Axis washers subjected to heavy use where not designed to cope can and often do develop rear bearing, spider and other issues. As often the cost of parts and repair (if it can be done at all) equals half or more of original cost of machine. Thus most will opt to simply chuck the thing and buy new. Any home doing three to four loads per day should look to a front loader with quasi commercial design. Even certain OPL machines sold for use in beauty salons, bed and breakfasts and other places that do a lot of laundry on a daily basis. |
Post# 839327 , Reply# 65   9/3/2015 at 03:52 (3,129 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)   |   | |
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Post# 839337 , Reply# 67   9/3/2015 at 06:13 (3,129 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 839338 , Reply# 68   9/3/2015 at 06:19 (3,129 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Septic Systems: As with so many things in this life, I know little about these. Every farm in the area has one, of course, out of necessity. What are the advantages of having a septic system over being hooked up to a community's sewer system? #towniequestion
As is the case with most casual visitors to AW, Patrice received the information she needed and returned to her life, leaving us full rein to let this thread veer off in any direction we choose, LOL. |
Post# 839358 , Reply# 70   9/3/2015 at 09:40 (3,129 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 839360 , Reply# 71   9/3/2015 at 09:52 (3,129 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)   |   | |
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. . .who I think is hot BTW.
The size of the family is none-ya business. If you aren't being asked to produce or support them your obligation is nill. The request was for a washer. Now if you want to reduce the wash load numbers and the demand on the septic system, go nude. No clothes to wash, problem solved. And Dear Laundress: As always, I agree with you. |
Post# 839429 , Reply# 72   9/3/2015 at 17:20 (3,129 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Not a leaflet from Planned Parenthood.
The first remark could be put down to a little jest; but to keep harping on about it was just uncalled for. Septic systems: There isn't a clear advantage over being connected to local sewer system; it comes down to several factors. Some properties either do not have a local sewer system and or the owners do not want to pay the costs for connections with perhaps monthly or whatever rates. Yes, for rural/farm properties septic systems are usually the norm given their remote location. OTOH urban areas you most likely will find municipal sewer systems with properties connected. Humans like all living creatures produce waste and it has to go somewhere. In the country you can empty slop jars out back somewhere or relive oneself the woods (or a field of tall cotton, *LOL*). Obviously in a city you don't have that option. Urban areas though the years had various methods of dealing with sewage ranging from cesspits to crude drains/sewage systems. Problem was most if not all relied upon sending untreated waste into bodies of water. That and or it was held in tanks/pits or whatever that leaked and contaminated ground water. All this meant cities like London, New York, Paris and so forth not only stunk to high heaven but accounts for outbreaks of chlorera and typhoid. Those diseases are caused by consuming water contaminated with fecal matter. Finally in the middle to late 1800's the link between germ contaminated water and disease was firmly established *and* accepted. It was then governments began to develop and install what would become the foundations of modern sewage systems. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesspit... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Stin... Early objections to municipal sewer systems fell into two camps: the smells as gases worked their way up through the drains and into buildings and that rodents (mainly rats) could use the pipes as conduits into same. Modern designs of both sewer systems and pipes/drains have largely eliminated both the gas/odor problem along with threat of rats. However in some lesser developed areas you are wise to look down before you sit..... End of thread drift..... This post was last edited 09/03/2015 at 20:38 |
Post# 839460 , Reply# 73   9/3/2015 at 20:17 (3,129 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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Post# 839464 , Reply# 74   9/3/2015 at 20:51 (3,129 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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Post# 839618 , Reply# 76   9/4/2015 at 23:20 (3,128 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Choice can happen under certain conditions. My girlfriends father built their home in 1981 is a semi-rural area. When the home was built a septic system (and a private well) was the only option. Some years later the city came through and brought in public water and sewer. Hooking up to either or was an option. He chose to connect to the public water but kept the septic system. He kept the well too for lawn irrigation.
I believe that they chose to go to city water for fear of ground water contamination in their aquifer. They live within a mile of a couple of Superfund dump sites where 3M disposed of various chemicals in the 70's. I'd bet that in many cases the city might push to get people off their septic system when the sewer goes in. John's house in Beltsville was converted from septic to city sewer in about 1968. I don't recall if it was optional. |
Post# 839619 , Reply# 77   9/4/2015 at 23:27 (3,128 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)   |   | |
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You'd have to have some pretty strong convictions not to opt for it and use a septic tank instead.
OTOH yes, many times when a property was initially developed septic tanks were all on offer because the area didn't have municipal sewer connections. When you think about suburban sprawl and how once farm/rural land increasingly became and still becomes very developed it is easy to see these changes. Speaking of New Jersey you have plenty of areas in the south, north and central that were once farm land but are rapidly developing. A septic tank may have been good enough when it was just a farmer's main house and some outbuildings; but subdivide a several hundred acres into scores of new houses or worse apartment buildings, then it is a safe bet some sort of sewer system is going in. |
Post# 839672 , Reply# 78   9/5/2015 at 07:52 (3,127 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Our family home here in Beltsville was first occupied in 1956, and it had city water service and a septic system. Around 1960 just before we mover here in 61 they dug up the streets and installed a sewer system.
Many neighbors had had problems and started hooking up to the city sewer system, but is was optional. My parents had us hooked up around 1968 after part of the back yard started to get wet and mushy. When we we kids many neighbors ran their washers water out to the back yard or even to the gutter at the street to avoid overloading thier septic tank system.
A partner and I bought a house in W Va. 30+ years ago that I still have and my partner Smittys house also has well and a STS and overall I love not having a water and sewer bill. Year after year we save $500-1000 not having a water and sewer bill.
In W Va. I have had one well pump replacement since 1965 and that was only around $2500.00, and Smitty has had no problems or expenses in 25 years now.
I really like having these systems as part my existence at our homes, I feel a little more that we are living off the land we own knowing our waste is going back to the earth and trees that surround our homes.
One of the things that I feel is good for a STS proper functioning is to minimize excessive amounts of water entering the system. In both homes top loading washers and non low flush toilets are gone.
From reading about STSs it is important to get enough human and other organic waste in to the STS to keep it healthy, for this reason both homes have garbage disposers, and we use them a lot. In the W.Va house I have canned many bushels of tomatoes, green beans etc and put all the waste right down the disposer. I do of coarse avoid putting any large amounts of fats down the drain and other stuff that is edible I put out for the wild animals to eat.
I have been told by several sources that one of the best things you can do if you have a STS is to have a garbage disposer. |
Post# 839680 , Reply# 79   9/5/2015 at 09:05 (3,127 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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well, if you wanted a poster boy for planned parenthood, WE certainly have one!....
all we can hope is that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree....
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