Your new washing machine came with a warranty—but do you actually know what it covers? Understanding your warranty before you need it can save you money, headaches, and arguments with manufacturers.
Here’s what Winnipeg homeowners need to know about washing machine warranties.
Standard Warranty Coverage
What’s Typically Included
Most washing machine warranties provide:
Parts and Labor (1-2 years)
- Defects in materials
- Defects in workmanship
- Failed components under normal use
Extended Component Coverage (varies)
- Motor: Often 10 years
- Stainless steel tub: Sometimes lifetime
- Drive train: 3-10 years
- Electronic controls: 1-3 years
What’s Typically Excluded
Most warranties don’t cover:
- Cosmetic damage (dents, scratches)
- Damage from misuse or abuse
- Damage from power surges
- Normal wear and tear items
- Problems from improper installation
- Issues caused by using wrong detergent
- Transportation or moving damage
- Commercial use (residential warranties)
Reading Your Warranty
Key Information to Find
- Start date: When does coverage begin?
- Duration: How long for each type of coverage?
- What’s covered: Specific parts and issues
- What’s excluded: Read this carefully
- How to claim: Required process and contacts
- Service requirements: Must you use authorized service?
Common Warranty Types
Full Warranty:
- No charge for covered repairs
- Parts and labor included
- Consumer-friendly
Limited Warranty:
- May cover parts only, not labor
- May have deductibles
- May limit coverage to specific components
Extended Warranty (Purchased Separately):
- Adds years to original warranty
- May have different terms
- Often sold by retailers, not manufacturers
How to Avoid Voiding Your Warranty
Don’t Do These Things
Unauthorized Repairs: Having your neighbor or an uncertified technician repair the machine voids most warranties—even if they fix it correctly.
Using Wrong Detergent: Using regular detergent in an HE machine (when prohibited) can void coverage for related issues.
Improper Installation: Installation errors that cause damage aren’t covered and may void further claims.
Ignoring Problems: Continuing to use a machine with a known problem can void coverage for resulting damage.
Removing Safety Features: Disabling safety switches or modifying the machine voids warranty.
Do These Things
Keep Your Receipt: Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
Register Your Product: Many manufacturers recommend registration. While not always required, it simplifies claims.
Follow the Manual: Use the machine as intended, with proper detergent and loads.
Document Issues: Keep records of problems, error codes, and symptoms.
Use Authorized Service: For repairs during warranty period, always use manufacturer-approved technicians.
Making a Warranty Claim
Before You Call
Gather this information:
- Model number (usually on a sticker inside the door or on the back)
- Serial number (same location)
- Purchase date (receipt or credit card statement)
- Problem description (what’s happening, error codes)
The Process
- Call manufacturer customer service (number in manual or on their website)
- Describe the problem clearly
- Provide model/serial numbers and purchase info
- Get a claim number if assigned
- Schedule authorized service (they’ll provide contacts)
- Keep documentation of all communications
What to Expect
- Manufacturer may attempt phone troubleshooting first
- Authorized service will be scheduled
- Technician diagnoses and reports to manufacturer
- Approved repairs are performed at no cost (if covered)
- Denied claims can often be appealed
Extended Warranties: Worth It?
Arguments For
- Peace of mind after manufacturer warranty expires
- Protection against expensive repairs
- Covers parts and labor
- Can save money if major repairs occur
Arguments Against
- Many machines last years without needing repairs
- Extended warranty cost may exceed potential repairs
- Terms may have many exclusions
- Better machines have fewer issues
Making the Decision
Consider buying extended warranty if:
- You’re purchasing a brand with reliability concerns
- The extended warranty is reasonably priced
- You prefer predictable costs over repair risk
Skip the extended warranty if:
- Machine is from a reliable brand
- You can afford unexpected repairs
- The warranty terms have many exclusions
- Price seems excessive
Out-of-Warranty Service
When Warranty Expires
Once warranty ends:
- You can use any repair service
- You’re responsible for parts and labor costs
- No approval process needed
- You have more flexibility in repair decisions
We’re Here for You
Whether your machine is under warranty (we can coordinate with manufacturers) or out of warranty (we can provide direct service), we help Winnipeg residents with all washing machine repair needs.
Get the Right Service
Need warranty service coordination or out-of-warranty repair? We work with all major manufacturers and provide the same quality service regardless of warranty status.
Contact us today for washing machine service in Winnipeg—we’ll help you navigate warranties and get your washer running again.