Someone's idea for a lifetime washing machine...

[IrishAyes]

3. Gee, those were great questions.

And thanks for the link, too.

Since I live in such a remote area and have no car, but do an awful lot of laundry for a single little old lady. Finding affordable repairman around here could be like pulling teeth, and I want to keep the ones I have left awhile longer.

Don't laugh, but my solution (not workable for all) is to have a backup ready. The house has plenty of room at least. I have 2 washers and 2 freezers, though only 1 dryer. 3 separate ways to heat the house and since I prefer perked coffee and retail pots are hideously expensive anymore, I buy those used (5$ or less) and always keep 2 or 3 extras on hand. Variety of ways to cook. 2 microwaves also. Just one frig though. In general I don't skimp when I buy new appliances, but I don't pay for the brand either.

If push comes to shove, I know how to rough it. Manual washer? 2 plastic 5-gal jugs and a plunger. Grill? Make one with a clay pot. Temporary backup (no pun intended) camp toilet for plumbing failures? A 5-gal jug, cheap toilet seat, a john/jane bottle, and plenty of kitty litter and baking soda.