BBC expert key repair advice for anyone with washing machine in kitchen

BBC expert key repair advice for anyone with washing machine in kitchen Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dave Fishwick told a view about what to do with the 7 year old machine A BBC expert has given advice for anyone who has a washing machine in their kitchen or utility room. Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dave Fishwick told host Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton what to do if you’re in a dilemma about what to do if it goes wrong. Gethin said that viewer John had got in touch on what to do about his 7-year-old washing machine which has gone wrong - and if it should be repaired - or replace. Mr Fishwick said that it all depends on the cost of the repair - and also suggested that there was another option - finding a local independent shop. He said: “So, if it’s a minor cost for the repair much much less than half price, then it’s worth having a go. I mean, the secondhand washing machine’s out there, but you it’s worth having a go at fixing it. I mean, in this case, his bearings had gone. Now, bear in mind as well that a month later, 3 months later, whatever, the washing machine’s still done seven years. “It’s only the bearings that’s been changed. But I love the idea of going to an independent washing machine place where he can speak. but speaking to somebody, negotiating a deal, you’ll find something with a few scratches on it maybe last year’s model.” Mr Fishwick said the core function was key - without extra electronics - but he explained that if people do buy new, they should make sure they get an A rated one for power as washing machines can used a lot: “You don’t need Bluetooth. You don’t need to know the time in 24 countries or be watching the telly on it. But what you do need is you need to wash your underpants. Get your y fronts in there so it’ll do the job. You don’t need Bluetooth.” Gethin asle: “Also, if you are what other things to think about if you are buying a secondhand like well if you’re changing it like energy efficient.” Mr Fishwick said: “Yes, you’re looking at prioritising. So, you need to prioritise an A rated machine. Energy efficient. That’s going to save you a fortune on bills. It’s going to make such a difference. And washing underwear has never been so cheap.” Meanwhile a new study released this week showed nearly nine in 10 adults in Britain have taken at least one step to cut back on water use in the past month, a survey suggests, as many areas of the country remain officially in drought despite recent rainfall. A summer of record-breaking heat and persistent dry weather has left reservoir levels well below average, besides damaging crops, harming wildlife and disrupting this year’s harvest. Around 30 million people in England remain affected by hosepipe bans. Some 88% of respondents to a survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said they had taken at least one step to cut water usage in August. The figure was highest among people aged 70 and over, at 92%, falling to 90% for those aged 50 to 69, and 85% for both 16 to 29-year-olds and 30 to 49-year-olds. The most popular action was not leaving a tap running (reported by 65% of all survey respondents), followed by waiting until the washing machine or dishwasher is full before switching it on (55%), using less tap water in the garden (48%) and taking shorter showers (42%). The proportion of adults who reported using less tap water, including hosepipes, in the garden was notably higher in August (48%) than in July (36%). A smaller percentage of respondents said they had collected rainwater in a water butt (25%) and taken fewer showers or baths (24%). The ONS survey was carried out between August 5 and 30 and is based on responses from a representative sample of 3,530 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain. Most of England and all of Wales remain officially in drought, the exceptions being the North East, North West and Yorkshire. Reservoir storage in England currently stands at 56%, nearly 20 percentage points below the average for this time of year, the Environment Agency said.