What are the disadvantages of an LG top load washing machine?
LG top load washers like model WT5170HW are built for convenience and capacity, but the most common disadvantages are more vibration with off-balance loads, more sensitivity to installation and leveling, and more complex electronics that can be costlier to diagnose and repair. For model-specific operating tips, use the WT5170HW owner's manual.
- Off-balance vibration and noise: Bulky items (blankets, towels) can shift and trigger rebalancing, longer cycle times, or a reduced spin.
- More “finicky” performance if not leveled: A slightly uneven floor or loose leveling legs can amplify shaking.
- Electronics add cost and complexity: Control boards, lid locks, and sensors can be more expensive than purely mechanical designs.
- Water fill and drain complaints: Slow filling or poor draining is usually a supply, hose, or pump issue, not the tub itself.
- Wash action preferences vary: Some users prefer an agitator feel; many LG top-load designs use a washplate style that cleans differently.
- Level the washer front-to-back and side-to-side; confirm all feet are firmly on the floor.
- Sort loads by fabric weight; wash heavy items together and avoid mixing one heavy item with many light items.
- Do not overload; leave enough room for items to circulate.
- Verify strong water flow at the faucets and clean inlet screens if flow is weak.
- Confirm the drain hose is not kinked or shoved too far down the standpipe.
| Symptom | Often involved | Example part for WT5170HW |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t spin, stops mid-cycle, lid-related errors | Lid lock system | Washer lid lock EBF61674802 |
| Shaking, banging, walking | Suspension components | Washer suspension rod and spring assembly 4902EA1002E |
| Slow fill, no fill, fill errors | Water inlet valve | LG washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301 |
| Won’t drain, water left in tub | Drain pump or drain path | LG washer drain pump 5859EA1004G |
Most “disadvantages” come down to load balance, leveling, and water flow. When those basics are right, an LG top load washer like WT5170HW typically runs quieter, finishes cycles faster, and avoids repeat rebalancing.
You can order WT5170HW replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average life of an LG washer and dryer?
An LG washer and dryer typically last about 10 to 13 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. For your LG WT5170HW washer, using the right load size, keeping it level, and addressing vibration or draining issues early helps you reach that expected lifespan; see the WT5170HW owner's manual for care and operating guidance.
These ranges reflect normal use (several loads per week) and standard home conditions.
| Appliance | Average life | What shortens life fastest |
|---|---|---|
| Top-load washer (like WT5170HW) | 10 to 13 years | Chronic out-of-balance spinning, overloading, poor leveling |
| Electric or gas dryer | 10 to 13 years | Restricted venting, overheating, heavy lint buildup |
We recommend these practical habits because they reduce stress on the motor, suspension, and controls.
- Keep the washer level and stable; re-check after moving or flooring changes.
- Avoid overloading; large loads strain the drive system and increase UE-type imbalance events.
- Use the correct HE detergent amount; too much suds can cause longer cycles and residue.
- Leave the lid open between loads to reduce moisture and odor.
- Fix slow draining quickly; a struggling drain system can lead to repeated pump wear.
- For dryers, keep the lint screen and vent path clear to prevent overheating.
A single failed part often does not mean the appliance is “worn out.” If the washer is otherwise in good shape, replacing a common wear component can extend life.
| Symptom | Common direction | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Check pump, hose, clogs | LG washer drain pump 5859EA1004G, washer drain hose AEM73213001 |
| Won’t fill or fills incorrectly | Check inlet valve, pressure system | LG washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301, LG washer water-level pressure switch 6501EA1001R |
| Won’t lock or won’t start | Check lid lock | Washer lid lock EBF61674802 |
Knowing the typical 10 to 13 year lifespan helps you plan: if your washer or dryer is near that age, repeated major repairs (motor, control panel, tub support) usually signal end-of-life; if it is younger, targeted part replacement is often the best value. You can order WT5170HW replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to fix unbalanced load in LG washer?
An unbalanced load in your LG WT5170HW washer is usually fixed by redistributing the items evenly in the basket, running the correct cycle for the load type, and making sure the washer is level on the floor. If the tub still bangs or won’t spin up, check the suspension and balance components.
- Pause the cycle and spread items evenly around the washplate (avoid one heavy clump).
- Remove a few items if the basket is tightly packed; bulky loads need more room to move.
- Wash similar items together (towels with towels, jeans with jeans) to reduce imbalance.
- Use a lower spin speed for bulky items if your cycle allows it.
- Confirm the washer sits solidly on the floor with no rocking; adjust leveling feet as needed (see the owner's manual).
If you repeatedly get out-of-balance shaking with normal loads, a worn suspension or a damaged balance component is a common cause.
| Symptom | What it often points to | Example part for WT5170HW |
|---|---|---|
| Tub bangs during spin, even with small loads | Weak suspension | Washer suspension rod and spring assembly 4902EA1002E |
| Basket wobbles, vibration seems worse over time | Balance system issue | Washer basket balance ring AAJ72909602 |
| Washplate feels loose or shifts | Washplate/hub hardware issue | Washer washplate AGZ72909711 |
Running unbalanced loads can cause loud banging, poor spin-out (clothes stay wet), and extra wear on the drive system and tub support. Fixing the cause early helps protect the motor, shifter, and tub mounting components.
We list model-specific replacement parts for LG WT5170HW on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need additional options.
Last updated: February 2026
How big is a 5.5 cu ft washer?
A “5.5 cu. ft.” washer refers to the wash basket’s internal volume, not the outside cabinet size. For your LG WT5170HW, use the exact exterior dimensions and clearance requirements in the WT5170HW owner's manual; capacity labels alone are only for load-size comparison.
Most extra-large capacity top-load washers in the 5.5 cu. ft. class commonly fall in these planning ranges:
- Width: 27 to 28 inches
- Height: 43 to 45 inches (to the top of the control panel)
- Depth: 28 to 31 inches
- Rear clearance: allow space for fill hoses and the drain hose
- Top clearance: allow room for the lid to open fully
These measurements prevent fit and hookup problems in a laundry room:
- Measure the opening width (walls, cabinets, door trim)
- Measure depth from the back wall to the front edge of the space
- Plan 3 to 6 inches behind the washer for hoses and airflow
- Confirm the standpipe or laundry sink location matches your drain hose route
- Measure doorways and turns on the path into the room
| Spec | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 cu. ft. capacity | How much laundry fits in the basket | Exact width, height, depth |
| Exterior dimensions | Whether it fits your space | How much it holds |
| Clearance needs | Whether hookups and lid access work | Basket volume |
Correct sizing helps prevent crushed fill hoses, a kinked drain line, and poor service access. Clearance also makes common repairs easier, such as replacing the washer water inlet valve assembly AJU73213301 or the washer drain hose AEM73213001.
If you’re shopping for parts for this washer, order from the WT5170HW parts list or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





