Salty water can cause serious damage to your washing machine over time. In parts of Kenya—especially coastal areas like Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, and Malindi, or regions with saline borehole water like Nakuru and parts of Nairobi—salt in water is a major but often overlooked cause of washing machine breakdowns.
As appliance repair technicians, we frequently see washing machines fail prematurely due to corrosion and mineral buildup caused by salty water.
How Salty Water Damages Your Washing Machine
1. Corrosion of Metal Parts
Salt accelerates rust and corrosion on:
- Drum bearings
- Shafts
- Heating elements
- Internal frames
- Screws and fasteners
Once corrosion begins, parts weaken and eventually fail.
2. Damage to Bearings and Seals
Salty water:
- Eats away rubber seals
- Allows water to reach bearings
- Causes loud grinding or knocking noises
Bearing replacement is one of the most expensive washing machine repairs.
3. Reduced Heating Element Lifespan
For machines with water heaters:
- Salt causes scale buildup
- Heating elements overheat and burn out
- Wash cycles take longer or stop heating altogether
4. Electrical and Control Board Problems
Moisture combined with salt:
- Causes short circuits
- Corrodes wiring
- Damages control boards and sensors
This often results in error codes or machines that fail to start.
5. Blocked Valves and Hoses
Salt crystals and mineral deposits:
- Block water inlet valves
- Reduce water flow
- Cause filling errors
This leads to poor wash performance and repeated faults.
Areas in Kenya Commonly Affected by Salty Water
Salinity issues are more common in:
- Mombasa
- Nairobi (some areas)
- Nakuru
- Diani
- Kilifi
- Malindi
- Watamu
- Coastal borehole-dependent homes
- Some arid and semi-arid regions
Homes using borehole or well water are at higher risk.
Signs Salty Water Is Affecting Your Washing Machine
Watch out for:
- Rust stains inside the drum
- Frequent bearing noise
- Shortened machine lifespan
- Repeated heating element failures
- Poor washing results despite normal detergent use
Repair vs Replacement in Salty Water Areas
Repair is recommended if:
- Damage is detected early
- Bearings and electronics are still intact
Replacement may be better if:
- Severe corrosion is present
- Multiple major parts have failed
A professional inspection can help you decide.
When to Call a Washing Machine Repair Expert
Call a technician if your washer:
- Makes grinding or screeching noises
- Leaks rusty water
- Shows repeated electrical faults
- Fails frequently despite normal use
Early intervention saves money.
Washing Machine Repair in Coastal Kenya
If you live in a salty-water area and your washing machine is giving you trouble, our experienced appliance repair technicians in Kenya can help.
- ✔ Washing machine repair & maintenance
- ✔ Coastal and inland service coverage
- ✔ Genuine spare parts
- ✔ Honest advice and fair pricing
Need Professional Help?
Our expert technicians are ready to help with all your appliance repair and maintenance needs.