Consumer Question: Replacing Dryer Belt

Name: Joe

Comments: Whirlpool gas dryer (drop down door type) drum has stopped.  All other ''sounds' sound normal.  Belt did sort of squeal for a time lately.  I have the skills to repair this as I have heard you on this prior to now; however, I have forgotten the attendant details...Thanks....

  Joe 

Answer:

Hi Joe, thanks for your note. Sounds like an easy job for you. Remove the lint filter where you will see 2 screws under the trap door. Pop the top up from the front. The top is held in place with 2 clips in the front. Remove the wires from the door switch and make sure the power is turned off first. There may be 2 screws holding the bottom of the front panel or you may just have to tug upward on the front panel and it will come off. Now everything is exposed. Look at the idler pulley which is a common sound of sqeaking when the bearing goes bad. Replace it and make sure the grove side of the belt lays against the drum. Let me know how it goes. Regards Joe Gagnon. 

Consumer Question: Plugged Refrigerator Drain

Name: Terry

City: Plymouth

Inquery Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: I have a GE refrigerator, model # TFX25JRBBWW.  The freezer side is leaking water on the lower front left side.

After a little research, it appears this is the result of the drain being frozen over.  I removed all the ice build-up and poured a solution of warm water mixed with baking soda down the drain hole.  This worked for about 7-10 days, but after the ice build-up was back and was again dripping water.

When the look at the back of the unit, the fan does go on to start the evaporation process, but the drip pan doesn't look like it's seen water in years.

What am I doing wrong and can we get this to work as expected?  The unit is about 13 years old and I'm pretty handy.

By the way, was your wife a principal at Gallimore elementary school in Canton?  My daughter went there!

Thanks

Answer:

Hi Terry, thanks for your note. Yes my wife was the principal and the best they ever had. She still misses it but keeps herself busy with a ton of charity work. You are correct--the drain is plugged. To clean the drain you need to take a turkey baster filled with hot water and blow it through. Do this 3 or 4 times. Pouring something in there will only move the blockage a short way and then it will settle back to the original spot. I know you can fix this and let me know how it goes. Regards Joe Gagnon. 

Consumer Question: Black "Stuff" in Dishwasher

Name: Molly

City: Ypsilanti

Question:

 My dishwasher has a small "burr" in the heating coil which needs to be replaced. At the same time, the dishwasher is getting black "stuff" all over the inside. I have completely bleached it two times, cleaning the racks and the entire inside, but it keeps coming back. Is this because the heating element is not getting the water hot enough? Is this dangerous? Also, a wood floor was put in after the dishwasher was installed, so it can't easily be removed without putting in new counter tops  which we can't afford to do. Is it possible to cut off the leveling feet and get it out that way? Help! We don't know what to do with this and haven't contacted an appliance repair yet because I don't want to pay to have them tell me they can't fix it.

Answer:

Hi Molly, thanks for your note. Seldom does the heating element in a dishwasher fail and in this case if the element has a small hole in it the sand that is inside is causing the black marks. You may want to try Tang to clean the inside of the machine. If this is an older dishwasher the element is most likely to come on only for drying the dishes, not heating the water. Unless there is control button that says something about heating the water, it is only for drying the dishes. Water temperatures from the hot water tank should be increased to 155 degrees or higher to get proper cleaning and getting rid of bacteria. As for the floor problem, it happens a lot. The legs can be cut off using a hack saw. This may give you the clearance needed to pull it out from under the counter. Good luck. Regards Joe Gagnon. 

Consumer Question: Learning Appliance Repair

Hi, Joe,

Where can I learn the appliance repair trade? Are there any schools that offer courses?

I am retired and looking to do somehing that i have always had an interest in.

Thanks for your help.

A: Hi,


Thanks for your note.

Recently on my radio show I was talking about a University in British Columbia that teaches appliance repair. There are hardly any schools in the USA and certainly none around Michigan. Yet, we have such a need for experienced appliance technicians in the industry. I have no route for you to travel except to advise you to companies and offer your labors at dirt cheap prices until you get your foot in the door.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Peeling Paint in Microwave

Hi, Joe,

The paint on the bottom of my microwave has some bubbles in it. Is this a concern?

Thanks for your help,

Paul

A: Hi, Paul,

Nothing to worry about! You will have rust show up. I suggest you purchase some high temperature paint, sand the surface and paint the area. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: How Much Lemi-Shine?

Hi, Joe,

I just want to ask you something in regard with the dishwasher, this is my first time using it. How much detergent and Lemie shine do I put in the dishwasher?

Thanks for your help,

Maurice

A: Hi, Maurice,

Nice to hear from you. 

If you have city water--use 8 level teaspoons of powder detergent plus 2 teaspoons of Lemi Shine. 
For water softener systems--use 2 level teaspoons plus Lemi Shine


Another tip--do not store an open box of powder detergent under the sink--there is too much humidity!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Refrigerator Not Cold

Hi, Joe,

Re: Kenmore/Coldspot  Model#106-58916800 Upright Double Door freezer/refrigerator
The Refrigerator side will not get cold - it only gets cool.


What should be done to fix it?

Thanks for your help,

Robert

A: Hi, Robert,

Thanks for your note. 

Look at the back wall inside the freezer. Move the food packages. If you see any snow on that back wall it usually indicates a defrost problem. Defrost heater, terminator, timer. One of these components has failed.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Spin Cycle Doesn't Work

Hi, Joe,

I have a Sears Kemore 80 washer model 110.26882500 and the spin cycle will not work. The machine is not that old and when I tried it on the other spin cycle (non-permanent) it started to work. Now, it doesn't work on either cycle. I did see some water on the floor today. Doc, I NEED your HELP, PLEASE...before my wife stuffs me in the machine!

Thanks for your help,

Lou

A: Hi, Lou,

Thanks for your note. 

I would like to have you activate the lid switch a few times before you condemn the timer. Take a pencil and push on the lid switch several times. It is located in the hole on the top that the plunger on the lid goes into. Let me know.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Get Rid of Washing Machine Odors

Hi, Joe,

Re: Whirlpool HE High Efficiency Washing Machine, top load; model #WTW6800WW

When my wife is finished washing she leaves the lid open for the rest of the day and also props it open about an inch until the next time she washes. I just got an e-mail today about preventing odors and/or mold forming inside the machine.Whirlpool is advertising a product (Affresh). Have you heard of this product and would you suggest using it? It sells for $6.99 for 3 tablets and is recommended to be done monthly. Your opinion is and always has been welcomed in our household.

Thanks for your help,

John

A: Hi, John,

Thanks for your note. 

Isn't it a shame that you have to use a product to get rid of odors and mold in todays washing machines? I could go on forever...


Yes, the product mentioned is the manufacturer's method of solving the problem. Mine solution is to use a gallon of white vinegar in a tub full of the hottest water possible. Let it agitate for 10 minutes, sit for 24 hours, and then turn it back on to complete the cycle.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Portable Air Filter

Hi, Joe,

I live in an apartment condo built in the 60s. It is only 625 sq. ft. and not well insulated and the neighbor's cigarette smoke/order comes through the radiator in the living room and the walls. I have my window cracked open 365 days a year 24 hours a day. If I do not do this my entire condo will smell. This does not solve the problem as I still smell smoke when I am watching TV. What type of air filter is best for this? There are so many out there. I want to purchase one that handles smoke. 

Thanks for your help,

Michelle

A: Hi, Michelle,

Thanks for your note. 

I don't know much about air filtering units but I suggest you contact a cigar bar that may use them in their establishment. I know that in the past when smoking was allowed, a typical bar had these units were portable and sat right on the bar. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Replacing Dryer Vent Line

Hi, Joe,

My laundry room is in the front of the house and the exhaust from the electric dryer extends about 25 feet to the back of the house and vents the hot air outside. I want to replace the aluminum accordion flex line with the stove pipe as you recommended.

My question is: Do I need to get 25 feet of stove pipe to carry hot air to the back of the house to vent out? Or do I just need to get stove pipe from the back of the dryer to the wall which is only about a 2 foot clearance from back of dryer to the exhaust hole that carries the hot air to the back of the house?

Thanks for your help,

Michael

A: Hi, Michael,

Thanks for your note. 

The law says, 16 feet of solid pipe with only 2 elbows and clean it every year. With 25 feet, clean it twice a year.

I'm pleased that you were listening!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Water in Freezer

Hi, Joe,

I have a Maytag fridge with the freezer bottom drawer. I am getting an accumulation of water inside the freezer. What is causing this? How can I fix it?

Thanks,

Michael

A: Hi, Michael,

Thanks for your note.

You have a plugged drain! During the defrost cycle the snow on the evaporator melts, drips into a drain trough and then flows down a tube into the drain pan under the refrigerator. Take the back wall off inside the freezer, find the drain hole, use a turkey baster filled with hot water to blow it through.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Repair

Hi, Joe,

I have a compact refrigerator and one side of the freezer will not work. It is not getting cold anymore. Do I need to replace this unit?

Thanks,

Billy

A: Hi, Billy,

Thanks for your note.

Your question does not give me a clear picture of what product you have. The kind and model would help. 


In general, the compressor fan motor should be checked as well as the fan motor inside the freezer. Sometimes a defective light switch will cause the light to stay on inside the product and give you a poor cooling condition. Before you send a refrigerator to the appliance graveyard you need to be sure it is not worth repairing. It might require the need of a qualified technician.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Noisy Dryer Danger

Hi, Joe,

I have a squeaky dryer that keeps getting louder. What can I do? I sprayed belt dressing on the dryer belt, but it didn't help. It's a Frigidaire Model FER231ASO and it is about 9-10 years old. 

Thanks,

Corey

A: Hi, Corey,

Thanks for your note.

A dryer making noises is a huge fire hazard. Stop using it until it is repaired!


There are drum rollers and an idler pulley which could need replacing. The front panel comes off and then you can check these parts.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dishwasher Repair

Hi, Joe,

My 11 year old GE dishwasher started to make a high pitch grinding noise during a cycle - the noise became very loud and then the dishwasher stopped. I have never had any problems in the past, this is the first incident. It seemed to be draining fine befroe it came to a halt. Would appreciate your suggestions before i call in repair and spend money that is unnecessary, then again, I don't want to run out an buy a new. 

Many thanks for being there for us!

Kathy

A: Hi, Kathy,

Thanks for your note.

It sounds as though something went into the pump impeller located inside the tub. Remove everything you can starting with the spray arm and tower and look with a flashlight for a small article jamming the pump impeller. If any problems you can call my son Mark at 734-953-6991.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Water Valve

Hi, Joe,

We are attempting to install an ice maker into our Whirlpool fridge (model #w1txnmfwq01, top freezer) and we're having a heck of a time!

We had a contractor fixing up our kitchen try to install the first ice maker. He had problems with the water not shutting off.  We assumed the ice maker was bad and returned it to the retailer. We purchased another one and tried again. The same thing happened - the water will not turn off! Any advice you can give us will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Sean

A: Hi, Sean,

Thanks for your note. 

The water valve at the back of the refrigerator controls the water coming in. It most likely needs to be replaced.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Inconsistent Oven

Hi, Joe,

We have a GE spectra electric stove/oven that's about 6 years old. The oven works inconsistently, sometimes not reaching the displayed temp, sometimes getting warmish but not cooking the food, other times it seems to cook ok. It seems to work better between 400-500 degrees, but not always. What do you think might be the problem, and what part would you think would need to be replaced?


Thanks,

Henry

A: Hi, Henry,

Thanks for your note. 

You may be having a problem with the electronic controls in this oven. I suggest you turn off all voltage to this unit for at least an hour. Sometimes it takes care of the problem and the control board re-sets itself. If not, I suggest you call for service rather than try and change parts yourself.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Ice Maker Repair

Hi, Joe,

I have a Kenmore refrigerator whose icemaker squirts water into the freezer which coats everything with layer of ice. I think the plastic line near the solenoid has split allowing water to spew in the freezer. I need a recommendation for someone to repair/fix this problem.

Thanks,

Dave

A: Hi, Dave,

Thanks for your note. 

You may be correct but I tend to think that the water valve is not shutting off 100% which is allowing water to leak through. As for service I suggest Doc's Appliance Service in the Yellow Pages.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Overheating Dryer

Hi, Joe,

I have a 1995 Sears Kenmore Heavy Duty 70 series soft heat Dryer Model 96575100. The tumbler won't turn and the dryer overheats. The belt is not broken and the duct is clean. The repairman said it burns out a fuse, but the fuse was replaced. It worked for a day or two and then broke again.

Thanks,

Philip

A: Hi, Philip,

Thanks for your note. 

I suggest you get a service technician to take that dryer apart and find the problem. It is sure to catch fire from what you describe!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Cleaning Dishwasher

Hi, Joe,

You were on the Inside Outside Guys talking about something you could add to your diswasher to help with cleaning the dishes. Could you tell me what that is and where I could buy this?

Thanks,

Karen

A: Hi, Karen,

Thanks for your note. 

The product is called Lemi-Shine and it is available at Kroger and Meijer. It really does work great!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Replacing Wall Oven

Hi, Joe,

I have a 21" Frigidaire electric wall oven, made in the 1960's Model #RE-94-BK. The cut out is 21" x 30" approx. It measures on the outside 23" x 31.5" approx. I need to replace it.  My problem is they don't seem to make this size anymore.  The cut-out is in a BRICK WALL (opposite of a fireplace in the living room).

Is there any brand that you know of that makes these smaller size wall ovens? Someone mentioned looking into an oven made for a yacht.  I also wondered what others have done to replace these ovens. Are there convection ovens that are small that may work in this space?  Thanks for the help!  I sure am STUCK!

Thanks,

Kris

A: Hi, Kris,

Thanks for your note. 

Your problem is a common one across this country. Remodelers are kept busy doing what has to be done and sad to say, you may never find a product of the same size as yesteryear. I would contact a kitchen design company, give them the size requirements and ask what they can do. If anyone can help, they're the guys.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dryer Vent Line Causing Problems

Hi, Joe,

I have a 10 year old Kenmore Gas Dryer Model 110-72922-100. The ignitor comes, on, flame comes on, flame will come on and stay on for between 30 seconds - 4 minutes, and then goes out. After about 5 minutes it can be restarted, and then this cycle continues.

Can you explain this?

Thanks,

Bob

A: Hi, Bob,

Thanks for your note. 

I will not blame the dryer until you tell me that you have removed the vent line and it is as clean as a whistle. Let me know. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Added Service Charges

Hi, Joe,

Last Tuesday, we have paid a bill from Reckinger Heating & Cooling for repairs to a gas furnace at my parents' house.  On the invoice, it has a "Token Charge" for $3.00.  We asked the repairman and the receptionist about this, and they don't know what it is for.  Are you familiar with it?  Is it legal or appropriate for a consumer to be charged?

Thanks,

Lynda

A: Hi, Lynda,

Thanks for your note. 

I have a thought that the token charge might be for the increase in gas prices. Either way, someone in the office should be able to explain it to you. Please try again. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Appliance Repair

Hi, Joe,

We have a Whirlpool 'silent partner ii' dishwasher purchased in 2008. During the cycle the motor began making a much louder noise than usual. It ran that way for about a month but now nothing. The 'Cancel' cycle worked and it drained the water but the motor doesn't start up at all. Obviously a repair is needed. Any recommendations here in Clarkston, MI? A new machine is about $500. Ours is in good shape so I'm assuming a motor replacement would be less expensive?

Thanks,

Bill

A: Hi, Bill,

Thanks for your note. 

I might suggest Solley's Appliance who has been around for years. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Agitator Stopped Working

Hi, Joe,

I have a Whirlpool Heavy Duty Washer model number LX9245EQ1. The agitator stopped working and it started making a loud noise. Can this be fixed?

Thanks,

Jewell

A: Hi, Jewell,

Thanks for your note. 

Most of the agitators on this washer are a two piece agitator. They are geared together with plastic dogs that wear out. Remove the top nut in the agitator and take the whole thing to a parts supplier and they will break it apart and sell and replace the dogs. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Cleaning Dehumidifier Coils

Hi, Joe,

What is the best way to clean the coils in my dehumidifier?

Thanks,

Betty

A: Hi, Betty,

Thanks for your note. 

Take it to the local car wash and spray it gently front and back. Let it dry before you plug it in. A couple of days in the hot sun should get it dry.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Washing Machine Not Draining

Hi, Joe,

My washing machine fills up and will not drain...is it fixable or should I trash it?

Thanks,

Brad

A: Hi, Brad,

Thanks for your note. 

Most problems like yours have to do with a pump, a blockage, a lid switch, or something minor. I would not suggest you purchase a new machine until you get into it or have a technician look at it.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Whirlpool Oven Igniter

Hi, Joe,

My Whirlpool 465 Super-Capacity Oven has stopped working.  The igniter does not heat at all however, the broiler still works. I replaced the oven igniter with a new one but it still doesn't heat. I even moved the broiler igniter to the oven to make sure I didn't have a  faulty part.  All of the igniters work for the broiler but not for the oven connection.  So I assume the problem is in the wiring to the oven igniter but I have looked over all wires and the connections are intact.  I am out of ideas and would appreciate any suggestions you may have.  I have already spent $90 on an igniter I didn't need and hesitate to spend more on a service call.

Many thanks!
Tracy

A: Hi, Tracy,

Thanks for your note. 

You seem to have the bases covered and know what you are doing. Do you have a wiring schematic with this range and is there a fuse in the circuitry of the stove?


If not, are the two igniters the same? A lady called my radio show 2 weeks ago with a similar problem. The service technician replaced the 2 components which make up the touch pad control. The cost of the parts were $700 and she was fortunate to be covered by the extended service plan offered by DTE. 


Make some calls to appliance parts suppliers and give them the model number to ask these questions. Please let me know what you find to be the problem.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Not Cool

Hi, Joe,

Our Amana side by side (SX22NE) is not cooling properly - the freezer only gets to @ 30F.  We replaced the thermostat as the old one did not have continuity when placed in ice water; the new one does. The evaporator lines are not frozen over. We cleaned off the lint from the bottom coils and the condenser fan. The evaporator and condenser fans are both working properly.  The compressor is hot to the touch, but is running quietly. At this point we're wondering if the unit is low on coolant or if the overload relay is bad. There's also an adaptive defrost control board that could potentially be faulty. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Bill

A: Hi Bill,

Thanks for your note. 

It sounds like you have covered a lot of the basics. It could be a leak in the system. Take the back wall off inside the freezer and note the evaporator coils. After the compressor has been run for 30 minutes that coil should be good and cold. So much so that a wet finger should stick to the coil. Do that test on different sections of the coil. If the finger doesn't stick, you can be sure that it is a sealed system problem, either a leak or the compressor is not pumping properly. If the relay overload was defective, the compressor wouldn't run. Let me know what the end result is please.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Replacing Hot Water Heater

Hi, Joe,

I would greatly appreciate hearing your opinion on the tankless water heaters.  We are needing to replace our traditional gas hot water tank, and the plumber is recommending the "new" tankless style.  We are not sure what to think about that style.

Thank you,

Laurie

A: Hi Laurie,

Thanks for your note. 

Please keep in mind that I am not a plumbing expert but my comments come from others who are.


The system is old, especially in other countries where hot water is not used at the rate that we use it in America. It is very expensive and the cost recovery time is too long. Some homeowners have complained that they should have had two of them installed, as the single one couldn't keep up with the demand when heavy usage occurred. There is also a maintenance factor that you will have to perform.


One last factor to consider...I have asked many plumbers if they have one in their home. I have not found one yet.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Dishwasher Won't Start

Hi, Joe,

I have a 5-year old Kenmore dishwasher that doesn't start when the door is closed, even if the lock light is on. I've turned the breaker on and off, turned the water feed on and off, and I've held the start button for 30 seconds but  nothing happens. What do you think is wrong?

Thank you,

Jeffrey

A: Hi Jeffrey,

Thanks for your note. 

I suspect you have a problem with the electronic board on this dishwasher. You may need a technician to confirm this. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Washing Machine Water Valve

Hi, Joe,

I heard you on the radio and you really know what you are talking about. My problem is with my washer - it will not switch from cold to hot. Please help!

Thank you,
C.L. Perry

A: Hi C.L. Perry,

Thanks for your note. 

The water valve is where the 2 hoses connect to the washer. It's plastic with 4 wires connected and easy to remove. That is usually the culprit and is a fast part in the service industry.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Thermostat

Hi, Joe,

A couple of weeks ago I had my stand-up side-by-side refrigerator/freezer repaired. It had frozen over and the repairman replaced the part that was responsible for preventing this and told me to leave it unplugged for 22 to 24 hours. I did so and now the refrigerator and freezer is working fine but the ice maker is not producing ice anymore. Can you help me with this problem?

Thank you,
Jermaine

A: Hi Jermaine,

Thanks for your note. 

I am wondering if the technician really fixed your refrigerator? I really need to know what the temperature is in the freezer. The icemaker will not work if the temperature is not cold enough in the freezer. The icemaker has a thermostat inside of it which must be cold enough to let the icemaker begin to operate.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon