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