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