Consumer Question - Front Load Washer

Q: Hi, Joe,

I bought a Whirlpool Duet Front-Loader Auto Washer and Dryer on 11-17-2007. The dryer is great.

On 6/11/2010 I got an Error Code 71 and ended up having to purchase a complete user interface control board for $393.38 installed. The repairman said he had never heard of one going bad in less than 3yrs.

Last week I started getting the same error message and cycles won't run. Of course there is only 1yr parts warranty so no luck with installer. Washers usually last for many years and the same thing has gone wrong with mine in 4 years at no small cost!

Have you heard of this with this machine and do you have any advice on trying to get Whirlpool to replace the board for free since this is the 2nd time it has happened in just over 4 years or is this a lost cause?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Carolyn

A: Hi, Carolyn,

Thanks for your note.

There isn't much I can say to lessen your frustrations. You are now one of the many homeowners who are angered by the appliance manufacturers and there is nothing you can do to get any kind of compensation. Your next purchase probably will be an old fashioned top loader.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Rust on Cast Iron Sink

Q: Hello, Joe,

I have a double cast iron kitchen sink. It is starting to rust around the drain hole. Is this fixable?

Thank you,
Kevin

A: Hi, Kevin,

Thanks for your note.

I suggest you clean the area as clean as possible. The hardware stores carry a product called JBWeld which we use to seal holes in the outer tub of washing machines. Some of those machines are still working today.

Let me know how it works.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Dryer not hot

Q: Hello, Joe,

Our Kenmore 700 Series electric dryer has been having more loads done with inadequate heat than with enough heat. More often than not we have to run the load through an extra cycle, with the temperature turned to the hottest setting. Sometimes hot gets hot.

Is this a simple fix where we can get a part and do it ourselves, or an expensive project?

Thank you for your advice,
Bob & Mary

A: Hi, Bob & Mary,
Thanks for your note.

In many complaints like yours it ends up being the vent line is plugged. Please check this out before we blame the dryer itself. Try disconnecting the vent line and run a load through the dryer. If it's a gas dryer open a window in the laundry room for this one load. It won't hurt you if you bring in fresh air into the room. After this test, let me know how it works.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - GE Washing Machine

Q: Hello, Joe,

We have a GE washing machine that is about three years old and will not start. It has a push button control panel. From listening to your shows, I suspect the safety switch in the lid is the culprit, but I cannot seem to get at it. Is there a manual or web site that I can access?
Model # WHRE5550KIWW
Serial # HS 116356 G

Thank you so much for your help and for acting as a consumer watchdog.
Mike

A: Hi Mike,
Thanks for your note.

The top may pop up by sticking a flat metal piece under the top on each side.
There are sometimes clips that hold the top down. Once raised, you can get to the lid switch.

Any problems, call my son Mark with your model number and he can look it up for you and tell you how. His number 734-953-6991.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Dryer Exhaust

Q: Hi Joe Gagnon,

They tried to install a new dryer for me today and the installer could not get the semi-flexible exhaust hose to stay on the glass block window outlet. He recommended that I get glass block window outlet that is not recessed and has a bigger lip. He also recommended that I return the semi-flexible exhaust hose and get a more flexible one (slinky type). I'm going to contact my city tomorrow morning to see what the code is for the exhaust hose.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you, 
Christina

A:  Hi Christina,

Thanks for your note.

Slinky vinyl or tinfoil is not permissible to use. Who is the installer that would recommend this to you?

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Upcoming Home Shows

Q: Hi Joe Gagnon,

I wondered when you where going to post the home shows you are going to be at this spring. I am a representative for OnGard and would like to have a presence at the shows you are attending.

Thanks, 
Greg Szczesny

A:  Hi Greg,

Thanks for your note.

I will be broadcasting on Sat. March 3 from the Canton Home Show and on Sat. March 10 from the Dearborn Home Show. (That's put on by the Dearborn Board of Realtors.)

I will have your product on display at the broadcast booths, if you stop by and there are questions and you're available.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Repair Follow Up

Q: Hi Joe Gagnon,

I thought I'd update you on my dishwasher repair. As you know, Mark was able to locate the necessary part which enabled him to rebuild the pump and then reinstall it. The repair entailed three trips to my house. Trip one to confirm the problem: The pump needed a part which he managed to locate. This was remarkable since that part is no longer made. His second trip was to remove the broken pump and rebuild it with the new part (which had to be done at his shop). His third and final trip was to install the rebuilt pump.

His efforts were successful! My dishwasher again runs quietly and efficiently. The horrendous racket is gone. My dishes are clean and I am very happy.

My thanks to both you and Mark, 
Evelina

A:  Hi Evelina,

Thank you for the follow up. I'm proud of that boy.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon