Dryer Fire

Name: Mike

City: Ann Arbor

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

I have an 8 year old gas, front loading Whirlpool duet dryer, and I had the dryer vent cleaned, but they did not clean the inside of the dryer. Had a mini flash fire inside the dryer. No visible damage to any of the wiring. The dryer works but it seems like it doesn't dry completely anymore. Any ideas?

Hi Mike, 

Thanks for your note. I would suggest you stop using the dryer immediately. That fire you had could have caused some serious problems with sensors etc. and you need to have it checked out.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Installing Gas Dryer in Bathroom

Name: Teresa

City: Livonia

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: 

We recently remodeled and kicked out our first floor bathroom to accommodate our laundry room in northern Michigan.  We currently have an electric dryer but would like to purchase a propane/gas dryer. Is there any reason why we cannot have a gas dryer in a bathroom?

Hi Teresa, 

Thanks for your note. I don't know of any reason why not. Make sure it is vented to the outside. A dryer uses 200 cubic feet of air per minute that goes through the dryer so you may want to leave the bathroom door open while it is operating. Also any sprays or perfumes etc. are drawn into the dryer, so limit that or your clothes will smell.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Oven Knob Repairs

Name: Bob

City: Pontiac

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: I have a 1966 GE electric 40" double oven range that is in practically new condition. I live in Pontiac, Michigan and am looking for an experienced appliance repair company/repair person to take a look at it because the larger oven is not working. There are two turn knobs to operate the oven: one to turn it on and the second controls the temperature. The left knob to turn it on lights up, but the temperature knob on the right does not light up and the oven does not warm up. Any recommendations you can provide?

Thanks!

Hi Bob, 

Thanks for your note. Check the wiring to the thermostat control and see if some of this wiring is getting brittle. There is an appliance repair company in your area called Doc's Appliance. They are a good reputable company.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Best Disposer

Name: Mirabel

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments:
Hi, Joe,
We just bought a GE waste disposal. What is your opinion about its rating? Is it rated? I found nothing in the Consumer Report at the library. The one we have is leaking from where the wire connects. What do you think is the best disposal?

Hi Mirabel, 

Thanks for your note. I believe that almost all disposers sold today are made by Insinkerator. There are a lot of different brands, but the best is probably Insinkerator. The quality of the disposer depends upon the amount of money you spend on it. Prices range from $79 to $300. The cheaper it is, the poorer job it does grinding up the garbage. Cheap may mean a plumber coming over to snake out the kitchen drain.

Regards,
Joe Gagnon

Rusty Washing Machine Drum

Name: Sharon

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: I have one of those "unbreakable" Maytag washing machines. It is 24 years old, works fine, but, it is rusted around the edges and has rust holes in the drum. Is the drum replaceable or is there a paint that can refrain from further rusting?

Hi Sharon, 

I suggest you purchase the strongest rust remover you can get and soak that tub for 24 hours and then tell me if you still have rust or if it suddenly came off. Please let me know. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Cleaning a Dehumidifier

Name: Mike

City: St. Clair Shores

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: Joe you have help me out several times . I have a Whilpool model: AD25BSRO dehumidifier that is freezing up. Any ideas?

Hi Mike, 

Thanks for your note. Take the dehumidifier to the car wash and pour the water through it. Let it dry for a few days in the sun. It needs to be cleaned every year.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Leveling a Top Load Washer

Name: Monika

City: Clinton Township

Inquiry Type: Appliance repair question

Comments: Hi, Joe,

I have a Maytag top load washer, about 10 years old; it works wonderfully, except for it's constant desire to talk a 'walk'. We have leveled it time and time again. It works okay and then starts to shimmy and shake all over again. I have to open the lid, rebalance the load, and keep doing that until the load is completely done.  This all started a couple of years ago, around the time that one of the 'fins' on the lower part of the agitator inside the washer broke off. Could this be related? According to the two servicemen who have taken a look, it is not related. One thought we might have a 'snubber ring' problem, the other disagreed. We're researching online to see if it could be the springs or another situation. Hubby and I are handy with tools, and are ready to tackle whatever you suggest.

Your help is much appreciated!  Love your show!

Hi, Monika,

Thanks for your note. I don't know exactly what model you have but if it is the old style Maytag with 2 belts, here is the common problem. The four legs have a locking nut outside and inside the frame. These nuts will work loose after years and must be re-tightened. The washer must be leveled using a level and all the lock nuts secured.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon