When it rains it pours, at least with home repairs and electronics! It seems that if one appliance is going to go bad, two more fall apart very shortly.
The printer/scanner/copier/fax machine we use in the office has been getting more and more persnickety. I have finally adjusted to the need for this equipment, and probably couldn't do without one now. So, after a brief discussion with the bosses, it was decided that we will shift this machine to the shop where they can use it as a copier, and we will get a new machine for the office.
That wasn't so bad, was it?
Then, last week, I realized that the dishwasher just wasn't doing it's job. It's roughly six years old, and is a Maytag, so of course, I'd like to believe their advertising about not needing maintenance. Hmpf. Finally it was bad enough that I called to arrange another service visit. I think my guys were shocked when they realized we would be returning to old-fashioned dish washing. I did the lion's share, but I wasn't shy about asking for help.
Tuesday, the service guy appeared, and worked with the machine for close to an hour before his boss called to find out where the heck he was! I had already figured out that his specialty wasn't dishwashers. He was doing a fine job, but you could see he wasn't used to doing it. Ultimately, he ordered the parts and said he thought they might have it up and running by Friday. And so they did!
The BOSS came out and had the parts swapped in fifteen minutes. While he was working on the dishwasher, I groused that just this morning the key pad on my microwave had died. He said that it was cheaper to buy a new one that it was to have it serviced. That's rather what I thought. When he stood up to go, he walked over to the microwave, unplugged it, plugged it back in, and waited a few moments before he entered the time. Sure enough, he got it to start again.
I asked him what the charge was for repairing it, and he said, "Nothing." Whatta guy! We talked about the clock on the oven that hasn't been working. His estimate on the cost to repair it was right in line with a previous estimate. BUT, he was able to tell me why the door of the oven "closes funny." There's a hinge that's wearing out. It would cost me another $25 on top of the charge for the clock to get that fixed. I think he may have a deal. I figure he saved me the cost of a new microwave, at least for a while.
Too bad that he can't replace the CD player on our very famous brand name music machine.
Copier/Fax, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven, CD player..... It's time to stop! That's more than three.
Comments (10)
I too noticed how things tend to break down all at the same time.
I moved in this flat seven years ago, and seven years ago, my washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner were brand new. My drier broke down a couple of months ago, now it's my dishwasher, and the washing machine is showing some signs of weakness.
Does this mean --besides the fact that I have to buy all these anew -- that today's machines are meant to last seven years and no more?
Posted by Claude | February 3, 2007 2:36 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 02:36
I would have told you it was $50 just for repairing the microwave - just to see the look on your face - LOL!
Posted by bogie | February 3, 2007 6:07 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 06:07
With every appliance now having an embedded computer chip of some sort (and, even before that, having electronics with built in electrical surge protectors), unplugging an appliance and plugging it back in is the first step in diagnosing a problem. Just as re-booting sorts out some problems with our computer softwares, re-booting sorts out some problems with our appliance soft/firmwares. Unfortunately, that doesn't help hinges. Oh, well...we can only expect so much. At least you didn't pay an arm and a leg for the advice that the technician's boss gave you. Not too shabby!
Posted by Cop Car | February 3, 2007 7:33 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 07:33
Thanks, Cop Car. It's a lesson I will strive to remember. I don't know why I didn't transfer what I know about computers to the computer in the microwave. There seems to be a lot of that non-transference in my life right now. Yeah.....the boss was really great. I'm sure he knows that help like that assures him of customers in the future, but I think that's only fair. Besides, my dishwasher is working great! A two-fer! For that alone I'd call him again.
Posted by buffy | February 3, 2007 9:24 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 09:24
Isn't that always the case Buffy? It's like they plan it....an Appliance Conspiracy. I think they have secret meetings at night while we sleep. Well, you should be good for a long time now...until the next attack.
Posted by Joy | February 3, 2007 9:40 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 09:40
Claude, I do think they may be engineered to last just so long. Look at the clothes that are "Wear-dated." They are guaranteed for just one year. Whatever happend to workmanship? I had to replace a dishwasher that was twelve years old, or so, and my sisters were amazed that I had managed to get it to work so long!
The drawback about buying everything new about the same time is that they all die about the same time, and then you restart the cycle, buying all new appliances to replace them.
Good luck with your shopping.
Posted by buffy | February 3, 2007 11:41 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 11:41
Bogie, you have a wicked sense of humor! *G* I'd have paid it, I think. I'm really glad to have my microwave back!
Posted by buffy | February 3, 2007 11:42 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 11:42
OMG! Appliance Conspiracy! I suppose one of us will have to be awake all the time to prevent them from having the chance to communicate.
Wait.....is the office computer the ring leader? I bet he's reaching out and organizing the conspiracy! (muttering) (reaching for the computer plug...) *G*
THanks for putting things in perspective, Joy! *G*
Posted by buffy | February 3, 2007 11:45 AM
Posted on February 3, 2007 11:45
wear-dated clothing? Never seen such a thing (and certainly wouldn't buy it!).
Posted by bogie | February 4, 2007 8:24 AM
Posted on February 4, 2007 08:24
Bogie, Monsanto makes a line of "Wear-dated" clothing. I suspect they also make a line of wear-dated carpeting. I think the clothing is mostly for kids, but don't quote me on that.
Unfortunately, my microwave will have to be replaced. It has to be unplugged several times a day, and restarted. This morning Dear Husband couldn't get the clock to restart. More than half an hour later, it worked for me. So...it's on it's last legs. One more thing to go shopping for. (sigh)
Posted by buffy | February 4, 2007 3:50 PM
Posted on February 4, 2007 15:50