DIY for the win
Yesterday I was able to fix our four-year-old "high efficiency" clothes washer myself. Besides a $79 part (the door lock - apparently front-load washers are notorious for those failing), it took all of five minutes, thanks to a video on YouTube. Earlier this year I was able to fix our dishwasher by replacing a valve and our water heater by replacing both elements plus the under-spec'ed circuit breaker that kept throwing and causing the elements to burn out prematurely. Again, in both cases it was not just the Internet that helped me figure out what was wrong, but that also showed me via pictures or video how to fix it and convinced me I could do it myself. Whatever did we do without it?
And given that I figure I have saved myself around $500 in service calls this year alone, I wonder how long before Corporate America puts a stop to it?
3 comments:
I agree. Despite how many trillions of hours people waste on the internet each day doing absolutely nothing, for those of us with autodidactic inclinations, it is a treasure trove beyond compare.
The pump motor on my swimming pool died a few weeks back. Rather than replacing the entire pump for over $500 (plus additional expenses I would have incurred for replacing the PVC pipe and other stuff that would be involved) I found the pump motor online for about $200, and a very detailed video on YouTube showing step by step exactly how to replace it. I didn't have to replace pipes or anything either -- the motor detached and slid out of the pump housing in about 5 minutes, once I knew how to do it. :-)
As far as someone in Corporate America trying to put a stop to it -- not sure it can be done at this point. I think maybe the genie is out of the bottle. At least I hope so. Smart Corporate America is learning how to capitalize on it. The swimming pool supply store that I ordered my pump motor from online was the same one that had posted the helpful how-to video on YouTube, FTW!
Also, since you mentioned it -- do you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of the front-load machines? Our washer and dryer are starting to show their age, and at some point we'll be shopping for replacements. I notice that they are really pushing the front-load models at all the stores, but was concerned about the door locks and possibly the seals, as far as reliability and long-term wear. Thanks!
CH,
Someone else asked me that question on Facebook and here's what I replied:
"I would now counsel against one (and I got ours on sale for about half off). Three reasons: 1) They are more expensive as is the detergent, so you're going to take a LONG time to make back any savings on water. 2) You have to pre-treat a LOT more, because it just doesn't do as good of a job on stains. 3) From my research on the Internets and talking to the guy at the appliance parts place, the door latches (which is what I had to replace) goes out on them OFTEN (ours is less than four years old)."
Even a friend who then posted a follow-up defending hers brought more issues to the table:
"Ok, I am going to be the only "he" fan on here...here goes. We got our front load machines because he had to stack them (due to limited space). I really do like them, especially with the dryer on the top. But, if you overfill my washer some water will leak out, and you have to leave the door open to completely dry out the rubber gasket or it will mold. I've found a good detergent for the same $. I love the 28 minute cycle...my favorite feature!"
So, I'd think you can tell where I land now. :)
Thanks for the info, that's good to know. It pretty much confirms the suspicions that both my wife and I had about them.
Just because something is trending for a while doesn't always mean it's the best thing available.
And I guess I should get on Facebook from time to time. I don't think I've been on there in a couple of weeks.
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