Appliances & appliance repair

[astromeria]

Thanks, Martha & Jeff<blush>! C'mon down and set a spell--I just had the lower (baking) element of my oven replaced this morning, so I'm back in the peach cobbler business

[Scrooge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astromeria I just had the lower (baking) element of my oven replaced this morning, so I'm back in the peach cobbler business*

Oh, that reminds me that mine burned out <blush> many years ago. How much do they cost to have replaced these days and is it something that your average clueless computer nerd can do without making a big hole in the floor?

[astromeria]

It cost $120 including labor (~half), but we have a kinda fancy stove--30" Thermador dual fuel--gas cooktop w/elec oven--so the part proably cost twice as much as a normal stove and was twice as complex to replace. My DH is a computer nerd too, but above-average in the handyman department, and I think he could've done it, but he's never done this before and might not know how on this stove. But school started today and he wasn't here when the part came in. At the same time I had a dishwasher problem fixed--and this fix was more complex and might've been beyond DH, even though he has installed dishwashers himself. It was an electrical rather than a plumbing problem with the controls on the lower drawer of our Fisher Paykel 2-drawer dishwasher...stupid high-end appliances!!

(1) Turn off the oven's circuit breaker.
(2) Know what to disassemble in your stove and have the knowhow and tools to do it.
(3) Have a hemostat handy to grab the very short wire after disconnecting the old element.
(4) Attach the new element (I couldn't see how from my position).
(5) Test.
(6) Flip circuit breaker back on.

The whole process took maybe 10-15 minutes. Ditto for the dishwasher. This is the same guy who installed our appliances and has come out a few times for various issues. He's a wonderful conversationalist, so I confess to enjoying his company despite the bill.

MORAL For proper LBYM and successful FIRE, get ordinary appliances

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astromeria (3) Have a hemostat handy to grab the very short wire after disconnecting the old element.

What a great idea! This probably works a lot better than locking vice grips... I'll have to add a couple to my toolbox. Thanks!

[Scrooge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astromeria My DH is a computer nerd too, but above-average in the handyman department

Well, I am not just your average computer nerd. At one point I managed to acquire a science degree along the way as well as minor in liberal arts. Appliances have been known to explode whenever I looked at them funny!

Quote:

MORAL* *For proper LBYM and successful FIRE, get ordinary appliances*

Thanks for the advice! [wanders off to call a handyman]

[astromeria]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrooge Appliances have been known to explode whenever I looked at them funny!

I've often wondered if I give off some sort of rays that disable mechanical and electrical devices. Most hubbies would ban such a wife from their favorite electronics, etc, but not mine--he insists that I not only use them but help fix them (add computer memory, drill holes...). I think his theory is that if I make friends with the devices they will like me better

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astromeria I think his theory is that if I make friends with the devices they will like me better*

Another theory is that he's trying to train you to shoulder your half of the repair load...

[Scrooge]

I don't have a problem with computer hardware and consumer electronics. I can usually get them to work if I spend the time needed to translate Japanese English into American English. I am not sure what it is about appliances that makes them different. Too much input from mechanical engineers, perhaps?

[HFWR]

Yes, roach clips hemostats are handy to have...

I think most oven elements will be connected to the wiring via spade-type connectors that slip on or screw on.

As with ANY electrical repair, test the circuit with a meter before beginning, or RE could mean "roasted early".

[samclem]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astromeria MORAL For proper LBYM and successful FIRE, get ordinary appliances

Wow, another appliance repair discussion! Here's my chance to offer a plug (again) for the amazing Staber washing machine. Designed to be easily repaired (nothing that can't be reached from the front, etc), built like a tank, and uses very little water due to the horizontal axis of the drum. And, manufactured by a small company right in Ohio. I think we've had ours for about a year now, it is working great.