Maytag, GE, Whirlpool Washer Door Adjustments

Most washers in todays markets are simple and top loading.  You lift the lid and load the unit and wash away.  But also in todays markets are front loading washers and of course all dryers are front loading machines.  The question of the day is, Can you switch the doors on the units so that they open and shut on opposite sides to make it more convenient?  I know this is not the answer anyone is looking for but the answer is both yes and no.

First thing to do is check out the machine and see if looks like it can be switched.  Simply put - Does the design allow the door to open in the other direction?  Some models like the older style Maytag front loaders allow you to change the door settings, others like some of the new front loaders don't allow this.  If you can't figure out if the doors can be switched then the best thing to do before breaking into the unit is to do some research.  The Company whether it's a Maytag product or GE product, etc. should be able to let you know.  

Here's a small piece of advice for all you new home buyers or new appliance purchasers.  If you want your doors opening a certain way at your home then check to see if they can be switched. If you buy the product that doesn't allow for the door to be changed then there is no way but to open the unit the way it was designed.  If you want the option at your home to open the door either way check out the sales man at your appliance store and ask them if the doors can be switched around to your needs.  This may decide what you ultimately buy. Convenience is why we have all our appliances in the first place, so why not capitalize on everything we can when buying new appliances.

MARS learns more - WP Cabrio, KM Oasis, MT Bravo, and GE Profile washer

My name is James. I'm a tech in training with MARS. Today I was sent to school, but I wasn't alone. Jake also attended. Jake is a Service Tech with almost 3 years experience. Here at MARS, we believe all our techs should keep up with the new technology, and there's always something new to be learned, no matter how many years you have under your belt. David, the owner with 20+ years of experience, recently attended a few seminars.

Appliances change every year. There's a new feature, new setting, new design, etc. Today, we were trained on the Whirlpool Cabrio, Maytag Bravo, and Kenmore Elite Oasis washers. We also broke down a $5,000 Dacor Wall Oven. Tomorrow, we'll be breaking down a GE Profile washer.

"I don't want someone coming to my house fresh out of school. I want an experienced appliance tech!" MARS technicians are trained and we've worked on these machines before. Even I, the Tech In Training, have worked on these machines. But, you can never learn enough.

This is why we say we offer you Service Beyond. It's our slogan, our standard, and, in a nutshell, our Mission Statement. We go above and beyond to offer you Service Beyond.

Can you overload your washer?

Well the answer is yes and no.  The complication is what machine do you have.  Some machines today are equipped to handle 18 pairs of jeans when others can only handle a hand full.  Machines that have transmissions in them like your old style agitator washers most likely can't handle as much as today's commercial and front loading machines.   Transmissions end up wearing down quickly with large loads and can cause parts of the machine to malfunction.  On the other hand a front loading machine or top load machine that provides the new style motors and assemblies don't have transmissions and therefore wear and tear doesn't happen as often.  

Many companies and Technicians might tell you that you're overloading the machine, when in reality you've loaded it like that for years.  Now all of sudden you can't load it like that anymore? That's not the case at all, many things in our lives like our cars or houses have wear and tear from natural sources of use.  As one of our friends calls it an Environmental problem. Nothing is made to last forever.  So next time a technician or anyone tells you that the problem that occurs was because you overloaded when you've packed in your clothes like this for years he's only trying to give you an excuse.   Materials fall apart and every appliance, car, electrical outlet, plumbing line, or HVAC unit will have to be fixed at sometime in its life and it's not because it was overloaded.

Now we switch to the other answer, yes you are overloading it.  Sometimes laundry invades our lives and it gets a little overwhelming.  So we throw everything in the washer at once and hope to do one cycle.  Now if this is not your normal operation and it messes up well you might have overloaded it.  Take some clothes out and start over.  If you have a high end appliance that measures the weight of the machine and the torque of the motor and it states that you are overloading it, well then you're overloading it.  Take out some clothes and start over.  If you just bought a brand new machine and you're loading it full of all the laundry that's been laying around for days and the machine stops and flashes a code it might be overloaded.  

So simply put if you've had a washer for years and you've loaded it the same for years then it's not gonna change even after a repair.  But if you just got an urge to throw everything in at the same time or you have a new machine with electronic controls then overloading is very possible.  

Moving Your Refrigerator Is A Hazard?

Last call of the day.  It's been a long, long day and our most experienced Tech Dave goes in to check out a Roper Refrigerator.  Roper is a small brand name made by Whirlpool and doesn't cost much to repair or even buy a new one.  So here's the situation.

The Frig was initially checked only to find it completely gone.  No cooling at all. 

Dave pulls the refrigerator out and goes to the back to check the heart (compressor) of the Roper. Bad news, compressor is shot.  It's gonna be expensive to fix because a whole new compressor would have to be installed.  With the customer an option of fixing an out of date Refrigerator or just replacing it with a new one he decides to replace.

Dave urges this for MARS doesn't like fixing anything if the customer isn't comfortable with it. And under this situation with a compressor failure the decision is, get a new one.  

So just push the Roper refrigerator back and write up a Service Call, right?  Not so fast.

Upon pushing the refrigerator back the water line that is not a plumber's line (Found at the MARS Parts Store) or a stainless steel water line (Also found at the MARS Parts Store) busts and water begins to immediately spray out of the line.  Dave responds grabbing the line and kinking it to stop the water, why?  Because no water shut off was behind the refrigerator. A water shut off is a faucet type or turn knob assembly that cuts and turns the water off from the wall.  This was not behind the refrigerator.  Instead the line traveled under the house which is also a plumber's hazard because if the line leaks under the house no one will ever know until someone goes under the house to see water everywhere.  This is why it is a plumber's hazard. Most refrigerators equipped with Ice Makers or Water have a line hooked up in the back and a shut off just in case something like Dave's situation occurs.  This allows the customer to simply pull the appliance out and shut off the water from the wall.  So anyone without a shutoff get a MARS Tech to come out and install at least a push-in water cut off.  This will be to your advantage.  So back to the hazard, Dave went outside and turned off the water to the house to stop the water leak.  

So simply moving the refrigerator wasn't simple at all.  It became a hazard quickly.  So if you don't have a water cut off behind the refrigerator get one installed.  Better safe then a flooded house.  And beware of moving your refrigerator.  Make sure you have the correct water line installed along with a good water cut off.  Then you can do all the spring cleaning you want without water getting in the way.  

Call MARS and we'll get you hooked up with all the water lines and cut offs you need today!

A MONSTER IN THE MAKING

Today we encountered a dinosaur of a dryer/washer combo machine.  The machine was an electrolux machine at an age between 10 to 15 years old.  The dryer was making a loud noise when turned on.  This was a problem not only for the customer but also the landlord.  We quickly responded and learned of the problem only to find out that not only did this current problem exist but the machine had been taken apart before by either a handyman or non-professional.  Screws were all in the wrong place, the frame was bent in every direction and the balance was completely off.

So what did we do?

Well here at MARS we do offer SERVICE BEYOND!

We not only fixed the noise issue, but we took the time to tear down this monster that not only physically beat us up but also took some of our time thinking about how it was supposed to be put together.  We not only put the machine back together, but we corrected all the other problems that were created by the past visitors.  Carefully arranging the sheet metal we took on the Monster of the day and put a hammer to the frame and some muscle into the tools.  This I have to say is what makes MARS the difference in its competitors.  We don't leave until we feel the job is right.  If it isn't then we are going to let you know and fix it whether we have to order a part or come back with help. 

After everything was done we adjusted, adjusted, and adjusted to make the Monster of a Dryer work at its top performance.  Today we provided service beyond expectations of our customer and made his noisy day a little quieter.  GOT A NOISY MONSTER?  Call MARS. 

Change your filter!

Filters are great. They filter stuff. But, all that "stuff" doesn't just disappear. And a filter is only good for an uncertain amount of time. It just depends on how much "stuff" it filters. Imagine making coffee every morning for the next six months with the same filter. Filters have to be changed. I cannot stress this enough.

Today, I walked into a home that was in the middle of restoration. There was a new plywood floor where a beautiful hardwood floor used to be. On top of it, the new hardwood was being nailed in. In the kitchen, all that stood was a refrigerator. No cabinets. No stove. Not even the kitchen sink. The entire kitchen and downstairs floor had to be stripped. Beds, couches, tables, dressers, desks....anything on the bottom floor had to be moved out. All because of a refrigerator filter. And when I opened the refrigerator door, the filter indicator light was RED.

Over a period of time, "stuff" will build up within the filter. The water coming in doesn't flow through the filter as easily, causing the pressure to build. The water pressure starts to eat away at the rubber gaskets, which will eventually cause an eruption. The aftermath will look like something I described in the second paragraph.

Water is very dangerous. It can silently drip and puddle and move through a house like liquid termites. First you hear the floor creaking, then you fall through it. This might be a little extreme, but it's very real. If you constantly use the water through the door, or use a lot of ice, I would recommend changing the filter on your refrigerator every six months.

If you need a filter, you can come on down to MARS Parts Store. We keep most brands' filters in stock. We're located at 855 W College St., Suite W, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129. There are other places that have filters, but do any of those places have a Blog? I thought so :)

Can I lay my fridge down?

This is in relation to my last post, and will be a quick tip. Do not lay your fridge down on its back or side. Laying a fridge down doesn't necessarily damage the fridge. Most fridge's will do just fine AFTER being upright and OFF for 24-48 hours after being laid down. However, this could potentially shorten the life of your fridge. It's just best not to lay down your fridge.

Inside the coils of your fridge is freon and oil. The oil is there to lubricate the compressor. If your fridge is laid down, the oil runs out of the compressor and into the maze of coils of the fridge. Imagine draining all your oil from your car's engine, and starting it up.

And that's our Quick Tip.

Frigidaire Compressor

We are one of the few appliance companies in our area that deal with Sealed Systems. What's a Sealed System? The actual term is "Hermetically Sealed." (A.K.A - Airtight) The tin can of corn in your pantry is hermetically sealed. Ok, back to the fridge. The compressor, that black tank-looking thing at the bottom of your fridge, is your fridge's heart. This is what pushes the freon through the veins (coils) of the fridge, and there are many different scenarios that could cause a compressor to go bad.

If any air or moisture enters the Sealed System, you'll be buying a new compressor or refrigerator in no time. That's crazy, huh? It's true. The manual I was reading today stated it takes less than 10 minutes of exposure to the "outside world" to damage a Sealed System.

To work on sealed systems, you must be EPA Certified. Jake is a MARS Service Technician that is EPA Certified and who has successfully repaired several sealed systems, as well as removed and installed compressors. Recently, Jake and I have repaired five Frigidaire compressors. This is not stating that Frigidaire makes a substandard product. We work on other brands more than Frigidaire, we're simply stating a statistic of our business.

To check us out, please go to www.marsboro.com.

My fridge smells!

It sounds crazy, and there's a large population that already know this trick, but you can get the smell out of your fridge by using newspaper. Just wad up a sheet of newspaper and stuff it in there. You'll usually need it if your fridge has been turned off for a while.

Newspaper, in some cases, is almost better than baking soda. Make sure to properly position the newspaper inside the fridge. You don't want the paper leaning against the side. You might come back and peel it off to find an ink stain of the comic section on the inside wall.

Another newspaper tip --- it can ripen tomatoes! Wrap up a tomato in your favorite section, and watch it ripen. And if you can't find anything else to do with it, you can always read it.

MARS In Motion

Our business is moving along. Now, we'll be headed to your home in our new Ford E150's. We purchased these vans because it allows us to transport more parts. This means a quicker repair for our customers. The MARS-Vans are coming!

We hope that our prices and service will continue to attract customers and, more importantly, keep the customers we have calling us back. Speaking of customers calling us, we had a customer call and indirectly ask us to condemn their appliance. When I asked for more info, I was told their appliance had been blown out of the back of their vehicle on the way home from the store.

They were told their insurance would cover it, but this customer made it clear they didn't want it fixed. I was told that we were recommended, and our assistance would be appreciated. I explained we could send a Tech out to diagnose the problem and give an estimate of repair. I was given a list of other Service Call Costs from this customer, to which I replied we were the cheapest of the companies. This did not appease the customer, and after one last try - this one being a little more direct - I was hung up on.

We're a small company, and our reputation is everything. We are not in business to be deceitful or unethical. We are in business to provide a service at competitive prices. We are in the business of appliance repair. Repair being the key word. There are some appliances we haven't been able to fix. But, I'd say we repair about 99% of the appliances we service. The last resort is to condemn an appliance. Unfortunately, this customer wanted it to be our first resort.

MARS is in motion, and currently services Rutherford County, Tennessee and surrounding areas.

What's the problem?

"Well, what was the problem?" Let's be frank. We protect our company by not offering information on our repairs. We will never tell you how we tested and diagnosed an appliance. I think I gave a little too much info on the Frigidaire Not Frigid post. We do this, not only to protect our business, but also to protect our customers. We do not want someone trying to perform a repair based on our instructions and injure themselves.

We are trained, certified, and professional. We take pride in our service. We diagnose the whole problem, not just what broke. We stand by our work and warranty the parts for one year. We work on many different appliances everyday. We continue our education in appliance repair by attending seminars on new technology and techniques. When we come to the door, 99% of the time we already know the inside and out of your appliance and have the knowledge or part to fix it.

Let the burden be on us. Let us offer you Service Beyond.

In The Clutch

- Repaired Maytag Neptune TL Washer - Clutch
- Repaired Maytag Washer - Stem seal

"You only did 2 jobs today?" No. I only list a couple of the highlights of the day. We are a small business consisting of three technicians, and one is in training. If we repair an icemaker or put in a thermostat, that's just a common fix.

But, today, I learned how to properly diagnose, remove, clean, and replace a Washer Stem Seal Boot and Gasket. By far, this is the hardest job I've encountered so far. As you may have guessed, yes, I am the tech in training.

We overnighted a clutch for a customer after diagnosing it yesterday. We didn't have one at the store, but California had 100! However, as good as we are, there were several signs that something else may be wrong with the Neptune. If we order the part, which isn't cheap, and it doesn't work, we're stuck with part and the customer is upset. Not to mention we'd be liable for the Overnight Shipping charge of $40!

This morning, we expected our part to arrive by 10am. No part. 11am. No Part. The repair appointment is set for 2pm. We call the carrier and they apologize, but say it should be there by 3pm. The tension mounts between the office manager, the carrier, and the techs. Just as we are about to bite the bullet and notify the customer, the carrier arrives at 12:30pm. Home free, right? No. Before we arrive, the customer calls and says he's having a dinner party, so our repair time is restricted to an hour or less.

What if our diagnosis wasn't entirely correct? What if the new part doesn't work? The customer will be without a washer for another week or two. What if we can't figure out the problem? We had some doubt, but were pretty sure we tested everything. We pickup the part and call the customer, who has to leave work. We arrive and remove the clutch. We install the new clutch...and...whew...it works. That was a "clutch" repair. Ha ha...

What is Marsboro?

Marsboro refers to our website http://www.marsboro.com. The name is a combination of our hometown, Murfreesboro, TN and our company name MARS, which stands for Murfreesboro Appliance Repair Service.

Frigidaire Fridge not frigid

- Installed and Disposed of Dishwasher
- Repaired Off-Balance Whirlpool Roper Washer
- Repaired Kenmore Dryer not heating
- Diagnosed and Condemned a Frigidaire Fridge

Today we had two jobs on rental properties. The first was a dishwasher install and disposal. If you purchase your dishwasher from Lowe's or HH Gregg, we can pick it up, bring it to your home, install it, and haul your old one away. We make it as easy as possible.

The second was a Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. On a previous service call, we found the compressor was shot. Any work done on refrigerator's sealed system lines (the silver and copper coils that freon run through) has to be done by an EPA Certified technician.

We returned today with the proper tools and tapped into the line, and to our surprise, there was no freon in the unit. We purged the lines and found that the evaporator coil had a leak. This meant a new coil and compressor would be required. We told the Rental Company that we could repair the unit, but it would in their best interest to replace the fridge.

We'll add more to our blogs once we get going. Until then, visit the MARS Parts Store at 855 W College St., Suite W, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129. Also, come and visit marsboro.com.

Welcome

The MARS Men of Murfreesboro, Tennessee are growing, and may be coming to your door soon. So, we wanted to introduce ourselves to the online community and let you know, daily, what we've repaired. This will be an online memo about daily experiences.

We may inform you about a recall or even some common fixes. If you're having some appliance trouble and happen to see that we've repaired an appliance like yours, give us a call at 615.890.4334.