The washing machine has been making grinding sounds the last couple of weeks. The washer has (mainly) worked well since it was fixed (okay, re-fixed), so I decided I would let it die a graceful death.
Tuesday, after loading the towels up, the washer started like normal. I went down a while later and didn't hear it running, so checked it out; it was shut off while still in the fill position. Thinking that I had stopped it and failed to re-start it, I turned it back on.
A while later I went down, it had turned itself off. After fiddling with it a while, I decided to try to let it run thru the cycle with the water that was in it; it would hum for a bit (no rotation of the drum), then turn off, I tried the spin cycle - nothing but humming, then turn off. I tried unplugging it so the computer could re-set. I tried a couple of different settings (that has worked in the past) - the same results. I did get it to siphon the water out, so I took the soapy, soaking wet towels out and hung them on the line (only took 2 days to dry).
Since WS is working massive overtime (plus Saturdays), I have pet-sitting and other things taking up my time, I couldn't even make it to a store to order a washer. No problem, I'll order off of the Internet. After a bit of research on ratings for different front-loaders , I had my selections narrowed down to 2 different washers: an LG and a Whirlpool. Naturally my first pick wasn't in stock, anywhere - wouldn't even let me order it. So my second pick, Whirlpool Duet 4.0 (with 14 settings), was ordered and delivery scheduled for Saturday. my confirmation email said that they would call Friday night between 6 and 9 to give me the delivery time.
Thursday I got home and there were two messages from Sears' automated system saying that there was important information about my order, please call their number.
I did and their automated system had a problem recognizing my phone number. Now mind you, this is the same automated system that left me TWO messages at the same phone number. I finally got kicked to a live person because the automated system could not find me. The live person had trouble finding my order because the phone number wasn't in the system, but the confirmation number, along with my zip code could bring up the information quite readily. After much hemming and hawing (and hold time), I was told that the system would call me Friday night to arrange a delivery time on Saturday. When I queried as to why the system had left me two messages, there was no answer, only the repeat that it was showing a Saturday delivery.
Friday night came, and no phone call from the system to arrange delivery time. I called them back and went thru the same ordeal (no, the phone number is bad, have to kick you to a live person). After being on hold for 20 minutes (our phones show how long the line is open), I got a live person. we went thru everything again, finally getting to zip code and confirmation number to find me in the system. After being on hold ANOTHER 20 minute (yes, the total time I was on the phone was for over 45 minutes), I was told that the delivery was scheduled for between 8:15 and 10:15.
Saturday morning, with no real expectations on my part, the delivery guys showed up at 8:30. The took out the old washer, brought in the new one, hooked it up, leveled it, instructed me on how to use it and were on their merry way 15-20 minutes later. The were very nice, cheerful, polite and just a general joy to have as delivery personnel.
10 minutes after they left, the first load was up and running. I can only hope it will last longer than the last washer did.
Wow! I did not have high hopes for a good ending to your tale. The washer looks good. I hope it gives you many, may years of flawless service!
Posted by: Cop Car | July 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
n
(Insert the above, as required.)
Posted by: Cop Car | July 20, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Believe me, I didn't have high hopes for a good ending to the story!
This is the 3rd washer we've had since being in this house (20 years), I don't have high hopes for "many, many years" of service (much less flawless), but it still beats going to the laundry mat.
Posted by: bogie | July 21, 2008 at 03:54 AM