Sears Repair Service & "Vintage" Washing Machines

So here's the deal:

Pump or at least the pump valve wants changing on my Whirlpool LC4900. Have decided to call in a professional since one has neither the time nor expertise for the job.

My first choice was to ring up Sears Repair, since not only did Sears sell a similar washer under the "Kenmore" brand (made by Whirlpool), but one could place the entire service call and charges for any parts on my Sears credit card. Plan on having the belt looked at whilst the cabinet is off and possibly replaced, and also whatever else might want attention.

Only fly in the ointment seems to be that one cannot find anyone with anything decent to say about Sear's repair service locally. Most complain of having to wait days for an appointment, only to have someone show up and either mess about the job and or tell them something they already know and leave. All of which one is charged a rather hefty fee just for walking into the door.

In contrast we have a local independent washing machine repairman who has been in business for over thirty years. He does not take credit cards but does give a one year warranty on his work.


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Post# 390808 11/4/2009 at 18:43 (5,286 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes So here's the deal: Pump or at least the pump valve wants changing on my Whirlpool LC4900. Have decided to call in a professional since one has neither the time nor expertise for the job. My first choice was to ring up Sears Repair, since not only did Sears sell a similar washer under the "Kenmore" brand (made by Whirlpool), but one could place the entire service call and charges for any parts on my Sears credit card. Plan on having the belt looked at whilst the cabinet is off and possibly replaced, and also whatever else might want attention. Only fly in the ointment seems to be that one cannot find anyone with anything decent to say about Sear's repair service locally. Most complain of having to wait days for an appointment, only to have someone show up and either mess about the job and or tell them something they already know and leave. All of which one is charged a rather hefty fee just for walking into the door. In contrast we have a local independent washing machine repairman who has been in business for over thirty years. He does not take credit cards but does give a one year warranty on his work.

Post# 390810 , Reply# 1 11/4/2009 at 18:45 (5,286 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)
Checkrate/Likes When possible, I ALWAYS support small business.

Post# 390823 , Reply# 2 11/4/2009 at 19:16 (5,286 days old) by rll70sman (Hastings, Minnesota)
Checkrate/Likes Oh, I agree with goatfarmer all the way! Sears seems to think its time is more valuable than anyone else's. I don't know about other folks on here, but most people just can't drop everything and get out of work to run home and wait for an appliance technician to show up in a four- or five-hour time frame. I'd much rather call up my local repairman and be given a specific time in which to expect him. If they're going to run later than expected, they usually have the common courtesy to call. Sometimes they come earlier than expected, which is even better!

Post# 390824 , Reply# 3 11/4/2009 at 19:23 (5,286 days old) by alr2903 (TN)
Checkrate/Likes Launderess I would go with the local guy, chances are the Sears tech has never seen or touched a portable like yours. alr2903

Post# 390832 , Reply# 4 11/4/2009 at 19:45 (5,286 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes *Yes, That Is What One Is Thinking As Well* Just need to wait for the NIB parts to arrive (several pumps and belts), to have all on hand.