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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: frugaliknowit on November 26, 2017, 10:02:13 AM

Title: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: frugaliknowit on November 26, 2017, 10:02:13 AM
HI pal mustachians!

I'm in a "bit of a pickle" on what to do about my POS (excuse my "French") dishwasher.  A bit of background:

1.  I live in a huge mid rise condo complex riddled with rules.  One of them is any contractor which steps foot in your unit must file a certificate of insurance with the management.  While this theoretically shouldn't be a big deal, please understand that there are multiple "cooks in the soup" with this process, such that it can be anywhere from a P in the A to a nightmare to get it done. 
2.  I am dealing with a very reputable appliance dealer who consistently gives great prices on the new stuff, repairs the stuff it sells, has an insurance certificate with the management already, and the big plus:  They do deliveries, installations, and repairs ON SATURDAY (yipeeeeee!). 
3.  For the above reasons, I am not going to shop this.
4.  I am DONE youtubing, and am not going to attempt to fix it myself (I've already been doing maintenance:  cleaning the filter, replaced the upper blade when it was clogged, but that's as far as I go, not interested in the learning curve).

That said, here's my case:

Purchased 5 years ago:

GE GLDA690PBB (ADA sized) Price:  $499
Parts:    $10
Installation:  $119
Tax (Chicago!):  $44.54

Total:  $672.54

Repair:

Labor: $164 (1/2 credit if I buy a new one...Makes sense because they have to come out twice in total if they repair)

Drain hose with clamps:  $20.05
Drain pump with clamps:  $84.74
Sump clamping nut:  $5.23
Sump gasket:  $6.43
Sump and clamps:  $14.49

Total Parts:  $130.94

Tax $12.76

Total:  $307.70

New:

Installation:  $169 (ouch!)

Probably a Bosch 300 series on sale for $719 (minus 5% discount) or  $683 plus 10.25% tax
which should be about $ 753.06 minus $82 for half of the service call

$840.06

I am already "into the repair" to the tune of $82 (for comparative purposes) so the question is:

1.  Do I replace for $840.06 more ($82 or 50% of service call would be credited)?
2.  Do I repair for $ 225.70 more (Total parts and labor of $307.70.  Actual incremental outlay is $130.94 as I already gave them $164, 50% of which could be credited towards a new machine).

I am thinking if I get another 2 years out of this machine without another major repair, I am breaking even.  If I have to call them out again prior to that, I "got hosed"....what do you guys think?

Thanks for your help!!




Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: Goldielocks on November 26, 2017, 10:12:14 AM
You could buy a used one from CL and install it yourself?

Then sell your old one for $100?
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: scottish on November 26, 2017, 02:28:34 PM
I don't think dishwashers are very heavily constructed anymore.   Ours sprung a leak after a reno.   Well more like  a drip then a sprung leak.

As near as I can figure, something on the bottom must have been bumped during the reno and bent sufficiently to start the leak.   I examined the replacement part and it was pretty light-weight sheet metal.

Use caution when buying a pre-owned model.
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: FINate on November 26, 2017, 03:28:04 PM
If you repair yourself you'll likely save a lot on parts. The drain pump (part wd26x10032) is $57 via Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/GE-WD26X10032-Drain-Clamps-Dishwasher/dp/B004H3XSG4) vs. the $85 you quoted. My guess is that the repair people quote the list price and pocket the difference if they can get for cheaper. In the spirit of MMM and learning new skills, I think it's worth a try repairing yourself. It may take a bit more time and you may not succeed, but you will learn from trying, and fixing dishwashers is a sure money saver in the future.

However, if you decide not to attempt a fix I still think you should hire someone to repair it. Breaking even in 2 years seems likely and it's much better for the environment to repair appliances when possible instead of discarding and buying new.
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: Cranky on November 26, 2017, 04:51:29 PM
Does this dishwasher have electronics? How vital is it to your household routine?

It’s a tough call these days - as soon as some motherboard dies, it costs a lot to repair. I replaced a 5 year old dishwasher this summer and I was annoyed about it. But we run it at least once/day and I’d rather schedule stuff like that at a convenient time.
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: Retire-Canada on November 27, 2017, 12:16:08 PM
When the dishwasher that came with our house died my GF started looking for a replacement. I pointed to the sink and said how about we do dishes in the sink. That was 5yrs+ ago and the sink is working pretty well. I've had a few dishwashers over the years that came with houses and apartments and honestly I just never really understood the appeal.

So maybe just leave the dishwasher as is and use the sink for a while and see how it goes?
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: frugaliknowit on November 28, 2017, 09:14:24 AM
Does this dishwasher have electronics? How vital is it to your household routine?

It’s a tough call these days - as soon as some motherboard dies, it costs a lot to repair. I replaced a 5 year old dishwasher this summer and I was annoyed about it. But we run it at least once/day and I’d rather schedule stuff like that at a convenient time.

Pretty vital.  I save quite a bit of time via the dishwasher, especially on weekends when I need to hand wash 3X per day.
Title: Re: Dishwasher: Repair or replace?
Post by: frugaliknowit on November 28, 2017, 09:15:45 AM
When the dishwasher that came with our house died my GF started looking for a replacement. I pointed to the sink and said how about we do dishes in the sink. That was 5yrs+ ago and the sink is working pretty well. I've had a few dishwashers over the years that came with houses and apartments and honestly I just never really understood the appeal.

So maybe just leave the dishwasher as is and use the sink for a while and see how it goes?

I hear you, but nope, hand washing takes too long.  I run the DW once per day.  The only task is unloading it.