HOW TO REPAIR A DISHWASHER

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The control panels on the latest dishwashers can look intimidating. They’re loaded with so many dials, push buttons, and other features that the machine looks too complex to repair. This is actually not the case. With the exception of the control panel, dishwashers haven’t changed much in basic design over the last two decades. You can repair most dishwasher malfunctions yourself, and we’ll discuss tips for do-it-yourself service and maintenance in this article.

Dishwasher parts can be replaced as a unit, which is often easier and less expensive than having a professional service person make repairs. If you aren’t sure a part is still usable, remove it from the dishwasher and take it to a professional for testing. You can then decide whether to buy a new part or have the old one repaired on the basis of the repair estimate.

­Dishwashers usually run on 115-volt or 120-volt power. The water they use comes directly from the water heater, and wastewater is drained into the sink’s drainpipe. The dishwasher is not connected to the cold-water supply. For best dishwashing results, set the temperature control of the water heater to no less than 140 degrees Farenheit. Water cooler than this usually doesn’t get the dishes clean, unless your dishwasher is a newer model that preheats incoming water. The water shutoff for the dishwasher is typically located below the adjoining sink.

Caution: Because the dishwasher is connected to both the plumbing system and the electrical system, you must consider both systems when working on this appliance. Before doing any work on the dishwasher, make sure the unit is unplugged or the power to the unit is turned off, and remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker that controls the circuit at the main entrance panel or at a separate panel. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher at the shutoff in the basement or crawl space under the kitchen.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your dishwasher!

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(415) 831-1259 San Francisco
(415) 388-0690 Marin County
(650) 525-0512 South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

 

DON’T PUT GRANNY’S GLASSWARE IN THE DISHWASHER

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Most dishwashers have a gentle cycle but if you treasure your grandmother’s china or crystal, it’s best to clean them the old-fashioned way, by hand. Our experts offer this advice.

When hand washing your fine china and porcelain, line the sink with an old towel to prevent chipping and use a mild dish detergent. Here are some other items that can be damaged or ruined if put in the dishwasher.

Wood. Wooden cutting board, salad bowls and spoons may swell and warp or crack.
Kitchen knives. Putting table knives in the dishwasher is fine but avoid washing your fine cutlery in the machine as the knives may become dull.
Gold. Gold-plated dishes or dishes or flatware with gold trim can become discolored or the trim may even wash away.
Crystal. Fine crystal is sensitive to heat and may crack. The detergent may also etch the glasses, causing them to lose their brilliance.
China. Expensive china, especially pieces with a pattern, may become worn with repeated washings.
Metal. Keep anything made of pewter, brass or bronze out of the dishwasher as it will tarnish.

 

QUICK FIXES FOR BROKEN ICE MAKER

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The most common problems with a refrigerator ice maker are the following:

1.) Producing hollow or thin ice

2.) Failure to produce ice at all

As we welcome in warmer weather and cooler drinks that need ice, here are three possible quick fixes to keep in mind, should you have a troublesome maker:

Make sure the freezer’s temperature is zero degrees F (-18⁰ C) or lower.

A freezer’s temperature should be zero (-18⁰ C) to 10 degrees F (-12⁰ C). If you discover the temperature is above this range, your refrigerator may be having difficulty properly removing heat from the unit. The most common culprit for this is dirty condenser coils. Coils attract dust, dirt and pet fur. Accumulated layers make it harder for the coils to release heat. Making the coils work harder means greater energy consumption and higher bills for you – and eventually, rising temperatures and failures.

Simple fix: Clean those coils! Condenser coils are mostly commonly found beneath the refrigerator unit. These should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months. If you have pets, you may need to increase cleaning frequency to every six months. If your dog is like our dogs, the front of the refrigerator is favorite hangout spot.

On most models, you can access these radiator-like coils by removing the bottom grill or kick-panel located at the front or an access panel at the back. A flashlight will be helpful in this dark area to prevent any damage to the fan. Using your vacuum’s crevice attachment or a convenient long hose attachment, carefully remove dust and fur on and around the coil. We like this one because it’s also great for cleaning beneath other large appliances. Be sure to remove stubborn dirt by gently running a long-handled bristle brush over the coil. Vacuum again, if necessary, and restore power to the unit.

 

VIKING FRIDGE HISTORY

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viking refrigerator repair

History

Headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, Viking is a privately held company that was established in 1983 and incorporated in 1984 by founder and president, Fred Carl, Jr. In 1987 Carl introduced the first commercial appliance marketed for residential use. Later, in 2000, Viking acquired the Amana 84″ W. Built-In refrigerator line and continues to market it, along with its own line of professional-quality appliances for home use.

Viking’s full line of professional refrigerators for home use includes its Professional and Designer Series, which makes a variety of models, including: Bottom-Mount, Side-By-Side, All Refrigerator and All Freezer refrigerators, along with Wine Cellars, Refrigerated Beverage Centers and Ice Machines.

While Viking claims that its refrigerators are energy efficient, it isn’t clear whether they have earned the Energy Star Seal.

Most of Viking’s refrigerators feature MeatSavor™ and Chill Zone drawers for produce.

Viking markets several lines of refrigerators, including:

Professional Series

  • 36″ Wide Bottom-Mount
  • 42″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • 48″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • All Refrigerator
  • All Freezer
  • Wine Cellars
  • Refrigerated Beverage Center
  • Ice Machine

Designer Series

  • 36″ Wide Bottom-Mount
  • 42″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • 48″ Wide Side-By-Side
  • All Refrigerator
  • All Freezer
  • Wine Cellars

 

Parts and repair information for your Viking refrigerator

Viking refrigerator parts and/or service information is product specific and available by calling Non-Technical Customer Service Support:             1-888-VIKING1       or             1-888-845-4641      , Option 2.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Viking Refrigerator or any other appliance!

Phone lines

(415) 831-1259             San Francisco
(415) 388-0690             Marin County
(650) 525-0512             South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

Most of Viking’s refrigerators come with a two-year full warranty, covering the complete unit; a six-year full warranty on sealed refrigeration system parts and automatic ice maker, if applicable; a 12-year limited warranty on sealed refrigeration system parts compressor, condenser, dryer/strainer, evaporator, and connecting tubing); and a 90-day limited warranty on cosmetic parts, such as: glass, painted items and decorative items. However, keep in mind, warranties may vary as they are product specific.

THE HOTTEST NEW OVENS AND RANGES

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An oven that communicates with your smartphone and electric burners that are as precise as gas, are just a few of the innovations in this roundup of new kitchen appliances.

Read more here:

WHAT’S NEW IN APPLIANCES

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After Stainless, Now What?

Is this the end of a 25-year run for stainless steel?

Stainless has been the big word in kitchen appliances for years. What’s next?

Major manufacturers are placing bets on different potential successors to the shiny, upscale appliance finish, which surprised everyone with its resilience.

It is a pivotal moment in kitchen design: While stainless steel is still the dominant look, there are clear signals it has outworn its welcome, even with no clear successor in place.

The appliance industry has tried to promote new looks before. In recent years, manufacturers have pitched “oiled bronze,” “antique copper” and a gray hue called “meteorite,” as well as aluminum and other look-alikes, but none has been able to unseat stainless steel.

Read more

 

HISTORY OF WASHING MACHINES

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Washing machines might be considered as one of the greatest inventions of science. Washing machines are there to help us out while doing laundry; they are used to automate the whole process of laundry and making it a child’s play.

In early times people use to wash clothes with hands and later on buckets were used to squeeze tumble and wash the clothes. The process was both painful and time consuming.

The first version of washing machine was not as dreamy as most people think but it was a blessing for many. The first washers created were more of a car engine then a washing machine and worked on a low speed one cylinder, the casing were also wooden and metal tubs were used. Back then washing clothes was a concept that was only to be used with hot water therefore the tubs were heated from below to create a good temperature. Apart from that there were no modern day fancy features in the machines and all the squeezing, twisting and tumbling were done by hand or manually. But with the advent of electronic motors, spinning system was introduced.

The first washing machine came into being in 1851 by James king and since that time there has been numerous modifications in the washing machines to make it according to the elevating demands of the modern times.

The first modern machine was introduced in the market in 1937 by General Electric. The invention of the washers was an instant hit and reached up to the mark of 913,000 units sold just in few years of being marketed. Since that time there have been number of washing machines producers from around the world and the modern day washing machine brings the same purpose of washing clothes but now it’s done with style and more convenience.

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT A KITCHENAID ICE MAKER

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If you enjoy serving cold drinks and iced cocktails to your friends and family, having an ice maker already built in with your freezer could prove to be a good investment. Luckily, KitchenAid offers a line of freezers that offers this very convenient feature. However, just like any other appliance inside your kitchen, the ice maker may eventually break down. If this happens, do not be too hasty in calling a repairman. Follow these simple steps in troubleshooting the KitchenAid Freezer ice maker first before calling in a professional.

  • If the freezer is plugged in but the ice maker is not functioning, check the on/off lever. The switch arm can be seen right above the ice bucket. There are instances when somebody dispenses too much ice, the ice cubes in the bucket pushes up the lever and it gets stuck in that position. If this happens, the ice maker is switched off automatically. Simply push on the lever one more time and listen if the motor will start running again. If the ice maker does not respond, proceed to the next step.
  • Check if the water hose supplies the trays with enough water. The water supply that feeds the trays comes from an outlet or faucet near the freezer unit. Impurities in the water can buildup in this hose causing the line to get blocked. If not enough water reaches the trays, the ice maker will not be able to produce ice. If you suspect that this is the problem, try to inspect the water hose from one end to the other. If there are parts that are bent or pinched, the water will not be able to pass through. Replace the hose if it has signs of wear or is damaged or punctured. Smooth it out if it has kinks. Push the hose firmly into the slot if it is hooked up loosely. This should solve the water supply problem and help your ice maker function properly again.
  • Pinch the ice maker’s filling hose to check if it is frozen. The filling hose is the tube that supplies water to the individual ice trays. If the water inside this tube freezes, water will not flow into the trays and the ice maker will not have any ice to dispense. To check if this is the issue with your ice maker, squeeze the hose and see if it still bends. If it feels hard, switch of the freezer and ice maker and wrap the hose with a washcloth or towel dipped in very hot water. You can also use a hair dryer to thaw the ice stuck inside the tube. Avoid using too much heat as the filling hose could melt.
  • Make certain that your freezer is set at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the KitchenAid freezer ice maker requires that the temperature inside the system stay above 10 degrees in order for the ice cubes to freeze quickly. Your ice maker might encounter problems in dispensing ice as quickly as needed if the freezer temperature is higher than the prescribed setting. Lower the temperature setting and observe the performance of your ice maker for a few hours and see if the problem has been addressed.

 

Once you have addressed any damage or defects in the ice maker, make sure that you maintain a clean and hygienic refrigerator to avoid contaminating the ice. If the ice starts to taste and smell funny, check the coating of the ice bucket. With frequent use, the interior coating of the ice bucket might erode and get mixed with the ice. This can affect the smell and taste of the ice being dispensed. If you see any peeling inside the bucket, go to the department store or any home improvement centers and purchase a brand new ice bucket.

BOSCH NEWS

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Bosch Launches U.S. Dishwasher Line

Bosch Home Appliances in North American launched its next-generation dishwasher line. The new line is built on a new stainless steel platform designed to meet the needs of U.S. consumers. The new dishwashers feature a third rack on more models. It also features a European design and is engineered for the virtually silent performance that is a part of the Bosch reputation in the United States.

The redesigned dishwasher line incorporates a full-size stainless steel tub, enabling the use of larger racks while maintaining flush installation.

The third rack is now offered in Bosch 500 and 800 series models. The third rack adds 30% more loading area and provided more loading flexibility. The unique, V-shaped third rack allows room for long-stemmed wine glasses on the second rack while the center of the v-shaped rack provides space for large items and cooking utensils.

The company said it designed the 800 Plus to be the quietest dishwasher in North America, and has now been made quieter. The dishwasher achieved an industry-best 38 dBA performance in normal operation.

Bosch Home Appliances said its research shows noise is the No. 1 factor for consumers choosing a dishwasher. Company engineers addressed noise reduction with 18 unique sound-reduction technologies.

With the dishwasher noise level so low, an InfoLight has been included in some models to let consumers know their dishwasher is running. A TimeLight feature indicates time remaining.

The Bosch 800 Plus is the flagship of the dishwasher line includes: It has a suggested retail price of $1,449 – $2,099.

from Appliance Magazine

SMART APPLIANCES

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LG unveiled a number of smart appliances at CES 2013, but it will probably be a while before any are commonplace in consumer’s homes. Now, the company is rumored to be creating a washing machine that won’t require water.
Click here to read more.