Q. We have recently had maintenance done to our water heater for the pilot light not staying lit. They replaced the the thermocoupler and said that should fix it but may not and if it goes out again it might cost us $300 next time. This is after we already paid $175 for the first repair. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A. Assuming the maintenance or repair was done properly and it is not a draft issue or burner bowing it out on shut down the culprit is probably the gas control. The control has an internal limit wired in with the thermocouple circuit that drops out the thermocouple when overheating takes place. Sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank can also cause this as it will hold more heat and affect the limit. This limit can reset itself when the temperature drops back down but like any mechanical switch it can reset but not have good contact explaining why it doesn't stay lit consistently. This is an internal part of the gas control and would have to be replaced as one unit. Not worth the repair unless it was in warranty.

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Q.

A. The motor you reference to is called a unit bearing motor or a 9watt ( or 6 watt or similar) motor. My cost is about 35 dollars. I would charge about 150 with labor

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Q. Our washing machine broke and service is covered under warranty. Would you tip the repair person? If so, how much? We are in a tough financial situation.

A. As a rule of thumb, and this is only in my house, I always tip anyone who comes in and repairs something for me. I understand that money is tight, so as an alternate, why not ask the technician, when they are working, if they would like a glass of water, soda or anything cold that you might have on hand. Most people appreciate this. Have a lovely rest of the day. Happiness!

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Q.

A. American Home Shield They have an excellent plan for under $500/yr. Service calls are $55 each to repair or replace. Some items have a 30 day waiting period for new customers. They cover not only appliances, but electrical, and plumbing as well. I have used them for years. In one year they replaced my 38 year old (orig. to the house) hot water heater, 38 year old (orig. to the house) dishwasher, and 38 year old (org. to the house) paper duct work. Each time it only cost me the service call. All work is guaranteed by the contractor for 90 days. We recently moved, and they warranty my new house as well.

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Q. I have a modern maid gas wall oven #pko191 that is 75 degrees hotter than indicated on the control knob

A. It is hard to give a difinitive answer not knowing how old this oven is. Most likely unless you can do it yourself any repair is going to be fairly costly. ... say over $100 since you'd have to pay for someone to come out. An alternative is to get a thermometer for your oven. There is the very inexpensive kind which usually hangs off the rack and you can see through the window or have to open the door to read.d You can also get a slightly more expensive kind which reads remotely so you don't have to open the door. Then always make a note to set the oven to 50 or so degrees less than the recipe calls for. Then use the thermometers for a double check as you cook things. I had to deal with this in an old house I rented some time ago. best, cez

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Q. The appliance is a Whirpool electric range purchased in November of 2006. I live in the midwest-Indiana. Is a Whirpool tech more costly than a business which services several brands of appliances? Thanks for your replies.

A. Generally a Whirlpool tech is familiar with all brands. It just depends on who you get in to service your appliance. I've seen them charge anywhere from $80 per hour all the way up to $150.00 per hour. If you go with like Sear's they usually charge in between because they compete with the small home town appliance techs. :-)

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Q. Hi there, Looking for any good web pages that can help with learning of Appliance Repair (fridges, wash machines ect....). Any will be much appreciated although if you know of sites that also provide pics showing the parts they are talking about that would be most helpful. Thanks in adavance I have tried looking on the net but most sites just give me the run around and try to sell me their product.

A. Try www.repairclinic.com. Yes they sell parts but they also offer advice and have good pictorials.

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Q. Looking for the most dependable and affordable appliance repair in Long Beach?

A. Have you try http://www.appliancerepairlosangeles.com they service Long Beach.

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