Purchased a Yelp Deal
So the washer broke down in August. It needed a new water pump, because a sock got stuck in drain pump.
The day after Thanksgiving, the machine again, but it was my fault this time. So I called up Leo this morning (Monday after Thanksgiving) and he came over.
What happened: I had guests staying with me and wanted to wash the beddings for their bed, except they came hours earlier than expected. Instead of washing my King size comforter at the laundromat as I’m suppose to, I stuffed it in my Kenmore Elite. I did it once before, so I took the chance again.
Well, it worked. The machine didn’t complain. I had to do a normal load day after Thanksgiving and the machine stopped while rinsing, hummed slighted and emitted a burning smell. Oh no…I turned off the machine and hand-wrung the towels and bed sheets so they could air dry. Is it the motor?
The repair: Leo came and checked the machine only to tell me there was nothing wrong. Well, something was wrong, but he moved one of the part around and that seems to have fixed it. Next time it happens, he sadly warned, we’ll have to replace the motor ($350 minus today’s $75 service call).
I promised to not be lazy and overload the machine.
I also told him how the machine makes this loud clunk sound when switching cycles. Instead of brushing it off to go to the next job, he put the machine through several cycles to find out the problem. He knew what I was talking about. Very patiently we waited and he noticed a slight problem with the machine and fixed it.
He asked if the dryer was working fine, but not make more money off repairs. I think he just wants to make sure everything works as they should.
Nice guy. Calm, patient, clean, explains things well, and overall nice guy (but I hope I don’t see him again for at least 5 years :).
I am so glad Leo is young, because that means he’s not retiring anytime soon–at least I hope not.
My washer died 3 days ago. It would fill with water and then only hummed slightly instead of agitate.
I looked on youtube, then decided I didn’t have time to figure this out myself and turned to Yelp. I called several places, but Leo returned the call and we talked. He thought it was the drain pump and gave me a ballpark price. Seemed like a nice guy, and good reviews, so I booked an appt for the next day.
Another Yelp company returned my call and while I normally would get several estimates, I had a good feeling about Leo and decided to just try him out.
I can be an annoying customer :). I didn’t want him to be a no-show like another Yelper experienced, so I texted him several times so he wouldn’t forget me–I’m going to a party, husband’s home, etc. When Leo texted me he would arrive in 20 minutes, I rushed home, but he beat me there.
I like to watch mechanics, plumbers, etc. as they work, so I stayed there with Leo as he worked on the machine. He wasn’t annoyed with my questions, but freely talked and gave me helpful advice on how to keep my machine running properly. I love my 10 year-old Kenmore Elite top loader, non-HE machine!
Whole experience was better than I expected. The problem turned out to be the drain pump. Not only was there a bootie sock clogged in the drain (I’ve been looking for that sock!), but the pump was cracked and water had leaked and filled the drain pan before Leo arrived.
Replacing the part actually isn’t hard, but it was so worth it to have a pro do it. For under $150, I got to clean the lint inside and under my machine, cleaned the drain pan, learned how to prevent future problems, and got a new drain pump and he greased the machine so it would operate better. It looks like a new machine now.
When I mentioned that my icemaker bucket was stuck, he offered to look at it w/o charge.
Not only is he nice, friendly, helpful, honest, and communicated well, his work was awesome and the price was better than I expected. Use his Yelp coupon and save some money.
I’ve got his business card sticker near my washer and dryer and he’s going to be the only appliance repair man I’ll use and recommend to family and friends.
Thanks, Leo!