A question for home repair wizards

[resonant]

I suspect I already know the answer to this question, but ...



OK, let's say I have a washing machine, and let's say water is leaking into it when it's off-cycle, and let's say I've done a little preliminary research which suggests that the water inlet valve needs replacing, which in this model requires removing the cabinet.

Now, let's say that I'm the sort of person who, when she posts about having done something requiring tool use, routinely gives a breakdown of how many places she's now bleeding.

Is this a repair that I'm likely to be able to do myself? Or, given that the part itself costs $25, should I just bite the bullet and call the repair place?

Bonus question: Should I also ask the repair guy to install some of those snazzy quarter-turn lever faucets? And if so, do I need to buy them beforehand, or will he be able to provide them?

Comments

[sociofemme.livejournal.com]

What make/model of washing machine? What sort of tools do you have on hand? I've been known to fix appliances large and small, and I'd be willing to talk you through it if you really wanted to give it a shot.

[moonpupy.livejournal.com]

routinely gives a breakdown of how many places she's now bleeding.

Are you sure you're not my husband? You would not believe how many bandaids we went thru last weekend. lol

He says, yes, you can do it yourself - with enough pictures and one screw at a time. Otherwise, buy the parts / faucets you want and have the guy do the installing. Otherwise you'll be jacked over for the price of the parts.

[nestra.livejournal.com]

I can't comment on the specifics of the repair, but I say that life is too short. Call a repair guy. I do like the idea of buying the necessary parts yourself -- just make sure they're for the right model/pipe size/whatever.

[alliekatgal.livejournal.com]

What kind of water shut offs do you have now? You should be able to turn the water to the machine off when it's not in use. If you have the old fashioned spoke type valve, I wouldn't bother replacing them with lever valves. The plumber will charge about $90 per hour plus the cost of the valves.

Personally, if it requires opening the cabinet, I'd pay to have it repaired, especially if you know it will end with bandaid wrappers on the floor. You should be able to get a rough estimate quote for repair over the phone, so you can decide if it's worth it to repair it or deal with the inconvenience of turning off the water constantly.

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

The appliance repair mechanic here says it's fairly simple to do, just shut off the water, get inside, reach around the hose and pop the module off and put the new one on. But, if you damage the seal you're screwed.

[mzcalypso.livejournal.com]

Beware the "this costs so much to fix you might as well replace it" scam. Sears is notorious for it around here -- they charge ridiculous amounts for an estimate, then offer to deduct that from the cost of a new appliance.