Home and Hardware Tips

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Here is are product lists from our hardware supply affiliate partner. Items are in alphabetical order, starting with symbols and numbers, as in: "#1 power square recess screwdriving bit" or" 1/8" " drill bit":

 

 




 

Troubleshooting Clothes Washers

Washer Safety Tip

Before making repairs, pull the plug and turn off the faucets.

Note: Appliance models vary; see your owner's manual for information specific to your washer.

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When your washer doesn't work

Check for:

  • Proper power supply.
  • Unplugged or defective cord.
  • Blown fuse or circuit breaker.
  • Kinked water supply or drain hose.
Remedies:
  • Repair power supply.
  • Plug in or replace cord.
  • Replace fuses or turn circuit breaker back on.
  • Straighten the kink. If you can't, replace the hose.

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Washer doesn't fill.

Check for:

  • Blocked water inlet screens.
  • Clogged filters.
  • A kink in one of the hoses.
  • Timer that is not set.
  • Defective timer or temperature selector.
Remedies:
  • Clean or replace water inlet screens./li>
  • Check the inlet hose filters and clean them.
  • Straighten the water supply hoses./li>
  • Turn the timer slightly or press the buttons firmly.
  • Replace timer or temperature selector. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Oversudsing

Oversudsing causes leaks and blocks drains. To reduce the suds, pour 1/2 cup white vinegar mixed with some cold water into the washer. Next time, use less detergent (try low-suds type).

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Water temperature not right?

Be sure the faucets are fully open, screens in the water inlet valve or hoses aren't clogged, and there's lot's of hot water.

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Washer won't spin or begins to vibrate

The wash load may be too large or out of balance. Try removing some of the items or redistribute the load.

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Washer doesn't agitate

Check for:

  • Loose or broken drive belt.
  • Defective agitator solenoid.
Remedies:
  • Tighten or replace belt.
  • Replace agitator solenoid. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Washer doesn't spin

Check for:

  • Loose or broken drive belt.
  • Defective lid safety switch, timer, or spin solenoid.
Remedies:
  • Tighten or replace belt.
  • Replace switch, timer, or spin solenoid. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Washer doesn't drain

Check for:

  • Jammed or defective drain pump.
Remedies:
  • Clear jam.
  • Replace pump. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Washer vibrates excessively

Check for:

  • Machine or load in machine isn't level.
  • Defective snubber.
  • Loose basket./li>
  • Worn basket support.
Remedies:
  • Adjust leveling feet or load in machine.
  • Repair or replace snubber. *
  • Tighten basket hold-down nut.
  • Replace support. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Washer doesn't shut off

Check for:

  • Disconnected air hose.
  • Defective water inlet valve.
Remedies:
  • Reconnect hose to water level switch.
  • Replace water inlet valve. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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Washer fills but motor doesn't start

Check for:

  • If motor hums, jammed drain pump or defective motor.
  • Tripped or defective overload protector.
Remedies:
  • Unjam pump.
  • Replace motor if defective. *
  • Reduce wash load.
  • Let protector reset and replace if defective. *
* Problem is best left to a professional

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The water doesn't stop running.

Check for:

  • Disconnected overflow switch.
  • Disconnected hose.
  • Defective overflow switch.
  • Defective timer.
  • Damaged mixing valve.
Remedies:
  • Replace the water hose.
  • Check the switch and replace it.
  • Replace the timer.
  • Replace the valve.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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The tub fills with water but the machine doesn't run

Check for:

  • Tripped lid safety switch.
  • Too much laundry in the tub.
  • Defective motor.
  • Defective timer.
Remedies:
  • Make sure the lid is closed.
  • Check the switch.
  • Take some things out and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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The motor runs but the machine doesn't agitate or spin

Check for:

  • Loose or broken drive belt.
  • Broken gears or transmission.
Remedies:
  • Tighten the belt or replace it.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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Washer leaks

Check for:

  • Loose hose connection.
  • Defective hoses.
  • Damaged gaskets.
  • Defective mixing valve.
  • Damaged pump.
  • Defective overflow switch or sensor.
Remedies:
  • Check and tighten the connection.
  • Replace the hose.
  • Check the gaskets, then replace it if necessary.
  • Check the valve for cracks, then replace if necessary.
  • Check for defects and replace bad parts.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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Washer won't drain.

Check for:

  • A kink in the drain hose.
  • The position of the drain hose is too high.
  • Defective timer.
  • Stuck drain pump.
Remedies:
  • Straighten the hose.
  • Make sure the hose is not emptying more than 3 feet above the floor.
  • Replace the timer.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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The water doesn't get hot enough

Check for:

  • The water heater setting is too low.
  • The water supply hoses are misconnected.
  • Defective mixing valve.
  • Defective timer.
Remedies:
  • Reset the thermostat to 140 - 160 degrees F.
  • Reverse the hose connection.
  • Replace the defective valve.
  • Replace the timer.
  • Call a qualified contractor.

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AcmeHardware.com Brings "Mom & Pop" Service To Online Shopping

January 1, 2003; San Francisco, CA - AcmeHardware.com

AcmeHardware.com -- today announced the launch of a new and exciting online hardware, tool and home supply outlet for its North American customers. The new site combines the knowledge and personal service of a boutique "mom and pop shop" hardware operation with a broad inventory of over 45,000 items including home hardware, tools, landscaping supplies, pet supplies, automotive, paint and sundries, electrical and plumbing supplies, and housewares.

"Our customers are looking for a personalized shopping experience that fits into their busy schedule. By providing the breadth of inventory, a personal shopper feature, and unique ordering options our customers find the right hardware products, the first time," said Founder Steve Finer.

Finer went on to say that the majority of home-improvement projects typically take several trips to multiple stores averaging an extra 4-6 hours of the consumer's time. Additionally, he noted that drive time, traffic and parking all add up to a frustrating and sometimes costly process before the home-improvement project even begins.

Through AcmeHardware.com's online service, customers can find and select tools, hardware and supplies online and have those products delivered to their doorstep as fast as the next day. Conversely, if they have questions or need assistance AcmeHardware.com's personal shopper enables clients to submit questions and then receive advice on tools, hardware and supplies to help them during the buying process. Customers can place orders or questions via phone, fax, email or even traditional mail.

"Our key goal is to streamline the buying process while creating the highest value for the consumer. By providing a personal buying experience we strive to create customers for life," Finer said.

AcmeHardware.com has negotiated partnerships with leading tool, hardware and houseware distributors to provide customers with the highest-quality merchandise for their home and garden, plumbing, electrical and automotive projects.

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About AcmeHardware.com

What in the World is AcmeHardware.com?
The AcmeHardware.com difference is wider and deeper than pictures on a web site or a promise in a press release. It's the love for living a more creative life through getting your hands dirty. We'll never promise you the World. But we'll use our knowledge to help you select the best quality tool & hardware for your Do-It-Yourself home-improvement project.

Yesterday's Values and Today's Technology
Our site brings you the latest cutting edge technology and design combined with the old school philosophy of cutting costs wherever possible. Unlike the big online tool and hardware retailers, we look to save at every possible juncture (without sacrificing quality to the customer). But cutting costs does not mean that we sacrifice quality.

Mission Statement
We'll do everything we can to support you with consistent good service. We'll always carry the highest quality tools, hardware and supplies available. And as we continue to grow, we'll always treat you with the personal respect you deserve. We're not about having the lowest prices in the country, or getting your attention with shock tactics or flash. We're about consistently giving you the highest quality home-improvement products and service available. Period. We constantly strive to provide better service. If you like what we have to offer, then we ask you to continue to shop with us. Only you really know what you are looking for in a supplier.

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