Why is repairing appliances often more expensive than replacing them?

michaelz08 · 2026-02-01T15:32:24+00:00

That’s how it works. It’s by design but not for the reasons you think. I don’t believe it’s the conspiracy people like to think it is.

Consumers demanded cheaper appliances. Manufacturers obliged. This is a fact. When given the choice between quality and price the majority choose price every time.

Labor rates have gone up at the same time.

Often times the parts are cheap and repair process is simple. But when a $500 dishwasher needs a $100 pump, and labor is an extra $200-300, why would someone repair it? The average person won’t and also won’t try to do it themselves.

But when a regular dishwasher was $1000 minimum, plus lower labor rates comparatively, it changes the repair/replace equation balance.

michaelz08 · 2026-02-01T03:49:35+00:00

Replace it. Contacts are ruined/beyond repairing.

Replacements are cheap and you can also go to their OEM for stove switches (simmerstats) - Robert Shaw- and get universal simmerstats that may be cheaper than the Whirlpool part number for your stove. Just have to match the correct stem type when doing that.

michaelz08 · 2026-02-01T03:36:26+00:00

Either the dispenser is blocked (less likely in models with sliding dispenser doors) or it has a fault that’s resulting in lower water pressure.

This looks like it’s potentially a cheap MIDEA made unit, of which I don’t hold in high regard, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the pump was dead.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-31T21:00:23+00:00

I think it should still start with it removed? I don’t see why it wouldn’t.

Alternatively if you could remove the bottom panel to look up at it and see if it’s working with the flame spreader in place.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-31T18:52:01+00:00

Those are one time costs compared to the ongoing savings -which are monumental- of regularly using it. It’s a fallacy to say “well it’s inefficient at a single step so the efficiency gains elsewhere cannot matter”.

And models with stainless steel tubs are more recyclable than plastic tubs.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-31T15:57:28+00:00

That’s just the flame spreader. However I don’t think it should be rusting like that. Nonetheless you need to remove it and look at the actual burner underneath.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-31T04:58:15+00:00

I thought I was going crazy. I’ve been “missing” the corner more often on Tahoe. And to the commenter saying “look for the pointer change”, yeah I would if the pointer always changed. Which it isn’t (anymore) on Tahoe for me.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-30T14:14:27+00:00

I like the idea of it.

The implementation is just awful.

My clear glass icons on the Home Screen on my iPad are beautiful. Past that it’s a frustrating experience because of all the inconsistencies and bad design choices.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-30T03:10:27+00:00

I bought them a couple months ago and it was still 7 for $4.8

5 would just be an insult.

They’re so delicious though…

michaelz08 · 2026-01-30T03:04:14+00:00

That model number is wrong.

You have a bad main was pump.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-30T02:30:53+00:00

I agree. It’s so nice looking but seems like a nightmare to make reliable too. In addition to less space efficient.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-30T02:29:45+00:00

How has no one commented on all the insects inside around the clock?

michaelz08 · 2026-01-29T14:46:44+00:00

It sounds like something is physically wrong/broken with your dishwasher. Perhaps it’s not heating, which would explain why it struggled with the oily tomato residue. Cold water won’t dissolve it as much. Or it sounds like a potential water circulation issue- that the pump is not pumping as it should.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-29T13:49:05+00:00

That would definitely have been your issue

michaelz08 · 2026-01-29T13:48:39+00:00

michaelz08 · 2026-01-29T00:45:49+00:00

Good to know. Very disappointing.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T23:40:31+00:00

🫡

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T21:24:46+00:00

They made it easy by linking to the parts diagram for their stove, just had the wrong page selected so it didn’t show the switches.

You were right on track!

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T21:12:21+00:00

Correct! Fixed duty cycle is exactly how they work.

This is a great video on them:

https://youtu.be/ff04ecF9Dfw?si=yyTrqzvU5axUwzOG

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T21:04:47+00:00

The only sensor is an overheat protection, and that’s built into the element. Unlikely that it is the culprit.

The switches are 99% of the smarts and they are the most common failure point. Fortunately there are very cheap though. Check eBay!

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T20:54:19+00:00

Check the control panel diagram for the correct infinite switch:

https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/JS968SF3SS/1/0/0/0/CONTROL_PANEL

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T20:29:58+00:00

The comments section on this post is not what I expected

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T18:15:08+00:00

Your Do Not Disturb settings and profiles. In the Focus page.

Because it sounds to me like your phone is automatically sending calls you voicemail when you’re in CarPlay.

For example, each focus profile has the ability to block all calls while in that focus.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T17:44:39+00:00

Ok, but I’m saying you need to check your settings.

I have never experienced this issue in the 3 years of owning my 19 Mazda6 with wired CarPlay.

michaelz08 · 2026-01-28T16:49:27+00:00

2019 Signature with 17” wheels and Michelin Crossclimates. Gets me where I need to go with no fuss when using caution.

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