Debate: Do you fix in place or pull and bench test first?

I got called to a house on Tuesday, washer wouldn't drain. Found a sock jammed in the pump, easy fix. But the homeowner kept asking why I didn't take the whole machine apart on site. I've always believed in fixing what's broken right there, keeps the job quick and the customer happy. But my buddy swears by pulling the unit to his truck and testing everything on a bench. He says he catches more hidden issues that way. Which camp are you in? Does bench testing really save you a callback or is it just extra work?

3 comments

3 Comments

blaker754d ago

...and that's exactly why I pull and bench test on any washer that's been there more than 5 years. I had a similar sock situation last month, got the pump cleared, but while it was running on the bench I noticed the drain hose was starting to crack near the connection. Would've leaked water all over their new floors in a week. I do think it depends on the machine age though. If it's a basic 3 year old unit, fix in place and move on. But with older washers, pulling saves you from that "hey you were just here and now it's leaking" call that makes you look bad.

charles_henderson4d ago

Why pull it if you're not going to bench test for hidden issues like that?

adams823d ago

Honestly, that's such a good point about avoiding the callback. You reminded me of something that happened to a buddy of mine, @charles_henderson this is right up your alley too. He fixed a washer for some older couple, cleared out a clog, didn't pull it. A month later the drain pump bracket cracked and dumped water everywhere. They called him back so mad, and he had to eat the cost of the pump and labor to not lose the referral. Ngl, pulling it is just cheap insurance for your reputation.