Bluegrass Mama

You know those commercials with the Maytag repairman sitting around with nothing to do?

The idea, of course, is that their appliances are so reliable that they never need repair.

I have, however, discovered the truth behind those ads.

They have recently recalled a few dishwashers.  2.3 million, to be more precise. 

When I learned of the recall (through a newspaper article a couple of weeks ago; I still haven’t received any official notification from the company), I immediately logged onto their website and discovered out that my dishwasher was, indeed, included.  I found the 800 number and called it.

After entering my dishwasher’s model number, serial number and my shoe size, I was told (by a recorded voice, naturally) that the system was so busy it couldn’t handle my call, please try their website, good-bye.  And a machine hung up on me. 

Once I picked my ego up off the floor, I tried the website again and found the link to schedule a repair.  I clicked on it.  And got a message saying that they couldn’t handle my request, please try the 800 number.

A few days later, I tried again and scheduled a service call for the following week.  I had to be available from 8-5, so I cleared my calendar.

The day before the scheduled call, I got a message to confirm the appointment.  I hoped it would narrow down the timeframe, but no such luck.  Then the caller added “If you have any questions or haven’t received the part, please call me back.”

Part?  What part?  I didn’t order no stinking part.

So I called back, to learn that the company is shipping the parts directly to the customers.  I guess their vans aren’t big enough to hold 2.3 million of them.  The only unexpected surprises on my porch lately has been some snow and ice.  So the repair is cancelled until The Part shows up.

I don’t have another free day for at least a week and a half.  Dishwashing volunteers are welcome, as I was supposed to turn off the circuit breaker to the machine as soon as I learned of the recall.

“Supposed to” being the operative words.

Meanwhile, the Maytag repairman is sitting around, waiting for parts to show up.