Had to choose between a $400 part replacement or a $50 fix on a Samsung washer with an F21 error code. Went with the cheap fix.

Customer in Glendale had a 5 year old Samsung front loader throwing an F21. Manual says it's a drain issue. My first thought was the pump, which is a $400 part with labor. But I remembered a tech I met at a conference in Phoenix last year mentioned these models sometimes just get a sock stuck in the drain hose elbow. Took the back panel off, pulled the hose, and sure enough, there was a kid's tiny sock jammed in there. Cleared it, test ran, good to go. Charged for the hour of diag. Customer was thrilled, but I'm wondering if I should have pushed for the pump anyway as a 'while we're in there' thing. What's your rule on that? When do you recommend the full repair over the simple fix?

2 comments

2 Comments

ruby_sanchez4522h ago

Honestly, that Glendale customer is lucky you remembered that Phoenix tech's tip.

xenar1411h ago

Yeah, those little tips can save a whole day sometimes.