Pitstop Appliance Repair

Serviceperson was very nice and informative. Told me what to buy to to remove mineral deposits to keep hose clear and that pump may need to be replaced in the future. Highly recommended!

Overall, this was a horrible (and costly) experience, because Pitstop refused to stand by their work or be held accountable for the damage that they caused to our oven. We had to bring in a GE technician to finally tell us what was wrong with our oven and fix the problem at great additional expense. It all began well enough. Initially I had full confidence in Pittstop based on Angies List reviews when the technician, Josh, arrived at our house. We allowed him to work on our oven, undisturbed, for two hours. I took my dog out for a walk. In order to replace the glass maintop, he had to disconnect and remove the digital touchpad from the front of the oven. When he put it all back together, he told us there was a problem. He said he couldn't get the oven's digital touchpad to work, and didn't understand why. He went out to his car and did some googling on the internet to troubleshoot the problem. I thought it odd that an experienced appliance technician would have to depend on google for instructions on how to fix an appliance. He finally came back with what he thought was the answer. When power to the digital touchpad is disconnected, you have to reset it by pushing a sequence of buttons on the touchpad with a procedure called "touch reference points". He knew nothing about this until he googled it. So, he tried to follow the procedure, but it still wouldn't work. He claimed that he had done nothing unusual to the oven, other than unplugging the digital touchpad. He denied that he had broken anything. And yet, the digital touchpad was working fine before he took the oven apart. He even implied that perhaps the digital touchpad was already broken before he got there, and that we knew about it. He said that sometimes people will call in an appliance repairman when an appliance has more than one thing wrong with it, but only tell the repairman about one problem and try to get the repairman to fix the other problem for free. At first, I didn't understand what he was talking about, and then I just looked at him in total amazement when I realized what he was implying. I told him flat out that the touchpad was not broken before he got there. So, he left us with a non-functioning oven. He said he would do some research and get back to us next day. We went back and forth with e-mails over the next few days. Pitstop does not do business over the phone, as another customer who gave them a failing grade has noted. So if you want to scream at them, forget about it. They do everything electronically. Finally, they told us that there must be a problem with the digital touchpad (which was working fine until Josh got his hands on it), and suggested that we contact General Electric directly. Pitstop also gave us a list of internet sites where we could buy a new digital touchpad (which would have cost us an additional $124), which Pitstop offerred to install for free. However, I no longer had any confidence in Pitstop's ability to accurately diagnose the problem, since Josh (their "head" technician) didn't even have the basic knowledge about how to reset the digital touch pad using the "touch reference points". I couldn't understand how he could be so certain that we needed a new digital touchpad. I got the answer to that question soon after, when the GE technician came to our home and took our oven apart. When the GE technician opened up our oven, he immediately saw what the problem was and pointed it out to us. The previous technician from Pitstop, Josh, had wrapped black electrical tape around the computer ribbon where it attaches to a connector tab on the underside of the digital touchpad. The GE tech told us that the oven does not come that way from the factory. When the GE tech unwrapped the electrical tape, he told us that one of the connector tabs had been broken. In addition, there was also some damage to the computer ribbon which was crimped and torn. Prior to the GE tech looking at our oven, it had been taken apart only one other time, by Pitstop. As I said, our digital touchpad was working fine until Pitstop took our oven apart to replace the glass maintop. Somehow, the GE tech was able to repair the damage without replacing the entire digital touchpad. He also replaced the damaged computer ribbon. After that, the oven worked fine. The total charge from General Electric to repair the connections to our digital touchpad, and to get our oven working again, was $270. These repairs should have been Pitstop's responsibility, not ours, but we ended up paying for them. I know Pitstop is going to respond by saying that 99% of their customers are happy with their service. That's what they always say. All I can say is these are the facts of our personal experience with Pitstop Appliance Repair. When he was working on our oven, Josh told us that he doesn't like working on ovens with computers in them. I would say that's obvious. Based on our experience, I would recommend not hiring them if you have one of those "fancy" appliances with computers in them. UPDATE 08/15/2013: There were several misstatements in the Provider's Response which need to be corrected. Pitstop seriously needs to get their facts straight. Misstatement #1 - Pitstop said we purchased the part ourselves, tried to install it ourselves, and then called Pitstop when we were unsuccessful. That's a great story, but it's entirely false. The truth is our tenants broke the glass top on our oven, and ordered a new one from Sears. After we received the part, we contacted Pitstop to install it. As I said in my review, our oven has only been taken apart twice; the first time by Pitstop (to install the new glass maintop), and then by General Electric (to get our oven working again). Misstatement #2 - Pitstop says they quoted me a price of $75 labor to do the job. However, they forgot to mention the $64.95 charge for the service call. The service call charge is in addition to any labor charge that they quote. Misstatement #3 - Pitstop did the work for free (FALSE). The Pitstop tech (Josh) handed us a bill for $145 as soon as he finished installing the glass maintop, in spite of the fact that he was leaving us with a non-working oven. We wrote him a personal check on the promise that he would fix the problem. We stopped the check a few days later, when it became apparent that they had no idea how to fix the problem. It cost us $30 to stop the check. Misstatement #4 - It was our decision to call General Electric (FALSE). Actually, Pitstop suggested that we contact GE when they were unable to resolve the issue with our touchpad. Misstatement #5 - We needed a new touchpad (FALSE). When the GE technician finally got inside of our machine, he was able to repair the connections to our touchpad without replacing it. He also told us that the connections to our digital touchpad had been damaged by the previous tech who had worked on our oven (Josh). He noted that the damaged parts were wrapped in black electrical tape, and said it does not come that way from the factory. Misstatement #6 - Pitstop said the entire repair would have cost us only $124 (for the touchpad which we didn't need), if we had only allowed them to complete the repair. This is also false. We had not yet stopped the check for $145, when they subsequently offered to install the $124 digital touchpad with no charge for the labor. That would have left us with a total out of pocket cost of $269 plus tax, not $124, with no guarantee that it would have solved the problem. That's how a $145 repair becomes a $300 repair. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ To summarize: This is one of the few negative reviews that I have ever left for a Provider on Angies List. Out of 18 reviews, only two have received failing grades (Pitstop being one of them). Fifteen have received straight A's, and I gave one a "C". So, I am not a tough customer. Pitstop keeps talking about the hundreds of positive reviews they have received. I would suggest that Angies List subscribers read those reviews very, very carefully. First of all, it should be noted that they solicit these reviews after each service call (that's why there are so many of them). When I read the reviews, I noticed for many of them no work was actually done, or whatever was done was very simple. I have no doubt that Pitstop can do simple repairs. In their own defense, they said our oven is "a difficult one to work on, with lots of parts that need to be dissassembled to replace the top". Well, then, maybe it would be best for everyone if they just stayed away from the "difficult" machines.

As a working mom with 5 kids I don't have time to wait for appliance repairs. The Pitstop Appliance Repair was able to schedule my repair within 24 hours. (Sears couldn't get to me for 2 weeks.) The technician was prompt, professional, and very knowledgable. They can be certain that I will call them first when I need any home repairs. Thank you so much Josh!!!

Like many reviews, very friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Gave advice on how to clean to extend life of my fridge and diagnosed the problem quickly. I sent the model number ahead in the very handy online appointment maker and he had the part with him. Service call was $63, part was $170 In all, it cost me a lot less than buying a new fridge.

Recently moved into our home and the Asko Dishwasher stopped working. I found Pitstop through Angie's list. I liked their online scheduling system and booked an appointment for the next day. They are upfront about their pricing so I knew the ballpark cost when I booked. Josh the technician arrived within the 2-hour time frame. The problem turned out to be minor and just a matter of me not knowing my machine but I appreciated Josh explaining everything to me clearly and helping me understand how dishwashers function and differences between different brands etc. I enquired about my sub-zero lights not working and he immediately replaced the switch and only charged me for the part.

We needed someone to inspect our washing machine during the sale of our home. We got their name from Angie's list and were able to book the appointment online at Pitstop's site for the very next day. The repair came on time and was very professional and thorough. We were very pleased with the overall experience.

expereince good . was very honest.

One of the burners on my Viking Stove was not working. The technician found the problem quickly, explaining each step as he was doing it. He fixed the problem and double checked to make sure all the burners were working. There were no hidden fees.

Came quickly, completed the job quickly, priced reasonably. I would use them again.

Very easy to set an appointment on-line. They came to make estimate and figured out what was a problem. Diagnostic visit was cost 63 USD. They order part (LG foreign manufacturer -it takes approximately 6 business day plus Thanksgiven week. Cost of repair and part was 123 USD. They fixed as soon as parts was delivered on their facility. I guess if you have some domestic brand they fix it right away&

The service tech was very knowledgeable and after diagnosing the problem explained the probable cause. He had the part in the truck, changed the part and the oven heated up properly. Quick, efficient and I thought priced reasonably. At this time I would rate them with very good marks in all categories.

They are painless, easy. They had a web site for me to pick my appointment and tell what I needed done.

Technician arrived on time (weekend appointment) and was EXTREMELY knowledgable on our drier and just about every appliance in our house for that matter. We spent 30 mins working through a series of potential issues and ultimately determined that it was blocked ducts that needed to be cleaned. While this company does not provide that service themselves, we found somebody who does (DuctDudes) and that corrected the problem perfectly. The tech was also able to tell me why a secondary dishwasher wasn't working. I will use Pitstop again in the future without any reservation. These guys are great.

We moved into our home about a year ago, so we inherited the appliances. They are generally good appliances and only a few years old. The dishwasher started making loud noises. The washer was leaking from the front door. The ice maker leaked from day one. The self-clean feature on my oven did not function. We contacted Pitstop because they had good reviews on Angie's List and they were near to our home. I was able to schedule and confirm an appointment online. I have a newborn and work full time so this was a very convenient feature for me. I think the technician either showed up that same day or the next day, I can't remember. He was courteous, friendly and very knowledgeable. Most importantly he was honest. That is such a great feature for someone in this business! He was able to quickly identify the problem with my dishwasher and fixed it. He evaluated the washing machine, oven and ice maker and told me he would have to look it up and get back to me with an estimate to fix it. He did that right away. He was honest with me about the oven. Apparently he read that if he replaced the bad part on my oven, it was likely to break again due to a poor design from the manufacturer. I decided not to waste my money and just hand clean it. He was able to easily fix my leaky washer. The ice maker was a different story. He actually took the time to research the problem online. He came back and replaced this kit that had just came out from the manufacturer to fix a common leaking problem with the ice maker flap. A few days later a part fell out of the ice maker. It was making horrible noises and wouldn't produce ice through the door. The technician came back replaced the part that fell out and discovered that because the flap was not working for so long, a very thick layer of ice built up around the motor and the the mechanism. He said the best way to fix the problem is to shut off the freezer and let it gradually de-ice by itself. So I emptied the freezer (luckily we have a back up) and left the door open for a few hours. Sure enough it melted and the ice maker works great now. He did not charge me for the re-visit and that was greatly appreciated. I was happy that he returned to my house without a second thought and fixed the problem once and for all. He stood by his work and kept going until the job was completed. I would use Pitstop again.

Thorough, competent repair of my washing machine. Service person was prompt and courteous.

They were prompt, courteous, and did the job exactly as expected.

I was very pleased. The technician was quick, knowledgeable, and very decent. Furthermore, their price was reasonable, and they stuck to the estimate. I appreciate that they employ veterans as well.

They are extremely honest in their assessments, and we call them first for any appliance issues. We were debating whether to repair or replace the machine, and the technician advised as to when it would be wise to replace over repair. Furthermore, the pricing was very reasonable.

Everything went well. They responded quickly, the technician was very professional, and they made the repairs without incident.

Everything went well. The technician was professional, pleasant, and easy to work with. I was very pleased. If anyone wants an appliace person, they should go with them.

an excellent overall experience. I would certainly recommend this company!

Really frustrating experience. As an update, the day I reached out to other appliance repair services on Angie's I was able to have a gentleman come to my home that afternoon. He had the part for the door lock in stock in his van! Was surprised a standard appliance repair service would need to order it. My washer is a common whirlpool. This well mannered person spent about an hour working on our washer. He fixed it, cleaned it and the dryer out very thoroughly and charged me what I considered to be an appropriate amount. This will be the company I call in future for appliance repairs.

The work was done well, but it was quite expensive. That was my only concern and probably the reason why I wouldn’t hire them again.

The experience was fine overall. The technician was very thorough, and he explained to me things about my stove as well as my fridge and other appliances. He was incredibly knowledgeable. He was also nice to deal with. I thought the quote was a little expensive, but there’s nothing else in this area. Also, with them, the cost would’ve been in addition to the service fee.

Extremely knowledgeable and efficient. Carried all parts with him in car when he came. Their cost was reasonable, and included the cost of parts plus hourly labor cost. Much less total cost than other repair people who have to order parts and make two trips to repair.