GE Refrigerators: Water Damage

My parents purchased a new built-in refrigerator (GE Monogram) and it has been leaking water on their hardwood floors for 3 weeks. 3 different service technicians were called to fix the problem and all 3 did not have a solution.

The first technician applied tape to try and stop the condensation that was creating the leak. The second wrapped foam paper around the condenser to "warm up" the refrigerator. The third said there was nothing he could do because of the humidity in the air. Apparently, my parents live in an area that makes this brand new unit "sweat" and therefore there was no fix for this problem.

When we asked for a refund, after all this time, they refused because they are not responsible for the acts of "mother nature". I asked what we are supposed to do with a leaking refrigerator, and the response I got was just to deal with it. When I asked them who was going to pay for the wood damage on the floor, they said that they would pay for that.

So, they will pay for damage, but not do a return?

Purchased GE refrigerator model GSH22KGMAWW on August 12, 2001. On 10/7/2002, a large amount of water was noticed on the kitchen floor (2nd story). Water to refrigerator was turned off. Water damage resulted on hard wood floors and 1st floor ceiling below refrigerator. GE service was contacted on the morning of 10/8/02. We were quoted cost of $49.95 plus any parts and labor with a 1-5 pm show up time.

Took day off from work to wait for service tech. Service tech showed up after 6:00 pm. Performed inspection to try and identify problem. He concluded that the Main Board of the water dispenser malfunctioned causing water to flow out of the dispenser as if the lever was being pushed back. As a result a large volume of water leaked from the dispenser until the water valve and icemaker water valve "froze". Apparently these parts "freezing" stopped the water flow onto our hard wood floors. I can only assume that these valves are designed to "overload" in such circumstances.

The service technician proceeded to present a repair estimate of over $500 in parts and labor for a refrigerator just over 14 months old that cost only $950 new. His repair estimate included individual labor charges for the Main Board and Water Valve (over $275.00) as well as parts charges for the main board, water valve and icemaker water valve (don't know why as the ice maker is working), parts total $213.75. Needless to say, the amount for the repair is outrageous as the Main Board should not burn out or malfunction in such a short period of time. In addition, parts that are designed to overload to protect further damage, should not be subject to the consumer's expense of replacement, as there replacement is due totally to the malfunction of another part of the unit.

To top it all off, after waiting all day for the repair man, we were charged an extra $25 for the repair "estimate". We were never told of this additional charge by either the phone rep nor the service technician upon his arrival. We are in the process of contacting GE to achieve an equitable solution to this problem. We are also now in the process of receiving repair estimates for the water damage caused by GE refrigerator malfunction.