DIY Tips Before You Call A Clothes Dryer Repairman
Clothes dryers are pretty simple machines that use a fuel source to heat air and a motor and fan to blow it around. Many repairs are also pretty simple and you do some some things yourself to prevent a service call and get your dryer working.
I've talked to dozens of appliance repair technicians though the years and watched them make repairs. I learned that many of the problems can be solved without a service call; even by the mechanically challenged.
So, I've assembled some tips to help you problem solve when your dryer isn't working properly. These may save you the expense of a service call or eliminate some issues so the problem is easier for the technician to solve.
Problem:Dryer won't start
Check to be sure the dryer is plugged in. This seems so simple but several repairmen told me that's often all it takes to make an appliance work. Plugs can get bumped loose by animals or fallen objects.
If that doesn't work, move on to the next item to check.
Dryer Repair DIY: Check The Breaker Box
Problem: Dryer is plugged in but still won't work
Once you've made sure the dryer is properly plugged into the electrical outlet and it still won't run, it's time to check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the breaker back on. This is a good time to check the voltage in the outlet with a voltage meter.
Dryers require 240v to operate. Be sure that your outlet is functioning properly. If this happens frequently, call an electrician immediately!
Dryer power cords can also fail. Check the voltage. These are simple to replace.
If you have a gas dryer - natural gas or propane gas - be sure that the pilot light is lit and that you have an adequate supply of gas if the dryer feeds from a storage tank.
Problem: Washer is plugged in, breakers are fine but it still won't work
If you have had a power outage or surge in your home, it is possible that the thermal fuse in the dryer control panel is damaged. The thermal fuse "blows" if there is overheating or a surge of power and prevents the dryer from catching fire. This is a very good thing! The fuse is inexpensive and easy to replace yourself.
Dryers require a door switch to engage for the appliance to work. These switches can break and have to be replaced. They can also just get "gunked up" with lint. Use a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the contact areas.
If the dryer heats but the drum doesn't turn, check the rubber belt that connects the motor to the drum. It may be loose or broken and is inexpensive and usually easy to replace.
Dryer Repair DIY: Dryer Runs But Won't Heat
Problem: Dryer runs but won't heat
If a dryer turns on and then shuts off very quickly (under 5 minutes or so), it is usually a problem with either the thermostat or thermal resistor. The thermal fuse "blows" and turns off the dryer to prevent overheating.
You can check the high limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, temperature sensor with a voltage meter to determine if they are working properly. While you're checking these elements, also check the heating element and timer to be sure they are receiving power.
If you need a user or repair manual, you can find it here and replacement parts here.
Then, replace that thermal fuse because it has probably blown when the problems began.
Dryer Repair DIY: Dryer Makes A Terrible Noise
Problem: Dryer is making a clanking noise
Stop the drying cycle and check inside.
Remove the offenders and the noise should stop.
Problem: Dryer is making noises and vibrates wildly
If your dryer is still noisy and vibrates, it is off-balance. You must take steps to level the dryer or it will never be quiet and further damage to the washer structure can occur.
Problem: Dryer is squealing and sounds like an airplane taking off
If the dryer is making screeching or squealing noises, the problem is worn drum bearings or supports. Unless you are very handy with tools, this will require a repairman because the entire unit must be disassembled.
Dryer Repair DIY: Clothes Take Too Long To Dry
Problem: Clothes are taking too long to dry
If it takes forever for a load of clothes to dry and your clothes come out linty, clean out that lint filter! If the lint filter is full, air is not flowing freely and your machine is forced to work longer than necessary.
After you empty the filter, give it a good cleaning to get rid of any residue from dryer sheets. You should also use a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the electronic moisture sensors (one or two little metal strips inside the dryer drum).
You'll get your dryer working more efficiently and prevent a possible fire.
Problem: The filter is clean and the clothes still won't dry
If your filter is clean, and the dryer is heating up but it is still taking too long to dry clothing; there are two things to check. Is the dryer vent hose kinked or clogged? Use that long-handled bristle brush to clean out the dryer vent. The vent should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogs.
If the venting system is long and you can't reach the entire length with a brush, use a blower (even your leaf blower) to clean the system or hire a professional.
If you still have a flexible white plastic dryer hose, replace it! It is a fire trap waiting to happen which is why new building codes require a rigid dryer vent. Learn the best venting practices for good dryer performance and fire safety.
Now, go outside and check the outside vent. Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air - and lint - are blown out. If the vent hood gets coated with lint, the trap door can't open. This is often a problem in high humidity climates. Check it every few months, you'll be amazed at the amount of lint you find.
Problem: No clue what's wrong with the dryer
You've checked everything. Hopefully you've kept the operating manual. Get it out and read it! You may just find the answer to your question. If you don't have the manual, visit the manufacturer's Web site or one of these sites to download a manual. It may take a little time but it's much less expensive than a repair call.
Problem: You've read the manual and still have no clue
One last thing to do before calling a repairman is to visit online appliance repair sites. Two that I find are very helpful are RepairClinic and FixItNow .
Or, take a look at problems/solutions from other readers:
Troubleshooting Whirlpool Duet Washer & Dryer Problems and Repairs
Troubleshooting Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Problems and Repairs
Troubleshooting Gas Clothes Dryer Problems and Repairs
Clothes dryers are pretty simple machines that use a fuel source to heat air and a motor and fan to blow it around. Many repairs are also pretty simple and you do some some things yourself to prevent a service call and get your dryer working.
I've talked to dozens of appliance repair technicians though the years and watched them make repairs. I learned that many of the problems can be solved without a service call; even by the mechanically challenged.
So, I've assembled some tips to help you problem solve when your dryer isn't working properly. These may save you the expense of a service call or eliminate some issues so the problem is easier for the technician to solve.
Problem:Dryer won't start
Check to be sure the dryer is plugged in. This seems so simple but several repairmen told me that's often all it takes to make an appliance work. Plugs can get bumped loose by animals or fallen objects.
If that doesn't work, move on to the next item to check.
Dryer Repair DIY: Check The Breaker Box
Problem: Dryer is plugged in but still won't work
Once you've made sure the dryer is properly plugged into the electrical outlet and it still won't run, it's time to check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the breaker back on. This is a good time to check the voltage in the outlet with a voltage meter.
Dryers require 240v to operate. Be sure that your outlet is functioning properly. If this happens frequently, call an electrician immediately!
Dryer power cords can also fail. Check the voltage. These are simple to replace.
If you have a gas dryer - natural gas or propane gas - be sure that the pilot light is lit and that you have an adequate supply of gas if the dryer feeds from a storage tank.
Problem: Washer is plugged in, breakers are fine but it still won't work
If you have had a power outage or surge in your home, it is possible that the thermal fuse in the dryer control panel is damaged. The thermal fuse "blows" if there is overheating or a surge of power and prevents the dryer from catching fire. This is a very good thing! The fuse is inexpensive and easy to replace yourself.
Dryers require a door switch to engage for the appliance to work. These switches can break and have to be replaced. They can also just get "gunked up" with lint. Use a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the contact areas.
If the dryer heats but the drum doesn't turn, check the rubber belt that connects the motor to the drum. It may be loose or broken and is inexpensive and usually easy to replace.
Dryer Repair DIY: Dryer Runs But Won't Heat
Problem: Dryer runs but won't heat
If a dryer turns on and then shuts off very quickly (under 5 minutes or so), it is usually a problem with either the thermostat or thermal resistor. The thermal fuse "blows" and turns off the dryer to prevent overheating.
You can check the high limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, temperature sensor with a voltage meter to determine if they are working properly. While you're checking these elements, also check the heating element and timer to be sure they are receiving power.
If you need a user or repair manual, you can find it here and replacement parts here.
Then, replace that thermal fuse because it has probably blown when the problems began.
Dryer Repair DIY: Dryer Makes A Terrible Noise
Problem: Dryer is making a clanking noise
Stop the drying cycle and check inside.
- Are all buckles fastened?
- Are zippers zipped?
- Are there "extra" items - coins, cell phones, keys - taking a spin?
Remove the offenders and the noise should stop.
Problem: Dryer is making noises and vibrates wildly
If your dryer is still noisy and vibrates, it is off-balance. You must take steps to level the dryer or it will never be quiet and further damage to the washer structure can occur.
Problem: Dryer is squealing and sounds like an airplane taking off
If the dryer is making screeching or squealing noises, the problem is worn drum bearings or supports. Unless you are very handy with tools, this will require a repairman because the entire unit must be disassembled.
Dryer Repair DIY: Clothes Take Too Long To Dry
Problem: Clothes are taking too long to dry
If it takes forever for a load of clothes to dry and your clothes come out linty, clean out that lint filter! If the lint filter is full, air is not flowing freely and your machine is forced to work longer than necessary.
After you empty the filter, give it a good cleaning to get rid of any residue from dryer sheets. You should also use a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the electronic moisture sensors (one or two little metal strips inside the dryer drum).
You'll get your dryer working more efficiently and prevent a possible fire.
Problem: The filter is clean and the clothes still won't dry
If your filter is clean, and the dryer is heating up but it is still taking too long to dry clothing; there are two things to check. Is the dryer vent hose kinked or clogged? Use that long-handled bristle brush to clean out the dryer vent. The vent should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogs.
If the venting system is long and you can't reach the entire length with a brush, use a blower (even your leaf blower) to clean the system or hire a professional.
If you still have a flexible white plastic dryer hose, replace it! It is a fire trap waiting to happen which is why new building codes require a rigid dryer vent. Learn the best venting practices for good dryer performance and fire safety.
Now, go outside and check the outside vent. Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air - and lint - are blown out. If the vent hood gets coated with lint, the trap door can't open. This is often a problem in high humidity climates. Check it every few months, you'll be amazed at the amount of lint you find.
Problem: No clue what's wrong with the dryer
You've checked everything. Hopefully you've kept the operating manual. Get it out and read it! You may just find the answer to your question. If you don't have the manual, visit the manufacturer's Web site or one of these sites to download a manual. It may take a little time but it's much less expensive than a repair call.
Problem: You've read the manual and still have no clue
One last thing to do before calling a repairman is to visit online appliance repair sites. Two that I find are very helpful are RepairClinic and FixItNow .
Or, take a look at problems/solutions from other readers:
Troubleshooting Whirlpool Duet Washer & Dryer Problems and Repairs
Troubleshooting Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Problems and Repairs
Troubleshooting Gas Clothes Dryer Problems and Repairs