About the Author: nate

Clean clothes are a must. So, when you toss your wet, freshly washed clothes into your clothes dryer, you expect it to work. But, what happens when it doesn’t? What happens when your clothes are just as wet after the dryer cycle as they were when you first put them in? Do you know how to repair a dryer? 

Dryers are designed to be tough, but unfortunately, over time and with wear and tear, clothes dryers can encounter some problems. Sometimes it is a simple fix, other times not so much. Don’t leave yourself hung out to dry – let’s take a look at 5 common dryer problems and solutions.  

Common Dryer Problem #1: Runs, But No Heat

Did you know your dryer can be a trickster? It sure can – especially when it spends an hour running only to surprise you with wet, air-fluffed clothes when it is finished. Without the heat, drying just doesn’t work.  So, what could be the culprit? Here’s what to do. 

First, check your settings. Sometimes the buttons or knobs can get bumped and turn off the heat. Next, make sure you have proper ventilation. That means do not overload the unit – and keep your lint screens cleaned out. 

If your settings are fine and your lint screen has been cleaned out, but you still have no heat, it could be due to the thermal fuse. As a precaution, the fuse is in place to keep the dryer from overheating. So, when it breaks, your dryer will often no longer heat. This is a problem that is best to be handled by a professional for safety reasons. 

Common Dryer Problem #2: Excessive Noise

You love your dryer, yes. But hearing it all the time? Not at all. If your dryer begins to make noise excessively, such as thumping noises, humming, or even squeaking, it could indicate a number of issues. One of the most common has to do with overloading. Another stems from the glides. These are located around the drum to help it turn smoothly. As they begin to wear, the tumble gets noisier. 

Another reason for excessive noise is a bad blower wheel or drum support roller. The first tunnels the air and exhaust while the latter holds the drum in place as it turns – and both can cause the dryer to make disruptive noise. 

A noisy dryer is often a simple fix, but best left up to a repair company. 

Common Dryer Problem #3: Dryer Won’t Run At All

The reason for your dryer not running at all could be a long list of common problems. Of course, you will always want to make sure that your dryer is plugged in properly and that there is power to the outlet. You may think that there is no way your dryer could be unplugged, but you’d be surprised at how often this is the cause. If it gets moved around at all or if something falls on the cord, it can pull the cord out of the outlet. 

For gas dryers, definitely check the pilot light to make sure it is lit and that there is gas going to the unit. 

If all of these things check out and your dryer still won’t run at all, then it is time to call in the professionals. There could be many reasons why it isn’t working – and all usually involve various internal components. 

Common Dryer Problem #4: Drum Isn’t Spinning

The drum in your dryer turns your clothes so that the heat can reach all areas as it works to dry them. And when it doesn’t work, you can’t use your dryer. This is a very common dryer problem and it usually results from a broken belt. 

You could purchase the belt designed for your dryer and try to replace it yourself. But, this can be a tricky repair that is often best left to a professional. Besides, a bad roller or motor problems could also cause this problem.  

Common Dryer Problem #5: Dryer Runs But Shuts Off Quickly

If you have turned your dryer on and it runs only to shut off moments later, it may require some attention. This aggravating situation could be the result of a broken thermostat. Oftentimes, when you have a regularly overloaded machine or a clogged ventilation system and/or lint screen, you could put extra pressure on the thermostat. 

Simply replacing the thermostat will often get your dryer working beautifully again. 

Dryer Repair at Appliance Repair 512

If knowing how to repair a dryer requires the help of a professional, Appliance Repair 512 is here for you. We are locally owned and operated, providing service to our neighbors throughout the communities in Austin, TX. We service all major brands and even offer same-day service, too.

Contact our office at (512) 351-7624 to schedule a repair appointment. 

continue reading

Related Posts

  • 666 words3.3 min read

    Keeping your dryer vent clean is incredibly important for fire safety and energy efficiency. A clogged vent can lead to a lint buildup that could ignite into flames. It also forces your dryer to work harder, using more energy to dry clothes. Don’t worry though, maintaining your vent is easy. […]

  • 734 words3.7 min read

    Refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and configurations. If you’re in the market for a new fridge, you may be wondering what size is right for your kitchen. There are a few different things to consider when it comes to choosing a refrigerator that is the appropriate size for […]

  • 814 words4.1 min read

    If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, an over-the-range microwave is a great addition. It not only saves counter space but also adds to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. However, installing an over the range microwave is often a daunting task for many homeowners. The good news is that […]