Laundry days are stressful. They can be even more stressful when the appliances don’t work properly. Even if you choose the best brand of dryers in the market, there is still a chance that you can face some common dryer problems on your laundry day. But knowing these problems can sometimes help you try your hands on some DIY troubleshooting. Sometimes, all you need to do is tighten the loose wiring. However, since dryers are complex appliances and may cause hazardous gas leaks or electric shocks, it is advised to call a technician who fixes your dryer safely and efficiently. Now let’s move on what some common dryer issues are and how to fix a dryer.
Dryer Won’t Turn On
Check the main power supply and ensure that there is no trip. If the problem persists, check the terminal block and use a multi-meter to ensure that there is enough voltage. If there is no voltage, replace the terminal block. You must also check if there is an issue with one of the thermostat in your dryer
Noisy Dryer
Old dryers are usually noisy. If it gets too noisy, the dryer won’t work. You can fix a noisy dryer by replacing the belt, blower wheel, glides or drum support roller.
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Wrinkled Clothes
Sometimes wrinkly clothes are not a cause of dryer issues at all. You must let the dryer complete full cycle, use a softener and ensure the load is not too heavy or too light.
No Heat
There are many reasons why your dryer won’t heat. Usually, it may be because of no gas flow, circuit breaker trip or a clogged vent. However, if all these elements are fine, you must check the thermal fuse and the heating element. If any of these two are broken, call a technician to repair it. Replacing these elements can be tricky and depend on what type and model of dryer you have. A technician knows all the nuances and will be able to do this task efficiently.
Does Not Tumble
If your dryer does not tumble, it means that it is not drying your clothes properly. This may be because of the issues with the dryer belt or the drum support roller. It is more common if your dryer is old. This may also happen if your dryer motor has seized. While you can repair the drum support roller, the dryer belt and the motor usually need to be replaced for your dryer to start tumbling.
Takes Too Long for Clothes to Dry
If your dryer is taking too long to dry, you can perform dryer troubleshooting by removing excessive lint in the filter. If there is a thick amount of lint in the filter, the air won’t flow properly and your clothes will take too long to dry.
Too Hot
Overheating is caused by issues in your exhaust vent. You must unplug the dryer, detach the exhaust vent and clean out the debris thoroughly. Do this from time to time.
Drum Not Turning
This problem is caused usually because of the drive belt. You can try by dismantling the drum and manually spinning the drive belt to give it a kickstart. If this doesnt work, replace the drive belt.
Check the Plug
A faulty plug can be one of the leading causes behind a dryer that won’t start. As a dryer ages, the mechanisms age with it and vital equipment like plugs can begin to fray or become faulty. If your dryer stopped working, begin by carefully examining the plug and cord for any signs of wear or tear.
If the plug is loose, then it may not be connecting with the outlet correctly. Additionally, if the cord is frayed, then you may also experience short and may be at an increased risk of shock. If you discover your plug is malfunctioning, then it is important to call a professional technician right away.
Check the Breaker/Fuse
Another common issue that can lead to a dryer that won’t turn on is issues with the breaker or fuse. This can be as simple as having too many appliances running off the same circuit, in which case, you may need a professional technician to assist with upgrading your amperage. In other cases, your dryer has stopped working because you have tripped a breaker.
Check your fuse box to ensure that the switches are in the right position. If it has been tripped, switch it back to the right position and try turning your unit on again. If the unit starts but shuts off again after a few moments, then you are running too much power at once and need to adjust your amperage.
Checker the temperature sensor
If your clothes dryer is not heating, it may be due to an issue with your temperature sensor. Your sensor monitors how hot your unit is getting to ensure it does not overheat. If you have a voltage meter at home, then you can check the sensor yourself to ensure it is operational.
While doing this, you should also check the timer and heating element to make sure they are in sync and working together to dry your clothes effectively.
Dryer Door Won’t Stay Shut
Do you find your dryer won’t spin even if you shut the door? It could be that the door is not staying shut while in operation. This can be caused by overfilling your dryer. Make sure you leave enough room for clothes to easily move around your dryer and allow proper airflow.
If your door still won’t stay shut, then it may be due to a faulty latch or hinge which is preventing the door from closing. Try tightening the latch and hinges with a screwdriver and closing the door. If it still won’t stay closed, then it may be time to replace one of these components.
Dryer Isn’t Heating
If your dryer won’t heat, it could be due to an air flow issue. If the vents are blocked, then your clothes will not get adequate heat. A shorted fuse or radiant sensor issue can also prevent your dryer from reaching an optimum temperature.
If both of these appear to be operating correctly, then it may be time to replace the gas coil valve, which helps keep your dryer at the right temperature. If this isn’t the solution, then it may be time to replace the heater element.
Clean the Lint Filter
Cleaning the lint filter not only helps heat your dryer better, but also reduces the risk of fire. Clean your lint trap with every use. In addition to regular inspections of the air vents and vacuum them regularly to keep them free from debris.
Your dryer may also have an interior vent that may require regular cleaning. Consult with your manual and follow a regular maintenance schedule.
Inspect Dryer Vents
Similar to inspecting your lint filter, keeping a close watch on dryer vents can help you reduce your chances of fire and keep your dryer running efficiently.
Keep your dryer vents clear of debris and buildup. This will keep the quality of the air in your home fresh and reduce the risk of fire.
If you are attempting dryer troubleshooting yourself, you might have to dismantle some parts of your dryer. Ensure that you note what part goes where so assembling is easy. To stay stafe, make sure that the main electrical supply is turned off.
