An electric clothes dryer is no doubt a godsend for homeowners. It’s one of the most used appliances in any home and is essential for ensuring you have clean clothes for work or school, especially on days when you don’t have time to hang clothes out to dry.
Although electric dryers usually last for years, they can encounter minor problems at some point in their lifecycle. And when this happens, things can get ugly quite fast. You might even find yourself wearing the same shirt to work for a few days in a row!
If you’ve come here, chances are your dryer is experiencing some problems, and you’re wondering if its a easy fix.
Good news: regardless if its a big or a small job, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn more about common problems and some suggested dryer repair solutions.
The dryer won't turn on
You do a full load of laundry on a Sunday. As soon as the washing machine finishes its cycle, you take the clothes and put them in the dryer, but the dryer won’t start. What do you do now?
Possible causes of a clothes dryer not turning on
There are a number of things that could be causing the problem. Here are two easily identifiable ones:
Check the Power Plug
Check if the power plug is connected properly and electricity is reaching your dryer. If it’s not, one of the breakers has tripped, or the outlet needs to be replaced.
Inspect the Door Switch
As obvious as it sounds, the dryer won’t start if the door is open. Lint buildup or other debris around the door gasket or switch can prevent the door from completely closing.
There are other causes too, such as problems with the thermostat, terminal block, belt, etc.
However, identifying these problems isn’t an average person’s cup of tea. A dryer repair technician is better suited to determine if these are at the heart of this issue.
Possible solutions to get your dryer back on
If your dryer is having power troubles, you need to identify the root cause. Is it a tripped breaker, or does the outlet has no power? Depending on the cause, you can fix the problem yourself or call a technician.
As for the door switch, it’s an easy fix, and the problem can be prevented by regularly cleaning the door gasket or switch.
For other problems, it’s best to call a dryer repair expert.
The drum isn't spinning
You press the start button on your dryer and can hear the motor hum, but the dryer isn’t spinning. Sounds like a serious problem, no? Well, it is.
Possible causes for a drum no spinning.
If your dryer’s motor is running but the drum doesn’t spin, it means the belt has worn out. This problem is more common than you think. After all, belts wear out, and your dryer’s belt is no exception.
Possible solutions to get the drum spinning.
To fix this problem, you’ll probably need to call a dryer repair technician as it requires skill and expertise. You can get a replacement belt and try changing it yourself, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Clothes feel warm but are not completely dry
You take a load of freshly washed clothes from the dryer, only to find that the clothes aren’t dry. You run a second, shorter cycle, thinking that the clothes might be too wet or overloaded. What do you do now?
Possible causes of a clothes dryer not fully drying
There are two causes for this problem:
A faulty heating element:
If the heating element (coils) aren’t working properly, the dryer will spin and complete the cycle but won’t be able to do its job effectively.
These coils are prone to wear and tear over time, but overloading the dryer, poor ventilation, and not regularly cleaning the lint filter can cause the heating element to stop working sooner than you think.
Clogged ductwork
When was the last time you cleaned the dryer’s vent pipe? No, we’re not talking about the lint screen – the vent pipe is separate.
A vent pipe ensures the proper flow of air. If the pipe is clogged, the airflow will be disrupted. The result? Clothes won’t dry completely.
Possible solutions to get your clothes dried
The solution is simple: replace the heating element (coils). It isn’t a complicated job but can be quite difficult for someone who has never done it. Hence, it’s best to call a dryer repair expert and get the coils replaced.
As for the vent pipe, you can easily clean it yourself. This should be done every six months or a year, depending on your usage. Cleaning the duct will not only ensure your dryer runs smoothly and efficiently, but will also reduce the risk of fire
The dryer takes too long
You put a load in the dryer, start it, and walk away to complete your other chores. You come back half an hour, only to find out that the dryer is still running. If that’s the case, the problem may be simpler than you think!
Possible reasons why your drier takes forever
The main culprit behind this problem is lint. A dryer’s lint filter is meant to catch the lint and allow the air to flow. If you don’t clean the filter regularly, too much lint will pile up, blocking the air and forcing the dryer to work harder.
Possible solutions to get your clothes dried
You’ll be surprised to know that this annoying problem can be fixed in minutes. Just clean your lint filter, and your dryer will be back to its normal cycle time!
Getting your dryer repaired in Perth is simple
Call us!
A dryer is a complex machine with several different components. Unlike refrigerators or TVs, it’s not easy to identify what’s wrong with your dryer without opening the machine – and we don’t recommend doing that unless you’re an expert.
Spare yourself the effort and risk, and call a skilled dryer repair technician today!
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The ultimate checklist when your washing machine doesn’t drain or spin and where to get your washing machine repaired.
Common washing machine problems and how to care for your machine
6 myths about washing machines you probably didn’t know.