5 Most Common Dryer Problems and Solutions

5 Most Common Dryer Problems and Solutions

Dryers are important appliances in all households that help to get your clothes dry and ready-to-use. However, like any other appliance, dryers can encounter problems that will require an appliance repair service or a replacement. It can be frustrating when your dryer is not performing as expected, but before you rush out and buy a new one, there are several issues that you can troubleshoot and fix on your own. Here are the 5 most common dryer problems and solutions you may encounter:

1. The dryer is not producing heat

If your dryer is not producing heat, there is a high possibility that a problem exists with the heating element. Check to see if the heating element has burnt-out. Heating elements are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased easily from any appliance or electrical supply store. However, if the heating element appears to be working fine, there may be a problem with the hi-limit thermostat. This thermostat shuts off the dryer if it gets too hot and could be malfunctioning, stopping heat from getting to the dryer. Lastly, it could be the cycling thermostat that has stopped working if you can still hear the dryer running but it’s not producing heat. To fix this problem, you may need the help of a qualified technician.

2. Dryer drum not spinning or turning

If your dryer makes a humming noise when turned on but doesn’t spin or turn, there may be an issue with the drive motor or the belt, which helps to turn the drum. Most dryers require both the motor and belt to work together to successfully spin the drum. The belt is suppose to fit snugly around the drum and motor pulley. If the belt is loose or has broken, it will need to be replaced. This is something you can do on your own if you have the right tools.

If the belt is not the problem, then the drive motor may be faulty. The motor is what powers the drum belt and if it’s malfunctioning, it won’t turn the drum. A qualified technician should be able to repair or replace the motor for you.

3. Loud, unpleasant noises

Unpleasant and loud noises are common problems with dryers, and there are several possible causes. It could be the drum support rollers, the idler pulley, or something that got stuck in the blower wheel. Drum support rollers can wear out over time, causing loud thumping or rumbling noises. The idler pulley, which helps to give the drum its movement, can also wear out and cause unpleasant squeaking or squealing noises. Something stuck in the blower wheel will cause a loud rattling noise when the dryer is on. This issue should be resolved to avoid any damage to the dryer or other problems.

4. The dryer takes too long to dry clothes

If your dryer is taking longer to dry clothes than it used to do, there could be a few reasons for this. The first, and often the most common, cause is a clogged lint filter. Lint buildup in the filter will obstruct the air flow, reducing the effectiveness of the dryer. Clean the lint filter after every use to prevent this problem. Another possibility is a blocked venting system. This can happen if the venting goes too long without cleaning or if there’s a kink in the flexible duct pipe. You can address the clogged venting system yourself or hire a professional to carry out the repair.

5. The dryer keeps shutting off before the cycle ends

If the dryer keeps shutting off before the cycle ends, there could be a problem with the thermal fuse. If this is the issue, the dryer will stop working to prevent overheating and fire. You can check the thermal fuse location in the owner’s manual and purchase a replacement fuse from any appliance store. However, if it turns out that there’s a blockage or clogging in the venting system, it will cause the dryer to shut off to prevent any fire hazard. Clearing the venting system can help to prevent this from happening again.

Conclusion

Keeping your dryer in a good condition is important to so that it can last long and work effectively. Identifying the problem with your dryer is the first step to finding the solution. In some cases, you can take care of the repairs yourself, while in other cases, a professional technician may need to be called in to assist you. Don’t wait until your dryer stops working altogether before taking action. Regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in helping to prevent problems in the future.

Categorised in: Dryer Repair

This post was written by admin