If your dryer has stopped working, don’t despair. There are a few things you can check before you call a repairer. This article will walk you through some easy tips for reworking your dryer. Is the dryer not working? If your clothes are coming out damp, it might be time to check the lint screen, heating element, or venting system. These easy dryer repair tips will help keep your dryer up and running again.
Common Broken Dryer Problems
Broken dryers can be painful, especially when you have a laundry load. Below, you will find the common broken dryer problems you should know. If your clothes dryer isn’t working correctly, it may be due to one of these common problems.
1) A Clogged Lint Filter
The lint filter should be cleaned after every load of laundry. If not, the lint can cause the dryer to overheat. Another common problem is a broken heating element. If the heating element fails, the dryer won’t be able to generate enough heat to dry your clothes. Check the lint filter first if your dryer is not drying your clothes. It is a good idea to clean the lint filter after every load of laundry. If you don’t want to do it yourself, ask your local dryer repair technician for help.
2) A Broken Belt
Another common problem with dryers is a broken belt. The belt is what drives the drum in the back of the machine. The strap is usually rubber and can break from overuse or age. If your dryer is not working, you might have a broken belt. To test the problem with the belt, open the door while the machine is still running. If the drum stops, then you need to change the belt. If your dryer is still running, you must take things apart and look for a broken part.
2) A Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, the dryer won’t be able to regulate its temperature. This problem can cause the dryer to overheat and damage your clothes. If your clothes dryer isn’t working, don’t despair. There are several things you can check and repair yourself without calling a professional. First, ensure the dryer is plugged into an outlet and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If those things are in working order, look at the lint screen. It might be clogged with lint, which prevents air from flowing correctly. Also, check to see if the exhaust vent is blocked. Clean it out and try again.
3) Dryer Won’t Start
If your dryer is experiencing an issue with starting up, it could be due to a faulty start switch. This problem can cause the dryer to overheat. If your clothes dryer isn’t working, don’t despair. There are a few things you can check before you call a repairer. First, ensure the dryer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If those things are fine, look at the lint screen. It might be clogged with lint, preventing air from flowing freely through the dryer. Clearing the lint screen should fix the problem.
4) An Overheated Motor
This problem can be caused by a clogged vent or filter or too much lint in the dryer. To fix this problem, clean the vent and filter, and make sure there is no lint buildup in the dryer. If you can’t clear the issue, call a maintenance specialist.
5) A Loose Cord or Hose
A loose connection in the dryer can cause this problem. Check to ensure that all the cords and hoses are tightly plugged in and that the line isn’t damaged. If this doesn’t fix your issue, call a maintenance specialist.
6) The Dryer Runs but Doesn’t Heat up
If your dryer isn’t working, don’t call a repairer just yet. There are several things you can check and repair yourself. First, ensure the dryer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Check the lint trap and vent for blockages if it’s plugged in and the breaker is fine. The problem may be with the belt or heating element if those are clear. These dryer repairs are relatively easy to do and will save you a lot of money.
7) A Smelly Dryer
Several things could cause this problem. If there is an electrical short in the dryer, you should call a maintenance specialist immediately, as this can be dangerous. Other causes include mold and mildew getting into your dryer vent. If this is the case, you should call a professional dryer vent cleaning service to eliminate mold and mildew. Another common cause of odor in your dryer is lint buildup. To fix this problem, clean out the lint trap and vent.
8) A Broken Door Seal
This step can cause the dryer to overheat and catch fire. To fix this problem, replace the door seal with a new one. To do this:
- Turn off your dryer and unplug it.
- Remove the screws for the door on the inside of the dryer.
- Remove the front panel. The front meeting should be held in place by two hinges.
- Remove these also. You can then remove the seal for the door.
- Be careful when removing this seal to avoid damaging it.
- After removing the old seal, place the new one and put all your door components back together.
9) A Leaking Heating Element
This problem can cause dryer fires. It is essential to check the heating element if you have this issue. To fix this problem, first, you must turn the circuit breaker off that controls your dryer. Then you will need to remove the heating element located behind the dryer door. You will replace it with a new one and then reattach the wires that control it. This step will allow your dryer to work correctly again.
Dryer Vent Repair Tips
If your clothes dryer isn’t working, don’t despair. There are some simple things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. Here are just a few:
Step One: Check the power source
Is the dryer not working? Don’t call the repairman just yet. Check out these easy dryer repair tips first and see if you can get your dryer up and running again. With a bit of time and effort, you may be able to fix the problem yourself and save yourself a hefty dryer repair bill.
Step Two: Clean the lint trap
The most common problem with a dryer is that it doesn’t heat. Remove the lint from the filter, clean it and replace it. Before you call the dryer repairman, check to see if the lint trap is clean.
Step Three: Check the exhaust vent
Take a look at the exhaust vent. Make sure it is not clogged with lint or debris. If it is, vacuum it out and clean the ductwork. This step should solve your problem.
Step Four: Check the Thermostat
If your dryer isn’t working, the first thing you should check is the venting system. Often, lint buildup in the vents is the culprit. First, disconnect the dryer from the power source to clean your venting system. Then, using a vacuum with a long hose attachment, suck out as much lint as possible from inside the dryer and the exhaust duct that leads to the outside of your house. Once you’ve cleaned out as much lint as possible, reattach the dryer to the power source and turn it on. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to call a maintenance specialist.
Step Five: Inspect the Drum and Drive
If the dryer is still making a strange noise after you’ve cleaned the venting system, you may have to remove the drum and drive to inspect them. To do this:
- Unplug your dryer and turn off the gas supply to it.
- After you’ve disconnected the dryer from its power source, remove the screws on either side of the drum with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Remove the screws that hold the drive belt and pulley to the motor.
Once you’ve removed these parts and set them aside, inspect them for damage.
Step Six: Replace the Heating Element
If your clothes dryer isn’t heating up, the first thing you should check is the heating element. With regular use, a dryer’s heating element will eventually burn out. Replacing the heating element is a relatively easy dryer repair that you can do yourself. Here’s a quick guide on how to replace the heating element in your dryer.
First, start by unplugging your dryer from the wall outlet and pulling it away from the wall. Next, remove the back panel of your dryer to access the heating element. Once you’ve located the heating element, disconnect the wires and remove the screws that hold it in place. Then, install the new heating element and screw it into place. Finally, reconnect the cables and replace the back panel of your dryer. That’s it! You’ve now successfully replaced your dryer’s heating element.
Conclusion:
Is the dryer not working? If your clothes are coming out wet, it may be time to check the lint screen, heating element, or thermostat. The easy dryer repair tips mentioned above will help keep your dryer up and running again.
