Dryers are an essential appliance for most households, making laundry much more convenient and efficient. However, like any other appliance, they can sometimes malfunction, leaving you with wet clothes and frustration and the need for dryer repair. 

Fortunately for you, many common problems with dryers can be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting and repair tips. 

In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common problems and provide helpful dryer repair tips to get it back up and running smoothly again. And if you can’t solve the problem on your own, will explain how you can determine if you need to call a professional appliance repair service like the team at  Fix Appliance Repair . 

While our list of dryer problems isn’t all-encompassing, it will cover the five most common.

One of the most common problems with dryers is when they stop heating up. 

This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

To troubleshoot this issue, start by checking the heating element and the thermostat for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you find that either of these parts is broken, you will need to replace them.

Another possible cause of a dryer not heating up is a malfunctioning thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts off power to the dryer if it overheats. If the fuse blows, the dryer will no longer be able to heat up. 

To test if the thermal fuse is the issue, you can use a multimeter to check its continuity. If it has no continuity, you’ll need to replace it.

If your dryer drum isn’t spinning, it could be due to a broken belt or a malfunctioning motor. To determine the cause of the problem, start by unplugging the dryer and checking the belt for any signs of damage or wear. 

If the belt is broken, you’ll need to replace it. If the belt is still intact, this means the problem could have something to do with the motor, in this case, you will need to call a professional to repair it.

Your dryer could be making strange noises due to a variety of issues, including a worn drum roller or an idler pulley. These parts can wear down over time, causing them to make loud or unusual noises when you are using the dryer. 

To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the damaged parts. If you aren’t sure which part is damaged, you’ll need to reach out to a professional. 

If your dryer is taking too long to dry clothes, it could be due to a clogged lint filter or vent. Over time, lint can accumulate, reducing airflow and causing the dryer to take longer to dry clothes. 

To fix this problem, start by cleaning the lint filter after every use, and have your dryer vent professionally  cleaned once a year .

It’s also important to note that clogged lint filters can cause fires in your home, so there is more than one reason to keep them clean. 

If your dryer won’t turn on at all, it could be due to a problem with the power supply. Start by checking the power cord and outlet for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you find that either of these is faulty, you’ll need to replace them. Remember to be cautious when dealing with electricity. 

If the power supply is intact, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermal fuse or door switch. To troubleshoot this issue, use a multimeter to test the continuity of these parts.

While some dryer problems may require the assistance of a professional repair service, there are several things you can try before calling in the experts. 

If your dryer isn’t turning on, the first thing you should check is the power source. Make sure that the dryer is plugged in and that the outlet is working properly. If the outlet is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

Again, use an abundance of caution when dealing with electricity. 

As we mentioned, a clogged lint filter can reduce airflow and cause the dryer to take longer to dry clothes. Make sure to clean the lint filter after every use to prevent this from happening.

If your dryer drum isn’t spinning, it could be due to a broken belt. Check the belt for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.

If your dryer isn’t heating up, check the heating element for any visible signs of damage or wear. If you find that the heating element is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

If your dryer isn’t heating up, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermal fuse. To test the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to check its continuity. If it has no continuity, you’ll need to replace it.

If you’re comfortable with basic repairs and have some technical knowledge, you can try  repairing your dryer on your own. Here are some common steps for dryer repair:

Before you begin repairing your dryer, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. This may include:

Before you begin disassembling the dryer, make sure to turn off the power and unplug the dryer from the outlet. This is one of the most important safety precautions to follow. 

Remove the dryer cover to access the interior components. Depending on the make and model of your dryer, you may need to remove screws, clips, or other fasteners to access the components.

Once you have access to the components, identify the problem and replace any faulty parts. This may include replacing:

Once you’ve replaced any faulty parts, reassemble the dryer by reversing the disassembly steps.

After reassembling the dryer, plug it back in and turn it on to make sure that it’s working properly. If everything is functioning correctly, you’re all done!

While some dryer problems can be easily fixed with basic repair tips, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional dryer repair service. 

Here are some situations where you should call a professional:

If you’re not comfortable with basic repairs or lack technical knowledge, it’s best to leave the repair to a professional. Trying to repair your dryer without the proper knowledge or experience can lead to further damage or safety hazards.

Dryers operate using high-voltage electricity, and if you’re not careful, you could risk electrocution or other safety hazards. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, it’s best to call a professional. 

Even if you do have experience working with electricity, it’s important to prioritize safety when working with appliances.

If your dryer has complex or major problems, such as a malfunctioning motor or control board, it’s best to call a professional repair service. These issues require specialized tools and expertise that most homeowners don’t have. Attempting to fix these issues on your own could lead to further damage or even render the dryer irreparable.

If you don’t have the time or resources to repair your dryer on your own, it’s best to call a professional. 

Professional dryer repair services have the tools, knowledge, and experience to quickly diagnose and fix the problem, allowing you to get back to your daily routine without any interruptions.

Dryers are an essential appliance for most households, and when they break down, it can be frustrating. 

Fortunately, many common problems with dryers can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting and repair tips. If you’re comfortable with basic repairs, you can try fixing your dryer on your own by following the steps outlined in this article. 

However, if you’re not comfortable with repairs or have complex issues, it’s best to call a professional dryer repair service. They have the knowledge and expertise to make sure the job is done correctly and safely. 

If your dryer isn’t working properly and you’re located in Pinellas County, Florida, Fix Appliance Repair can help! We pride ourselves on being a repair company you can count on and can repair all the major dryer brands and repair both electric and gas dryers.  Schedule an appointment with us today to get your dryer back up and running!