Dryer Repair Basics

Dryers are a sturdy and durable household appliance that last for years. But like all appliances, they do occasionally need repair. Some problems, such as a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse or an incorrect cycle selection can be handled by the average homeowner without a technician, while others are more serious and require professional dryer repair. For example, if your dryer is taking an excessively long time to dry, the problem may be caused by a clogged vent. In that case, you should clean the lint screen and check the external ducting to ensure it's clear of kinks or blockages.

Another common dryer problem is a humming noise, which usually means that the belts are worn out and are placing undue strain on the motor. A quick check of the belts can be made by removing the back access panel and reaching behind the drum, motor pulley and idler arm pulley. If the belts look good, try spraying them with fan belt dressing, available from auto- and hardware stores.

If your dryer isn't heating or the heater element has stopped working, you can test the electrical continuity of the radiant sensor and igniter coils by removing them from their retaining plates. If either fail, replace them. In electric dryers, the thermal fuse is also easily tested with a multimeter. If it fails, remove the fuse and replace it with a new one. If your dryer has a blower, check the blower wheel for cracks and looseness. A cracked wheel could lead to the blower stopping rotation, causing it to run out of balance and cause the drum to snag on the front end bearing.