Broken dryers throw a real wrench into day-to-day life. Luckily, some of the most common clothes dryer issues are relatively easy to fix. If your dryer isn’t spinning or heating up, try these DIY clothes dryer troubleshooting tips - we’ll even walk you through them on the phone!
A few possible reasons could cause a dryer not to spin. In most cases, it’s the result of a broken dryer belt. The belt connects the motor to the drum; if broken, there’s nothing to get the drum moving. If your dryer turns on and heats but won’t spin, this is the most likely problem. You can order a replacement dryer belt or let Max’s take care of it!
This issue occurs in degrees - excuse the pun. Sometimes, it may be heating, but the dryer vent is clogged, restricting airflow. This can cause the temperature to feel warm or cool instead of hot. It also poses a fire risk, which is why it’s so important to keep your dryer vent clean. More often, however, the heading element or thermal fuse is broken. The heating element creates heat, and the thermal fuse prevents the dryer from overheating. If the fuse is broken, the dryer will not heat up. It’s best to count on a professional technician for any dryer heating issues.
We know it seems obvious, but when we get calls about dryers that won’t turn on, we always ask if they’re plugged in. In many cases, the cord was bumped—just inserting it all the way resolved the issue. Sometimes, the problem is more complicated, such as a door latch that doesn't secure completely, a blown motor, or an electrical issue. These problems usually need expert evaluation.
Most of the time, vibrating or humming in a dryer is caused by a faulty drum seal and glide bearing. This is usually caused by overloading the dryer. To check it, open the dryer door and manually spin the drum. If you hear noises and grinding, or if the drum sticks or seizes in one spot, there’s a good chance you have a bad seal and bearing. These parts will usually need to be replaced.
If the dryer is heating up but not completely drying clothes, it may be overloaded. Try running smaller loads. In other scenarios, an inefficient dryer can be caused by a faulty heating element or a clogged vent and exhaust dust system. Start by clearing any clogs and trying another load to rule out those problems.
Read more: Repair or Replace: Dishwasher Edition’
Most clothes dryers last 5-15 years, so it may be time to replace your dryer if it's over five years old. You’ll know it’s time to buy a new dryer when:
Your Max’s technician will help you decide whether to repair or replace your dryer in a friendly, no-pressure way; we always look out for our neighbors.
Max’s Service has offered expert dryer repair services in Traverse City and across northern Michigan for over fifty years. Our trained technicians provide expert advice and quality repairs so you can quickly return to your normal routine.
Schedule your dryer repair appointment with us today!
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