Appliance repair
Dryer Repair Requests
Requests cover electric and gas dryers that don’t heat, take too long, won’t tumble, stop mid-cycle or make squealing and thumping noises.
Most dryer complaints come down to heat, airflow or the parts that turn the drum. Clothes that are still damp after a full cycle, a drum that won’t move, or squeaks and thumps are common reasons people ask for help. A restricted vent is a frequent factor and also a fire concern.
Let us know whether your dryer is electric or gas and what you are seeing. We send the request to independent local repair professionals, who may contact you to schedule a diagnosis and quote their own price for any work you approve.
Signs Your Dryer May Need a Professional
- Laundry is still damp after a normal cycle
- The drum doesn’t turn even though the dryer hums
- Squealing, scraping or thumping while running
- A hot or burning smell, or the dryer shuts off early
Common Dryer Problems
Dryer runs but doesn’t heat
In electric models this is often caused by a burned-out heating element, a blown thermal fuse or a tripped breaker on one side of the circuit. In gas models, a worn igniter or faulty gas valve coils are common. A blocked vent can also trip safety devices.
Long drying times
Slow drying is frequently linked to lint buildup in the vent duct, a crushed transition hose or a vent run that is too long. A technician may also check the cycling thermostat and the moisture sensor bars inside the drum.
Drum won’t turn
If the motor hums but the drum stays still, a broken drive belt, a seized idler pulley or a failed motor may be the cause. When nothing happens at all, the door switch, start switch or thermal fuse could be involved.
Noisy operation
Squealing often comes from worn drum rollers or an idler pulley, while scraping can point to worn glides or a loose drum seal. Thumping may be caused by a flat spot on a roller or a heavy item tumbling inside.
Safe Things to Check First
- Clean the lint screen and look for lint packed in the screen housing
- Check that the flexible vent hose behind the dryer isn’t crushed or kinked
- Go outside and see whether air flows from the exterior vent flap while the dryer runs
- For electric dryers, check the breaker panel, since many use a double breaker
Safety: Stop using the dryer if you notice a burning smell or the cabinet gets unusually hot. Lint collecting in the vent and duct is a known fire hazard. If you notice a gas odor, don’t flip switches, light anything or use the appliance. Get everyone out of the home, then call your gas company or 911 from outside.
What to Include in Your Request
- Brand, model and serial number, often printed on a label inside the door opening or on the back panel
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- Roughly how long a typical load now takes to dry
- When the vent duct was last cleaned, if you know
Dryer Repair FAQs
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Many fire safety organizations suggest cleaning the full vent duct at least once a year, and more often for large households. Clean the lint screen after every load. Signs that the vent needs attention include longer drying times and a hot laundry room.
Can a gas dryer and an electric dryer have the same problems?
They share many parts, including belts, rollers, thermostats and thermal fuses. Heating is where they differ: electric models use a heating element, while gas models use an igniter, flame sensor and gas valve. Mention the fuel type in your request.
Is it worth repairing a dryer that won’t heat?
Heating problems are often tied to a single component, so a repair may be reasonable depending on the dryer’s age and condition. A repair professional can identify the cause and quote a price so you can compare it with replacement.
Send Your Dryer Repair Request
Send a free request in a couple of minutes. If an independent professional who serves your area can help, they’ll contact you to arrange a visit and explain their price.