Basic Dryer Troubleshooting Tips

Did you know that you could add years of life onto your clothes dryer by knowing some simple troubleshooting tips? At Paul’s Washer Dryer Repair, we pride ourselves in empowering our customers with the knowledge of when to call in the experts. Don’t waste money on unnecessary service appointments!

By following a series of simple dryer troubleshooting steps, you might be able to save yourself a service call and the associated costs of an in-home repair. It’s easy to learn how to safely and quickly check for common problems associated with a malfunctioning clothes dryer. You’ll know when to put away the tools and call in the professionals at Paul’s Washer Dryer Repair.

4 Things To Do Before You Call

1. Check the Connections. First and foremost, you will need to determine if you are using a gas or electric dryer. If it is a gas dryer, you will need to check that the gas is turned on. If you are dealing with an electric dryer, you will need to make sure that the appliance is plugged in.While this may seem like an obvious first step, we have experienced several embarrassed customers when we arrive to find that the power source was simply shut off or constricted.
2. Identify the Problem. One of the more common complaints is when the dryer fails to get the clothes completely dry. Quite often the unit simply doesn’t heat up sufficiently to get the job done. However, it could just as easily be caused by someone who has selected an improper cycle for the type of dryer load.It is highly suggested to do a test load before calling an experienced appliance repair technician; just put in some wet clothes and then catalog the various problems that crop up.
3. Check the Lint Trap & Exhaust. Many brands of residential and commercial dryers, like Whirlpool, are finicky and often have issues with their vents for lint traps and exhaust.If there is a build up, and the lint trap has quite a bit of lint stuck to it, there is a good chance that the hose to the vent is obstructed.In this case, disconnect the hose from the back of the dryer and the vent, and then take it outside to clean it. Once cleaned, if the hose still has severe soiling, it is best to have an experienced appliance repair technician replace it.
4. Determine the Conflicting Codes. Often times a dryer may display multiple error codes that may conflict; which can be confusing to the customer. There is a good chance that unexplained dryer heat and odd service codes on newer models will point to improper grounding.Be sure to check the heating element for any visible broken wires or debris. Keep a wary eye open for any stray wires that are touching the heating element.

Once you have completed the Basic Troubleshooting Tips, it is time to do a quick inspection of the unit to determine the cause of concern.

 Inspect the Unit in 8 Simple Steps

1. Check that the dryer door is closing completely. Remove anything that blocks the dryer door from closing.
2. Ensure the “Start” button is pressed firmly to start the dryer cycle, and that the dryer is not overloaded or the clothing is not balled up. Any of these things can prevent the dryer from operating and/or drying the clothes properly.
3. Make sure your dryer is secure and level in its place. Use a level to confirm your dryer is sitting flatly and evenly on the ground. Adjust the dryer as necessary for it to be level as the dryer will vibrate and make unnecessary noise when sitting unevenly.
4. Examine the inside of the dryer and in the space around the drum, look for loose change, pens, hair ties and other items or debris that could have gathered in the area. Such items will make noise and potentially cause the dryer to become inoperable.
5. Examine the dryer’s lint trap for excess lint. Remove any lint from the trap and then place it securely back into position. Always clean the lint trap between dryer cycles.
6. Inspect the area around the dryer and in the ventilation and exhaust systems. Remove any build up and clean the area thoroughly. Built up lint is a fire hazard and can quickly cause operating issues.
7. Check that the unit has proper power. Ensure the gas shutoff valve is turned all the way to the “On” position for gas dryers or make certain the electric plug fits securely into the outlet.
8. Inspect both the fuse box and circuit breaker for any electrical problems. Replace any blown fuses, if necessary, and reset the circuit breaker if it has been tripped.