Dryer Repair or DIY?: 2025 Common Dryer Problems
Are you experiencing problems with your dryer and wondering whether you should attempt a DIY repair or seek professional help? Explore our practical advice for common dryer problems, helping you discern whether a DIY fix is feasible or if it's time to enlist professional help. From straightforward DIY repairs like unclogging exhaust vents to complex issues requiring expert attention, we've got you covered with guidance to keep your clothes dryer running smoothly.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Simple tasks like clearing a clogged exhaust vent duct system or replacing a broken door switch can often be done yourself, saving time and money.
- Advanced repairs such as replacing a failed dryer motor, diagnosing why the dryer won't heat, or fixing a gas leak should be handled by a trained technician to ensure safety and proper repair.
- Never compromise safety when dealing with complex issues like electrical shorts or gas leaks - always seek professional help to address these potentially hazardous situations.
Easy DIY Dryer Repairs
Do-it-yourself appliance repairs can save a lot of time and money, but research and preparation is essential to a successful and safe DIY repair. A dryer is no exception.
Here are some common dryer repairs that are easy to complete on your own.
Long Dry Times
The # 1 cause of long dry times is a clogged exhaust vent duct system. Unless your dryer exhaust duct snakes a long way through walls or vents out through the roof of your home, you can typically fix this dryer problem on your own.
Follow these steps to clear the exhaust vent duct system:
- Check the vent damper on the outside of your home to make sure the damper opens freely and check for debris clogs in that area.
- Disconnect the flexible dryer vent from the back of your clothes dryer and clean all lint and debris from the flexible vent.
- Use a leaf blower to clear out lint and debris from the vent duct going to the outside of your home.
If you’re unable to clean the dryer vent duct system yourself, it’s time to call in a professional.
Dryer Won’t Start
A broken door switch often prevents the dryer from starting. For many dryers, this is a simple repair that you can complete yourself. Our How to replace a dryer door switch repair guide with video shows how to complete this DIY repair.
If a broken door switch isn’t causing the problem, you may be able to figure out what’s preventing your dryer from starting by viewing our YouTube DIY troubleshooting video:
Of course, when you’re unable to find the cause of this dryer failure, it’s time to set up a service call.
Advanced Dryer Repairs
Some clothes dryer repairs require technical expertise. Replacing a failed dryer motor is one example of a complicated procedure that often requires a service technician.
Here are some additional repairs that often are not DIY fixes that you can complete on your own.
Dryer Won’t Heat
Although we provide plenty of DIY troubleshooting advice for clothes dryers that won’t heat on our Sears PartsDirect website, figuring out why a gas or electric dryer won’t heat up sometimes requires live voltage checks. Only a technician should perform these types of tests. Don’t risk your personal safety to complete a dryer repair that isn’t safe.
Dryer Trips the House Circuit Breaker
An electrical short in wiring or a dryer component often causes the house circuit breaker to trip. We recommend that you have a service technician find and fix this type of dryer problem.
Dryer Gas Leak
When you smell gas leaking from your dryer, take immediate steps to safeguard yourself and your family. Leave your home and call your local gas supplier from a neighbor’s home to find and fix the gas leak.
Never risk your health and safety to complete a clothes dryer repair on your own. Sears Technicians are always available to visit your home and fix your dryer.
Tips for Preventing Common Dryer Problems
Regularly check the dryer's electrical connections and ensure they are secure. If you notice any frayed wires or loose connections, have them repaired immediately.
Schedule annual professional maintenance checks for your dryer to keep it in top shape and avoid unexpected repairs. The technician will be able to spot potential problems and advise you on replacing parts during maintenance so your dryer keeps running smoothly all year long. Regular professional maintenance can extend your dryer's lifespan.
Make wise decisions when maintaining and repairing your dryer to keep your home safe and prevent laundry from piling up. Remember, when you're not confident that you can safely repair your dryer on your own, have a service technician fix your dryer.
When your dryer malfunctions, you may wonder if it’s faster or cheaper to fix it yourself. This post outlines common issues you can handle alone and those needing expert attention. The same logic applies to your dishwasher, where some leaks are DIY-friendly, but bigger faults demand pros. For guaranteed success, schedule appliance repair near me dishwasher and rest easy.
Some dryer fixes—like belt replacements—are feasible for handy owners, while advanced electrical or gas repairs should be left to pros. This blog helps you gauge when professional help is necessary. If uncertain, professional help avoids bigger damage or safety risks. Book dryer repair nearby to secure a fully correct repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dryer Resources
Learn how to fix the dC code on your Samsung dryer with expert advice from Sears Home Services. Start your easy, DIY fix today or schedule a repair!
Learn 5 DIY troubleshooting tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating. Accurately diagnose why your dryer is not getting hot and fix the problem fast.
Find out why your electric dryer is not getting hot. Get expert tips to accurately diagnose and fix the heating problem.
Find out why your dryer keeps stopping in the middle of the cycle and how to fix the problem.
Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.
Common Repair Dryer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Maytag dryer has no heat are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
The most common reasons your Samsung dryer has no heat are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dryer display is not working are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an inoperative user interface control.
The most common reasons your KitchenAid dryer is not heating are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
The most common reasons your KitchenAid dryer has no heat are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
The most common reasons your Maytag dryer is not heating are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.