Dryer not draining
Common reasons your dryer not draining
The most common reasons your dryer is not draining are an open heating element, defective electronic control board or a faulty thermal fuse.
29% of the time it's the
Heating Element
23% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
16% of the time it's the
Thermal Fuse
32% of the time it's the
Something else
Schedule your dryer repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 22.2M dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Common dryer repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.
Heating Element Replacement
If your condensing or ventless dryer is failing to drain, a malfunctioning heating element might be the culprit. In a condensing dryer, the electronic control board will recognize an open heating element and usually stop all dryer functions. Consequently, if the control board detects an issue with the heating element, it may not provide power to the drain pump to expel condensate water. If your dryer isn't draining properly, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair the appliance.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When a condensing or ventless dryer fails to drain, it could be due to a faulty electronic control board. In such cases, the control board may not be sending electrical current to the drain pump motor. A malfunctioning relay on the control board might hinder the flow of current to the drain pump, preventing the condensate from being expelled. Additionally, internal issues with the control board's logic could impede its ability to detect dryer conditions accurately. If your dryer isn't draining properly, it's advisable to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to address and resolve the issue.
Thermal Fuse Replacement
If your condensing or ventless dryer is failing to drain, a defective or blown thermal fuse might be the culprit. This fuse serves as a safety mechanism, activating when the dryer overheats. Typically, when the thermal fuse blows, the electronic control will shut down all dryer functions, including the drain pump, which then fails to expel condensate water. If your dryer is experiencing drainage issues, it's recommended to arrange for a Sears Home Services Technician to come to your home and address the problem.
What to expect when you experience a dryer not draining issue
How to fix a draining problem in a condensing dryer
Addressing most drainage issues typically entails replacing components such as the heating element, electronic control board, or thermal fuse. However, given the variety of potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem effectively. An accurate diagnosis is also essential for determining the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services advice for a dryer that is not draining
If your dryer is not draining, there could be various reasons behind it. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we advise having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing all kinds of dryer malfunctions.
What to expect with a dryer not draining diagnosis
Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can pose challenges. Attempting repairs without employing proper diagnostic methods often leads to replacing parts based solely on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, incorporating complex electronic components that are challenging to assess. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively more complicated.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Excellent service from Daniel
Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.
Tammy M, Hilton, NY
Satisfied customer
Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert
Rose W, Las Cruces, NM
Dryer service
He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.
Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK
Repair Dryer Resources
Learn how an electric dryer works to get your clothes dry.
Learn how steam dryers work and how to keep them working smoothly.
Learn how a gas dryer works so you can use it safely and efficiently.
Discover how ventless dryers work and if they're right for your home. Learn about energy-saving designs, types, benefits, and maintenance tips.
Glossary Terms
Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.
A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.
Common dryer symptoms to look out for
- Dryer won't turn off
- Dryer won't start cycle
- Dryer will not heat up
- Dryer vibrates
- Dryer stopped working
- Dryer not working
- Dryer not turning on
- Dryer not starting
- Dryer not spinning
- Dryer not heating
- Dryer not drying clothes properly
- Dryer not drying
- Dryer not cooling down
- Dryer noisy
- Dryer no sound
- Dryer no power
- Dryer no heat
- Dryer makes noise when tumbling
- Dryer light not working
- Dryer leaking water
- Dryer leaking from bottom
- Dryer leaking
- Dryer isn't heating
- Dryer gets hot but takes long time to dry
- Dryer drum roller replacement
- Dryer door not closing
- Dryer display not working
- Dryer burning smell