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

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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.

How to replace a dryer heating element

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.

How to replace the electronic control board in an electric dryer

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.

How to replace a thermal fuse in an electric dryer

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.

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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.

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