When The Dryer Is Not Drying, Heating, or Spinning
With an average lifespan of about 14 years, you can expect to enjoy years of reliable service from your dryer, but a lack of maintenance or old age may cause it to underperform or periodically break down. You can avoid downtime and costly repairs by paying close attention to warning signs and knowing when to call the experts. Read on to learn what to do if your dryer won’t spin, heat, or dry, from the experienced professionals at All Austin Repairs.
What Can Go Wrong?
A dryer is a relatively simple machine that uses a large drum to rotate clothing, and heated air to evaporate and remove the moisture and vent it to the outdoors. While it is not uncommon for certain components such as a heating element or electrical parts to fail due to wear and tear, breakdowns may also occur as a result of improper installation techniques or an accumulation of lint in the dryer vent or trap.
Common Dryer Problems & Solutions
Use these troubleshooting tips to diagnose the issue with your dryer before you call All Austin Repairs for repair services. If the dryer will not turn on, check the following before proceeding to the interior components:
- Check the power cord to ensure it is plugged in and undamaged.
- Check the breaker box and try turning the breaker all the way off and back on again to restore power.
- In the case of a gas dryer, conduct a visual inspection to verify the flow of gas, or try resetting the GFI by pressing the reset button.
*NOTE: Before attempting to troubleshoot your dryer take the necessary safety precautions and disconnect the power source to prevent injury.
Dryer Not Drying
If your dryer turns on but isn’t drying your clothes, the problem may be a lack of circulation due to an accumulation of lint. In addition to the potential for a dryer fire and the unnecessary wear and tear on system components, a clogged lint screen or dryer vent hose hampers the flow of air and forces your dryer to work harder than necessary. The solution? Clear the lint screen after each load, and purchase a dryer cleaning kit to perform semi-annual maintenance on the machine.
Dryer Not Heating
A lack of heat is typically due to a faulty heating element or a blown thermal fuse. This fuse is attached to the heating chamber and is designed to blow once the temperature reaches a dangerously high level. While the fuse may have simply blown on its own, it is important to determine if there is an underlying issue causing the dryer to overheat. Contact the experts at All Austin Repairs for fast, efficient diagnosis and repair.
Dryer Won’t Spin
A dryer that starts, but won’t spin, likely has a worn belt or drum bearing. If you are handy and have the right tools you may be able to locate and replace the belt yourself, after disconnecting the power to the dryer and removing the rear panel. If this does not solve the problem, contact All Austin Repairs for professional repair services you can count on.
The team of knowledgeable, experienced technicians at All Austin Repairs will perform an accurate diagnosis and repair to ensure the comfort and safety of your home and family. Call us today at (512) 595-9222 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
