The Most Common Dryer Calls We Get… And How We Fix Them

In the world of clothes dryer repair, there are certain issues and service calls that professionals receive more often than others. After all, there are a finite number of mechanical components on any given clothes dryer, and some components are more prone to failure than others. Read on for some of the most common dryer service calls we receive at Diamond Appliance and how we fix them.

The Dryer is Noisy and/or Shaking

If you hear a banging sound coming from your dryer, it is likely accompanied by a large amount of vibration/shaking. This is because the primary culprit in the majority of these types of dryer repair calls is the seal around the inside drum of the appliance.

When a dryer’s drum is overloaded or comes into contact with sharp objects (e.g. a pen or pocketknife left in a pair of pants), it can damage the felt seal that acts as a friction reduction system for the dryer. When this happens, the spinning drum will come into contact with the hard outer casing of the appliance, causing the noise you hear and the shaking you see.

Replacing the drum seal typically solves the issue. While this can be a DIY project, it often requires careful planning and a reference to the owner’s manual. If you are short on time or experience, it is best to call in a dryer repair professional.

Inadequate or No Heating

If your clothes dryer is running but your clothes are coming out damp, the issue is typically a defective thermal fuse or one that needs to be replaced. This tiny component acts as a fire safety device and is responsible for sensing the temperature inside the dryer and killing the heat source to the appliance if the temperature gets too high.

A thermal fuse will only work one time. Common causes of a tripped thermal fuse include blocked ventilation or clogged lint screens. Overloading a dryer can also lead to excess heat buildup.

In the past, the dryer would completely shut off once the thermal fuse was tripped. However, in modern appliances, the dryer will continue to run once the thermal fuse is tripped, but it will not get any heat supplied. Replacing the thermal fuse is the only way to fix this issue.

The Dryer Won’t Run

As mentioned above, if you have an older dryer that will not turn on, the culprit may be a thermal switch that needs to be replaced. However, in newer models of dryers, the culprit can range from defective switches (e.g. start switch, door switch, or belt switch) to issues with the drive motor or belt. In some cases, electronics issues associated with the main circuit board in the appliance may be the culprit.

As you may be able to tell from the list of possible causes, the diagnosis and repair process for a dryer that will not turn on is more complicated than other issues. By combining field experience with the proper tools, most experienced dryer repair pros can identify and fix these issues in a reasonable amount of time.

Dryer Will Run but Turns Off Quickly

The thermal fuse is not the only safety component in modern clothes dryers. In fact, there are multiple thermostats situated in different locations throughout modern appliances. When excessive heat is detected, these thermostats can trigger the heater to be turned off or the appliance to shut down entirely without actually tripping the thermal fuse, which you will recall is a one-time use component.

Using electronic testing equipment, an experienced dryer repair professional can determine if the thermostat in the appliance is faulty. If it is, they can replace this component and ensure the appliance is working properly.

Looking for dryer repair in Kansas City, St. Louis, or nearby? Contact Diamond Appliance today for help with most major brands.