During the colder months when air-drying clothes becomes impractical, your tumble dryer will inevitably get a lot of use. However, like any household appliance, dryers can develop issues over time. Understanding common laundry appliance faults and knowing some basic tumble dryer troubleshooting techniques can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of damp laundry piling up. Here’s a guide to the most frequent problems and practical solutions to get your dryer back in working order.
Tumble Dryer Not Heating
One of the most frustrating issues is when your dryer runs through its cycle but leaves clothes cold and damp. A tumble dryer not heating is often caused by a blown thermal fuse, which is a safety device that prevents overheating. This fuse can blow if the exhaust vent becomes blocked with lint, causing the machine to overheat. Start by checking and cleaning your lint filter and exhaust vent thoroughly. If the problem persists after ensuring proper airflow, the heating element itself may have failed and will require replacement. While some confident DIY enthusiasts can tackle this repair, it’s often worth calling an appliance engineer to diagnose and fix the issue safely.
Tumble Dryer Not Spinning
When your dryer turns on but the drum refuses to rotate, you’re dealing with a mechanical problem rather than a heating issue. A tumble dryer not spinning could indicate a broken drive belt, which is the component that connects the motor to the drum. You might hear the motor running even though the drum stays still. Replacing a drive belt is a relatively straightforward repair for someone with basic DIY skills, though it does require disassembling part of the dryer casing. Alternatively, a faulty motor or seized drum rollers could be the culprit, both of which typically require professional attention.
Tumble Dryer Making Noise
Unusual sounds during operation are never a good sign. A tumble dryer making noise can manifest as squeaking, grinding, thumping, or rattling. These sounds often point to worn drum support rollers, damaged drum glides, or failed bearings. Sometimes the noise is simply caused by loose items like coins or buttons caught in the drum or seal. Before assuming the worst, check pockets thoroughly before loading clothes and inspect the drum for any trapped objects. If the noise continues, worn mechanical components will need replacing. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more extensive damage, so addressing them promptly is important.
Tumble Dryer Not Drying Clothes
If your dryer runs and heats but clothes remain damp after a full cycle, you’re experiencing a tumble dryer not drying clothes properly. This problem is most commonly caused by restricted airflow due to a clogged lint filter or blocked exhaust vent. Make it part of your regular dryer maintenance tips routine to clean the lint filter after every load and check the external vent periodically for blockages. Overloading the dryer can also prevent proper drying, as clothes need room to tumble freely. Additionally, ensure you’re selecting the appropriate heat setting for the fabric type and load size.
Prevent Breakdowns with Regular Attention
The best way to save money is to prevent breakdowns before they occur. Stay alert to changes in how your tumble dryer sounds, performs, and completes cycles. Many common washing machine problems are fixable at a fraction of replacement cost. Taking a repair before replacement approach extends the life of your appliance and keeps perfectly serviceable machines out of landfills.
If you need your washing machine repaired, make sure to contact the team at Pacifica High Wycombe. Based in High Wycombe they provide a range of services including tumble dryer repairs. If you live in High Wycombe or the surrounding area of Buckinghamshire we recommend giving them a call.