When your dryer stops heating or starts making loud noises, the problem can range from a simple fix to a complex mechanical failure. Mr. Appliance® dryer repair expert Stuart Pyburn explains:
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There are few household frustrations as immediate as a broken dryer. Modern dryers are complex appliances that combine high-voltage electricity, gas lines, sensitive electronics, and powerful motors. A problem with any one of these systems can bring the entire operation—and your laundry—to a halt.
In this guide, washer and dryer repair expert Stuart Pyburn of Mr. Appliance® demystifies common dryer issues, offers troubleshooting advice, and explains when to call a professional dryer repair service.
- About the Expert
- FAQs About Dryer Repair
Common Reasons Your Dryer Isn't Drying
The most common complaint is also the most mission-critical: the dryer tumbles, but the clothes remain damp and cold. When your dryer stops drying, the cause could be a surprising number of issues.
A full lint trap or clogged dryer vent
Before you panic, check the lint trap. We all know we’re supposed to clean it after every load, but even a small amount of buildup can drastically reduce airflow. If air can't circulate through the clothes, it can't carry moisture out.
But the lint trap is only half the story. The flexible vent hose behind your dryer and the rigid ductwork that runs to the outside of your house can also become severely clogged with lint. This is not only the top cause of poor dryer performance, but it is also a massive fire hazard.
If you’ve cleaned the trap and made sure the exterior vent isn't blocked by debris or a bird's nest, and the problem persists, the issue may be internal.
Internal component failure
If the lint path is clear, the problem likely lies within the mechanisms of the machine. Mr. Appliance washer and dryer repair expert Stuart Pyburn explains the most common failures that can cause a dryer to not dry clothes: “The thermostats, heating element or burner, timer, or moisture sensor could be faulty. You might not be getting proper voltage or gas pressure to the unit.”
Several dryer parts can cause a total machine failure if they are not operating properly, including:
- Heating element (electric) or burner (gas): The component that generates heat. If it burns out or fails, the dryer will tumble clothes but produce no hot air.
- Thermostats: Your dryer has multiple thermostats (a cycling thermostat and a high-limit thermostat) that regulate the internal temperature. If one of these fails, it may shut the heat off prematurely or prevent it from ever turning on.
- Timer or control board: This is the "brain" of the dryer. If faulty, it may not signal the heating element to turn on.
- Moisture sensor: In many modern dryers, this sensor detects dampness and adjusts the cycle time accordingly. If the sensor is dirty (often coated with dryer sheet residue) or broken, it could decide the clothes are dry and end the cycle too soon.
- Power supply: An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet. Sometimes, one-half of the circuit breaker will trip, meaning the dryer gets enough power (120v) to turn on the drum and lights, but not enough to power the heating element.
These issues require significant experience with dryer components to diagnose and resolve. Dryer repair expert Stuart Pyburn recommends a simple solution: “If your dryer isn’t heating properly, call your local Mr Appliance and let the experts work with you to get it fixed.”
Decoding Loud Dryer Noises
Sometimes the dryer heats just fine, but it makes an awful noise in the process—a loud thumping, a high-pitched squeal, or a metallic grinding. This is your dryer sending out a distress signal.
In 36 years of experience with washer and dryer repair, Mr. Appliance expert Stuart Pyburn has heard them all. While a noise “could mean you forgot to take something heavy out of your pocket, you might have a roller or drum bearing issue,” he says. “There are several things it could be, depending on the noise.”
- Jingling or clanking: This is often the simplest fix. Check the pockets of your jeans for coins, keys, or a metal pen.
- Thumping or rumbling: This is almost always a sign of a worn-out drum roller. The dryer drum doesn't float; it rides on a set of small wheels, similar to roller skate wheels. Over time, these can become worn down, creating a flat spot. The thump-thump-thump you hear is the heavy drum hitting that flat spot with every revolution.
- Squealing or grinding: This points to a serious metal-on-metal problem. The cause could be a worn-out drum bearing (which supports the back of the drum) or a failing idler pulley (the spring-loaded wheel that keeps tension on the drive belt).
Ignoring these sounds is a costly mistake. A bad roller can eventually break, causing the drum to sag and place immense strain on the motor. A squealing bearing, if left unaddressed, can seize up completely, burning out the drive belt and potentially the motor itself.
If your dryer is making any of these noises consistently, schedule dryer repair service.
Can I DIY Dryer Repair?
In the age of online tutorials, the temptation to fix things yourself is strong. We asked dryer repair expert Stuart Pyburn if it’s safe and smart for homeowners to attempt to fix their own electric or gas dryers:
“Electricity and gas are nothing to play with or guess at,” Pyburn cautions. “It’s best to call an expert like your local Mr Appliance to have it fixed correctly and safely.”
Gas dryer repair hazards
Gas dryers are connected to live gas lines. Improperly disconnecting or reconnecting a gas line can lead to a gas leak, which creates an immediate risk of explosion.
Electric dryer repair hazards
An electric dryer runs on a 240-volt circuit—twice the voltage of a standard household outlet. A mistake in handling the wiring can result in severe electrical shock, fried circuit boards, or an electrical fire.
Potential misdiagnosis
The most common DIY pitfall is simple misdiagnosis. Most homeowners are unfamiliar with internal appliance components and lack the qualifications to properly identify and fix the issue or source and install a replacement part.
Dryer repair service professionals have the diagnostic tools to test each component for continuity and resistance, identifying the root cause of the problem, not just the symptom.
The Mr. Appliance Difference: Why Go Pro?
When you call your local Mr. Appliance team for dryer repair, you're not just getting a handyman. You’re getting a screened, trained, and qualified professional who will:
- Arrive on time: We respect your schedule and provide convenient appointment times.
- Diagnose correctly: We use state-of-the-art tools and years of experience to find the exact cause of the problem.
- Provide upfront, flat-rate pricing: You will know the full cost of the repair before we begin any work. No surprise fees, no hidden hourly charges.
- Fix it right the first time: We stand behind our parts and workmanship with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to provide true peace of mind.
Mr. Appliance service professionals are trained to provide washer and dryer repair for all major brands. We can troubleshoot your entire laundry system to keep both machines working at peak efficiency.
Contact Your Local Dryer Repair Expert at Mr. Appliance
That pile of wet laundry doesn't have to ruin your day. While a clean lint trap is a good first step, most dryer repair jobs are too complex and potentially hazardous for DIY attempts.
Before you get lost in a sea of online tutorials or put your appliance at risk, let an expert take a look. Contact your local Mr. Appliance team for trusted dryer repair services near you. We are ready to get your laundry room back up and running safely and efficiently.
All Mr. Appliance franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the washer and dryer repair services offered in your area, contact the Mr. Appliance nearest you for details or a customized on-site assessment.
FAQs About Dryer Repair
Integrity, dependability, and exceptional customer service are the qualities that make Mr. Appliance the go-to resource for appliance maintenance and repairs. All independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance locations are committed to providing the top-notch service you expect from an industry leader, including using our expertise and years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dryer repair.
