Dryer Repair – Gas & Electric
Clothes still damp after a full cycle, or the drum won't turn at all? One free call puts you in touch with an independent local technician who works on gas and electric dryers.
Call for Dryer RepairFree to call · Same-day appointments often available*
Common dryer problems we can help with
Dryer runs but doesn't heat
On electric models the usual suspects are a burned-out heating element, a blown thermal fuse or a failed high-limit thermostat. Gas dryers more often have worn gas valve coils or a weak igniter that can no longer light the burner.
Clothes take two or three cycles to dry
A partly blocked vent line is the most common reason, because trapped moisture has nowhere to go. A cycling thermostat that shuts the heat off too early or a heating element with a break in one coil can cause the same slow drying.
Dryer won't start
A worn door switch can stop the machine from recognizing that the door is closed, and a bad start switch or timer can keep it from ever powering on. A tripped thermal fuse also cuts power to the motor as a safety measure, so the real question is what overheated.
Drum doesn't turn but the motor hums
That combination usually points to a broken drive belt or a seized idler pulley. If the belt is intact, a failing drive motor or worn drum rollers can create enough drag to stop rotation.
Loud squealing, thumping or grinding
Squeals often come from a dry idler pulley or worn drum rollers, while thumping can mean a flat spot on a roller or a damaged drum glide. Grinding noises are frequently traced to worn drum bearings or a coin caught between the drum and the housing.
Dryer gets too hot or shuts off mid-cycle
Restricted airflow from lint build-up in the vent or blower housing makes the cabinet overheat. A faulty cycling thermostat or a shorted heating element can also push temperatures past safe limits, which trips the safety controls.
Burning smell during a cycle
Lint collecting near the heat source or inside the cabinet is the most frequent cause and should be checked promptly. A slipping belt or an overheating motor can give off a similar odor.
Repair or replace?
- Most dryers are built to last roughly 10 to 13 years. If yours is well inside that range, replacing a belt, roller, fuse or element is usually a sensible fix.
- A helpful rule of thumb: if the repair quote approaches half the price of a comparable new dryer and the unit is past its tenth year, replacement starts to make more sense.
- Rust inside the drum, repeated breakdowns in a short time or parts that are no longer made are good signs it's time to shop for a new one.
Safety first
- If you smell gas near a gas dryer, don't operate any switches or the appliance. Leave the home right away and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- If the dryer smells like it's burning or you see smoke, stop the cycle, unplug it if you can do so safely, and keep the door closed.
- Clean the lint screen after every load and keep the vent line clear; lint is a leading cause of dryer fires.
Brands
Our network of local technicians works on dryers from Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Bosch, Electrolux, KitchenAid and other major names.
Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Appliance Repair Help is not affiliated with or authorized by any manufacturer.
Dryer repair FAQ
Do the technicians work on both gas and electric dryers?
Many independent providers handle both. Mention your fuel type on the call so you're connected with someone who services your model.
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Many manufacturers suggest at least once a year, and more often for large households. A clogged vent slows drying and raises fire risk.
Is it worth fixing a dryer that's not heating?
Often, yes. The parts involved are commonly replaced, so a no-heat repair is usually worth a quote before you buy a new unit.
Can a technician fix a stacked washer-dryer unit?
Yes, many technicians work on stacked and combo units. Let us know it's a stacked model when you call.
What should I do before the technician arrives?
Clear a path to the dryer, empty the drum and note any error codes or noises you've noticed. That helps the visit go faster.
Broken dryer? Get it fixed.
Call [PHONE]Need a washer and dryer looked at together? We can help with both. See washer repair