Home repairs can be daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, they don’t have to be! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to repair a dryer, from inspecting the heating element to unblocking exhaust systems. We’ll also help you determine if your dryer needs repairs and maintenance and provide tips for ensuring that your appliance is kept running smoothly.
Signs of a Broken Dryer
Keeping your clothes dryer in good working condition is important for a number of reasons, not least because it makes doing your laundry quicker and easier. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate it may be time to call an appliance repair service or do maintenance.
- Clothes Take Longer to Dry: If you find yourself having to run multiple cycles before your laundry is completely dry, then this could be a sign that something is wrong with your machine.
- Loud Noises: If you start hearing loud noises coming from your appliance, this could also be a sign of malfunction. While some sounds, such as the sound of a fan or motor operation, are normal when the dryer is used, any banging or grinding noises could indicate something serious.
- Burning Smell: If you notice a burning smell coming from the vents where hot air is expelled, then this could indicate that the heating element is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
- Unusual Vibrations: If there are unusual vibrations coming from your appliance during operation, then this too could mean there is something wrong with it – especially if those vibrations were not present before or have gotten worse over time!
Common Problems & Malfunctions of Dryers
Before you start researching specialists that know how to fix dryers in Canada, it’s good to determine what exactly is wrong with the machine. Here are some of the most common dryer issues you may run into.
Broken or Worn Drum Belt
The drum belt is one of the key pieces of your dryer that keeps the drum turning and tumbling your clothes. When it breaks or wears out, you won’t be able to get your laundry dried correctly. That’s why it’s important to check your belts regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
Clogged Lint Screen
Your lint screen should be cleaned at least once a month in order to ensure proper airflow through your machine and minimize fire risk. If too much lint builds up, it can lead to moisture accumulating inside the machine, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Faulty Heating Element
This is the component responsible for providing heat in order to dry your clothes effectively, so a faulty heating element could cause serious problems with getting them completely dried.
Blocked Exhaust System
Your dryer’s exhaust system works by venting away hot air generated during the drying process. If there’s something blocking it – such as debris or lint buildup – your dryer might not be able to properly ventilate itself resulting in poor performance and even a fire hazard.
Ways to Repair Your Dryer
Once you have figured out what is causing your machine to malfunction, you can try fixing the issue yourself. In the next sections, we will discuss how to repair a dryer depending on the faulty element. Note that the first step in repairing any home appliance will be to turn the machine off and unplug it from any power source to ensure your safety.
Fixing a Broken Belt
One of the most common issues with a dryer is when the drum belt has worn or broken. In this case, you will have to buy a new belt for your specific model. You can replace this part easily by following these steps:
- Move your dryer away from the wall.
- Remove its back panel, which is usually held in place with several screws.
- Locate and disconnect the drive belt and remove it from around the drum and motor pulley.
- Attach the new belt around both pulleys then run it over the idler pulley wheel so that it is taut throughout its entire length. Make sure that all pulleys mesh correctly with their respective shafts as well as other parts connected to them.
- Reattach all parts that were removed during disassembly and make sure everything’s properly secured before plugging in your machine again.
Cleaning a Clogged Lint Screen
A clogged lint screen may lead to serious consequences, but it’s rather easy to fix and prevent. Here are some tips for keeping your dryer’s lint screen clean:
- Take out the lint screen from the dryer and shake out any built-up lint or debris.
- Use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to gently scrub along the area behind the lint screen where even more lint can accumulate and go unnoticed.
- If there is still residue on the lint screen after brushing, you may have to use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it away. It’s important to make sure that you completely remove all traces of any visible debris.
- Once all the debris has been removed, put back your clean filter in place inside your dryer – and you’re good to go!
Repairing a Faulty Heating Element
If you notice issues with your machine not heating up enough or running at the wrong temperature, there are problems with its heating element. Here are some tips on how to repair a dryer heating element:
- Take off the back panel of the dryer so that you can access the heating element.
- Carefully inspect the entire heating element for any signs of damage or wear out, such as fraying wires or discoloration on its surface. If there is any visible damage, replace it with a new one – this may require special tools and knowledge depending on your model.
- Once you have replaced the faulty part, make sure to reconnect all other wires and components correctly before closing up the back panel again.
This type of repair is best done by specialists, so if you run into any trouble while checking the heating element, contact appliance repair companies that know how to fix dryers in Canada.
Unblocking the Exhaust System
Over time, the exhaust system can become clogged with an accumulation of lint or debris, so it’s important to clean your dryer regularly to keep it running properly. Here are some tips for keeping your dryer’s exhaust system unblocked:
- First, locate the exhaust outlet at the back of your dryer and check that it is not blocked by any objects or clogged up with lint and debris.
- Use a brush or vacuum cleaner (with appropriate attachments) to remove any dirt, dust, lint, or debris that may have built up inside the exhaust ducts and around the outlet area.
- Once you are satisfied that all blockages have been removed, plug your appliance back in and test out its working—ensure that it is now ventilating properly after being cleaned!
Finally, make sure to schedule regular maintenance of your dryer to prevent future blockages and malfunctions from occurring within your appliance!