Volunteer Workshop From Appliance Repair Specialist: How to Fix Clothes Dryer

November 2, 2022
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As part of our volunteer program to help seniors, we hold numerous workshops on home appliance repair and maintenance. This time, Plus Appliance Repair company from Orangeville and surrounding areas agreed to participate. 

We decided to focus on dryers because this thing becomes absolutely essential in any home, especially in a home where there are elderly people who find it difficult to hang wet clothes to dry. 

As one of Plus Appliance Repair’s top technicians, Mark told us a lot of interesting things, and we decided to put together a little helpful guide to dryer problems for all of our readers. 

If you’d also like to get involved in any volunteer programs or workshops, email us!

How a Clothes Dryer Works

This appliance is used for drying clothes, including bedding, towels, and other clothes. After a wash, moisture is removed, and an air and heat combination is used. Most of these are either electric or gas operated. They also use a motor to move the belt as the drying operation occurs. 

It also uses a blower to blow out any moisture using the temperature set at any time. In some machines, you will find that they are manually operated, while others use a timer to confirm that the clothes are dry.

Tools to Use for a Dryer Repair

Most problems experienced in a clothes dryer can be done at home alone. It is necessary to have some tools to aid in the repair, and these include;

  • multimeter
  • screwdriver
  • nut driver
  • blocks of scrap wood

However, it is always good to be safe than sorry. If you are not sure how you can fix the dryer, then you must call an appliance repair to support the exercise.

Problems Associated With a Clothes Dryer and How to Fix Them

Before proceeding with any repair, confirm that the dryer is firmly connected to the power source. If connected and not working, there is a need then to start the diagnosis process;

Disassembling the Dryer

Disassembling is done to know what is ailing the dryer. Below are the steps you need to follow in the disassembling process

  • Remove the dryer from the power connection and unscrew the support consoles at every end.
  • In a cushion or a soft towel, overturn the console to face down to enable you to test further. Using a multimeter, confirm that the start switches, the circuit diagram, and the temperature selector are working. The multimeter should have continuous lighting if working. If not, then replace the part that is not operational.
  • Confirm that the filter is also clean and if it needs replacement. Always make sure to have a periodical change of the filter and clean up to remove any debris because the blower is ineffective.

Fixing a Dryer That Won’t Start

The first diagnosis of a dryer not starting is the switch which could be bad, or the plunger getting bent or broken. Typically, door switches keep wearing out; therefore essential to replace them. Before replacing, check the model of your dryer and buy the one that matches it. Appliance repair in the Blue Mountains offers all these types of parts; it is vital to ask them and get the correct one.

However, if you test the switch and find it okay, proceed and test the thermal fuse and make replacements if necessary. It is mounted on the blower housing, and if you confirm that it has an issue, then the best thing is to consult the appliance repair because it is most likely that there are more issues than you could think of.

Drum Failing to Rotate

If the drum fails to rotate, the issue is with the belt. This is how t go about fixing the issue;

  • Disassemble the front cabinet panel.
  • Using a scarp wood, support the dryer drum, and push the idler pulley to reach out to the belt.
  • Remove the belt, check if it is working or worn out, and decide on a replacement. As you return it, ensure that it is adjusted as required with the idler bracket and the pulley inspected for proper functioning.
  •  This will have sorted out the issue.

Conclusion

As Mark says, for a clothes dryer to function appropriately, routine maintenance is paramount. And in most cases, some of the minor repairs can be easily handled by yourself. Otherwise, if you are not certain that you will do a perfect repair job, you can always call professionals from Plus Appliance Repair company, and all will be well.