Friday, February 15, 2013

Do It Yourself Dryer Repair

Your clothes have been in the dryer for over an hour, and you open the dryer door to discover that your items are still damp or are not even close to being dry. Damp clothing is just one of several things that can go wrong with your dryer. Maybe your dryer drum won't turn, or your dryer makes excessive noise. The good news is that you can probably fix these problems yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Wet Clothes


If your machine is not drying your clothes, check the simple things first. Are you putting too many items in the dryer at once? Packing too many items in at one time will have a significant impact on your machines drying time.When was the last time you cleaned the lint filter? A clogged dryer filter will reduce the efficiency of your dryer. More importantly, the filter should be cleaned out after every use because it can be a potential fire hazard.


Check the exhaust duct. This duct is found at the back of the dryer and blows hot air from the dryer out of the house. Make sure that duct isn't clogged or kinked.


Check the controls associated with your dryer. Consult the manufacturer's directions to find them. Controls that will cause the dryer not to dry include the temperature selector switch, the thermostat or the centrifugal switch. If you have a more recent, digital dryer, use the diagnostic codes mentioned in the manufacturer's directions to find out if those controls have failed.


Drum Will Not Turn


If the dryer is getting plenty of heat but the clothes won't turn, there may a problem with the dryer drum. The drum is simply the inside of the dryer that turns when the dryer is in action.


Check for a loose or broken belt. Open the top of the dryer by taking out the lint trap and removing the two screws. Next, you'll find two clips at the front of the dryer that keep the top on. Slip a screwdriver into this portion of the dryer to pop the clips open. Open the top of the dryer to locate the belt, which will be wrapped around the drum. It may be loose or may have fallen off. Purchase a new one from your local hardware store. Jot down the make and model of your dryer, and follow the manufacturers directions to replace the belt.


Noise


Another common problem is a dryer that shakes and vibrates like it is out of control. This is usually just an issue with the balance of your dryer and can be easily fixed by investigating the adjustable feet. If one adjustable foot is higher than the other, it will knock off the balance of the machine. These feet can be adjusted by hand or with a wrench. If they need to be adjusted, it is better to bring the feet down closer to the floor. The higher the feet, the greater the possibility for shaking and vibration.


Also, check the screws on the outside of the dryer. Make sure they are all properly screwed in and tight. Loose screws on the dryer housing can add to dryer's shifting and shaking.

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