There’s nothing worse than opening your dryer expecting to be greeted by warm, fresh clothes, only to find out that your clothes are cold and soaked. There were times when my dryer broke, and there was so much wet laundry hanging around my house that it looked more like a flooded clothing store than a home. Thankfully, I’ve perfected the ultimate guide to repairing your dryer so that you will never have to hang dry your clothes again.

If you’re located in the dryer repair in North York, our expert team is always available to assist you with professional dryer repair services.

Understanding Dryer Heating Elements

The most common culprit behind your broken dryer is the dryer heating element, which produces the heat that makes your clothes warm and dry. Here are a few ways to tell if your dryer heating element is in need of repair:

• No Heat Production: If your clothes are still wet and don’t get hot after a cycle.
• Longer Drying Times: If your clothes are not drying or taking too long to dry, then that is a good sign the heating element is in need of repair.
• Burning Smell: Your dryer shouldn’t produce a burnt smell. If it is, that is an indication that the element is overheating.
• Visible Damage: You can check the inner compartment and inspect the heating coil directly. If you see breaks or burns on the coil, then it is in need of repair.

How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element

The first thing to make sure of before you attempt to replace your dryer heating element is that you have the right tools at your disposal.

Tools and Materials Needed

Throughout my years of experience repairing dryer heating elements, this is the list of tools that I would recommend as the most necessary:

• Screwdriver set
• Nut driver set
• Multimeter
• Replacement heating element

Before starting the repair, it is a good idea to check your dryer’s manual or look online to ensure that the replacement you’re using will be compatible with your dryer model.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Before you begin the repair, make sure that your dryer is unplugged for safety.
2. To access the internal components, use your screwdriver to remove the panel located on either the top or back of your dryer.
3. Before disconnecting the old heating element, make sure to take note of the wire placements so that you can reconnect the new element later.
4. Disconnect the wires of the old heating element and use a nut driver to unscrew and remove the old heating element.
5. Install your new heating element, reconnect the wires in the positions noted prior, and test with a multimeter to confirm that everything is working.

How to Replace a Dryer Belt

Another common issue that could be the source of your malfunctioning dryer is the dryer belt. The dryer belt is what allows your dryer to spin. A dryer belt can malfunction if it either breaks or falls off the tracks.

Signs Your Dryer Belt Needs Repair

• Dryer turns on, but the drum won’t spin
• Burning smell is present
• Loud thumping or squealing noises
• Dryer stops mid-cycle
• Motor hums, but drum doesn’t move
• Belt appears visibly worn or loose
• Drum spins manually but not during operation

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove the top panel of the dryer to access the dryer’s interior.
2. Remove any screws connecting the control panel assembly to the dryer and carefully disconnect the wire harnesses.
3. Gently remove the control panel assembly. It is usually clicked in place at the bottom section, so carefully lift and pull it forward. (A flathead screwdriver can help with lifting the assembly from the grooves.)
4. Remove the door frame and bottom plate (if there is one). Disconnect the wire harnesses in both the lower and upper sections of the frame.
5. Proceed with removing the door frame, carefully disconnecting any additional hidden wires behind it.
6. Unlatch the wire holders to free the wire harnesses and unscrew the panel holding the drum in place. Lift the panel and pull it out while carefully moving the drum away with your fingers.

Check if the Belt is Broken or Off the Track:

• If the belt is off the tracks: Realign it to ensure it sits properly.
• If the belt is broken: Remove the belt and clean any dirt in the dryer with a vacuum. Place the new belt over the drum and install it on the motor and tension pulley.
• If the pulley is broken: Remove the drum and unscrew the pulley to install a new one.

Reassemble your dryer by reversing the steps you used to disassemble it.

Conclusion

Now that your dryer has been successfully repaired, you can stop hanging your clothes to dry and once again enjoy the bliss and joy of instant dry clothes. If you instead prefer the added assurance of a professional coming in to handle the repair, don’t worry—we at reliable dryer repair services in Thornhill would be happy to assist you. And for specific issues like a dryer drum not spinning, our experts can ensure your dryer is back in perfect working condition in no time.