Common Tumble Dryer Faults And What To Do

Common Tumble Dryer Faults

Tumble dryers have quickly become an essential appliance, especially in the winter months when it is hard to dry your laundry outside. Unfortunately, some common faults can occur with tumble dryers which can hamper your drying capabilities. However, don’t worry, for many of the common tumble dryer faults there is an easy way to fix them.

1. Blowing cold

If you’ve pulled your clothes out of the tumble dryer and realised that they are still cold and wet, then it may instil panic buying of a new dryer. However, there could be several reasons why your tumble dryer is not heating up and not all of them mean you need a replacement machine.

If the tumble dryer does not heat up, then the heating element may have overheated and tripped. This means the machine needs to be reset. Usually, there is a reset button at the back of the appliance this button is often red. Reset the heating function by pressing the button until it clicks.

If your tumble dryer does not have a reset button, then check for the thermostat. The thermostat on a tumble dryer is usually very small, about the size of a penny, and can be found by removing the back panel. You can then check the thermostat by using a multimeter. If you are unsure at any point, then don’t hesitate to call out Just Fixed who can replace the thermostat in a tumble dryer for you.

You can also do a visual check of the heating element to spot any breaks. Remember to switch off the tumble dryer at the wall before inspecting it.

2. Regular overheating

If your tumble dryer regularly overheats and trips the thermostat, it is often due to opening the door before the end of a cycle. This is because the cooling fan is stopped before it has a chance to cool the heating element. Where possible, only open the door at the end of a cycle.

Another cause for overheating is when the door filters are not regularly cleaned. If the filters are blocked, it does not allow the air to circulate easily which can trip the heat. Counteract this by cleaning out the filters and ensuring there is no fluff inside the drum.

3. The drum isn’t turning

In order for the tumble dryer to work, the drum needs to be able to turn. It the drum isn’t turning, then it won’t tumble your clothes. The most common reasons for a drum to stop turning is when the belt snaps. If possible, check the belt first (after you have disconnected the tumble dryer from the mains for safety).

You can usually check if there is an issue with the belt by trying to turn the drum. If the drum moves easily the belt may have snapped completely. If you can’t move the drum at all, then the belt may be tangled.

In order to access the belt, you may need to take the front and side panels of the tumble dryer. Of course, you should only do this if you feel competent. If not, get in touch with Just Fixed who would be glad to help.

If you need to replace the belt, it may require a special tool called a tumble dryer drive belt fitter; it can also help to heat up the belt slightly, so there is more give.

If the belt is fine

If the belt seems fine in the dryer, then there may be an issue with the start capacitor. A capacitor can be dangerous and give electric shocks, so it is best to call a professional engineer to replace the capacitor if it is the problem.

If the capacitor is fine

If neither the belt or capacitor are at fault, then there may be a problem with the motor. Again it is best to seek help from a professional repair service such as Just Fixed for motor repairs and replacements.

4. Dryer won’t start

If the tumble dryer won’t start, it is likely to be a blown fuse (or that you haven’t plugged it in and switched it on at the mains). You should also check that the door is fully closed and there is no issue with the socket you are using.

Sometimes a tumble dryer won’t start because the lint filter is full, or the water tank is full if you have a condenser tumble dryer.

5. Tumble dryer trips the electric

If the dryer trips the electric every time it is in use, then it may be because of the condenser box which can get blocked with fluff and lint from clothes. When it is blocked, it can’t condense the water properly, then vital components can get damp and cause a flash-over which can lead to a blown fuse.

6. There is a banging noise

If there is a loud noise coming from the tumble dryer, then it is often from what you put into it. If you leave keys or coins in your pocket, then they may make unusual noises while the dryer is spinning. Another issue may be from the tumble dryer being on an uneven surface, if it is on an uneven surface, use height adjusters to prevent the appliance banging on the ground.

If the noise is a high-pitched whining, then it could be a sign that the motor bearings are wearing out. If this is the case, they will need to be replaced.

7. There is a grinding noise

Alternatively, if there is a grinding metallic sound, then it may be due to worn rollers which can be replaced. It could also be caused by disintegrating gliders. The gliders stop the rim touching the metal cabinet of the drum, if these wear out, then the noise of the friction can sound like a grinding noise. The rollers come as a pair so even if only one is worn out, it is best to replace both.