Gas Dryer Repair - A Mini-Guide
A washer and dryer are the perfect pair that accompanies almost any home. Since more and more people are increasing their environmental awareness, gas is quickly becoming an important component to those home dryers. Gas dryers are more energy efficient and cost less money to own; there are some people who claim that a gas dryer even makes the clothes smell and feel better. For anyone that has ever owned a gas dryer, there has come a point and time where there is a need to troubleshoot so you can find what is wrong with the dryer and how you can fix it. Gas dryer repair doesn't have to be expensive; it doesn't have to be complicated.
Below I will make a list of "symptoms" and what to look for with possible suggestions on fixing the issue. Usually, gas dryer repair is as simple as turning on a switch.
Symptom
The gas dryer does not seem to be getting any power.
Check:
1. Make sure that your gas dryer is plugged in.
2. Look at the fuse box. Look for a blown fuse or a circuit breaker that has been tripped. Even completely flipping the switch on and off to make sure it isn't stuck in an off position.
3. If you are using an extension cord, get rid of it. This is extremely dangerous.
4. Check the power cord. If it is damaged, it is time to call a repair person. Never attempt to fix a damaged gas dryer cord unless you are an electrician.
5. The next step is to make sure the outlet voltage is actually getting power. If it isn't, again, hire a professional. Usually, this will call for an electrician.
6. Check the door switch. Sometimes, debris can get stuck in one and keep it from powering on or off.
These steps may require you to actually remove the covering so that you can see the drum.
7. Check the start switch, the safety fuse, the thermostat, and lastly the motor.
Symptom
Dryer drum turns, but it doesn't get warm or hot.
Check:
1. Check the pilot light.
2. Take a look and test - if you can - the flame sensor and gas valve coils.
3. Is the air flow circulating as usual?
4. Check the outside vent. Sometimes, small critters like making their home here.
5. Is the igniter working?
6. Make sure that the centrifugal switch is working.
7. Make sure that the temperature selector switch is working as intended.
Symptom
The dryer takes a long time to dry the contents or,
The heat is intermittent.
Check:
1. Follow the vent hoses and make sure there are not any kinks, tears, or dips.
2. Make sure all of the thermostats are working.
3. Is the pilot light working?
4. Make sure the flame sensor is working.
5. Make sure that the lint has all been removed.
6. Make sure that nothing is obstructing the ventilation system.
Symptom
The dryer drum doesn't work like it is supposed to.
Check:
1. Make sure that the motor is working.
2. Make sure that the drum belt isn't ripped, torn, broken, or stretched. A stretched belt is common and easy to buy and replace.
3. Take a look at the idler puller.
Symptom
The gas dryer get too hot.
Check:
1. The lint trap sometimes is full or the debris may have fallen through and is blocking the ventilation system.
2. Check all of the thermostats.
3. Make sure that the drum belt isn't too tight.
4. Check the vent duct for kinks.
Symptom
Dryer doesn't stop turning when it should.
Check:
1. Check the thermostats.
2. Check the moisture sensors.
3. Check the timer.
Symptom
The dryer is noisy.
Check:
1. Make sure that the dryer is level. A dryer that isn't level sounds almost as bad as a washer that is off-balance.
2. Take a look at the support rollers on the drum; check the glides.
3. Are the drum bearing going out?
4. Take a look at the blower to make sure it looks right.
Symptom
The light isn't working.
Check:
1. Make sure that the light bulb isn't burnt. You can get these at almost any retail store.
2. Take a look at your door switch. Debris can cause this to not work.
Symptom
The material dried has a funky odor.
Check:
1. Check your ventilation system inside and out. Remove anything that may cause bad odors.
2. Never store things next to the dryer that has a foul odor.
I suggest that you run the dryer an empty cycle with dryer sheets or something that will eliminate any possible residual odor.
Symptom
The things you dry are damaged or have stains.
Check:
1. Take a look at the baffles. Look for cracks or damage.
2. Are the seals still sealed?
3. Make sure the drum doesn't have any damage or rust.
This gas dryer repair mini-guide is bar far not an inclusive guide. There are many other solutions and problems not mentions here. However, it is important to remember that you easily fix some of the problems that can occur with a gas dryer at home. There are no fancy tools needs or special skills required. Of course, at any time you feel that you are being burdened or getting in over your head, my best advice is to call a professional appliance repair person.
