Has your tumble dryer broken down and you’re at loss for what to do next? Learn how to do simple tumble dryer repairs with Cashfloat to get your machine up and running. Can’t decide whether to repair or replace? Here’s what to look out for…
Not the DIY type, but don’t have spare cash until payday? Get the money you need today to fix your tumble dryer.
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- There was a huge tumble dryer recall recently. Find out if yours is a dangerous model.
- Learn top DIY tips to fix your tumble dryer yourself.
- Discover how much your repairs should cost and whether it is better to repair or replace.
On the face of it, a tumble dryer would appear to be a simple appliance. You put your wet clothes into a drum which turns round and heats the clothes until they’re dry. However, just in July 2019 there was a huge tumble dryer recall. A huge number of dryers were deemed to be too dangerous to use, as they were catching on fire.
At one point firefighters were going out to three fires a day caused by faulty tumble dryers. There was an alert sent out throughout the UK warning families not to use specific brands of machine. Whirlpool was one company that recalled defective tumble dryers. They were not only causing thousands of pounds worth of damage but they were putting lives at risk too.
What Tumble Dryers are Being Recalled?
The dryers that are prone to fires include Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit tumble dryers made between April 2004 and September 2015. If you have one of these models, list your appliance on RegisterMyAppliance.org.uk to find out if yours is a dangerous model.
Sign up to register on My Appliance to find details on recalled appliances at www.registermyappliance.org.uk
Which Tumble Dryers are Dangerous?
Unfortunately, there are no warning signs to watch out for in a faulty tumble dryer. You can switch on your machine, go away and then later be confronted by a tumble dryer fire with devastating consequences. So, make sure to check with register my appliance to see if you have a faulty model. If your dryer is one of those that were part of the tumble dryer recall, switch off your dryer and do not use it until you get it repaired or replaced.
Do It Yourself Tumble Dryer Repairs
There are some faults with tumble dryers that you can fix by yourself. Here we’ll take you through some ways to work out what is wrong with your machine and tell you how you can fix the problem.
Always be careful. Remember to switch off your machine at the wall and to unplug it before you carry out any maintenance. If at any stage you are unsure about what you’re doing then it’s better to call in a professional repairman.
Tumble dryer won’t switch on?
Below are some common reasons that your tumble dryer may refuse to start. Luckily these problems are often easy to fix.
A clothes dryer which will not switch on may have no power supply. First, check that the plug is securely in the power socket and that the socket is switched on. If it is, then check that the power socket itself is actually working. Plug in a separate device, that you know is working, into the same socket and see whether power is reaching the socket. After that, you should change the fuse in the dryer’s plug to see if it’s blown. Click here for a guide on changing a plug fuse.
You can also check the fuse box to see whether the switch has tripped out. If it has, then something may be wrong with the appliance. Try resetting the trip switch and see if your appliance works again. If it continues to activate the trip switch, then it is most likely that the machine needs to be repaired by a professional. Here are the 8 most common reasons why a tumble dryer will trip a fuse.
Like all main appliances, a clothes dryer should never be plugged in using an extension lead. Extension leads can overheat and be dangerous. Always plug your tumble dryer directly into a socket. Safety experts are often warning that multi adaptors are one of the main causes of house fires in the UK.
Modern dryers will not start unless the door is fully closed. So, check that the door is closed properly. The door will close with an emphatic click. Look for items of clothing that could be stopping the door from clicking shut. Also, check that the drum is not overloaded as this can also prevent the door from correctly shutting.
Check that you have selected the right program to activate the start cycle. If you find you’re on the wrong program, then select the right one and try again. You can also try a different program to see whether the selector switch is faulty. The programs on clothes dryers sometimes have a slight delay before they start up, so wait for a minute to see if it starts after you press go. Also, some models have a timer on the selector switch that allows a program to start later in the day. The instruction manual will show you if this is an option and also how to deactivate the feature.
Manufacturers are clear that you should not set a program to start when you are away from the house or when you are in bed. There is always a risk of a tumble dryer fire, so you need to be around to check on the machine while it is running.
If none of the above fixes work for you, then you may need to call an engineer.
If the machine has a child lock fitted, this function can stop a program from starting. Check whether this feature has been activated by mistake. Once again the user manual will give you all the help you need.
Condenser tumble dryers often have a container that collects the moisture from the wet clothes. If this tank is full, it can prevent the next program from starting. There is usually a warning light, but if the bulb is gone, you may not notice until the machine refuses to start. Make sure that you regularly empty the container of water.
Tumble dryer not drying properly, or taking too long?
Check each of the options below to see if you can fix the problem yourself before calling the repairman.
Every tumble dryer has a lint filter which collects all the dust that comes off clothes. Your dryer will work best when this filter is clear. Also, the risk of fire will be much reduced if the filter is clear. The lint filter is usually found in the door of the clothes dryer. If you can’t find it, look in the instruction manual. Here is a quick guide on changing a tumble dryer filter.
Check what heat settings you have selected. Some clothes and fabrics take longer to dry than others and some require higher heat settings. Choosing a low heat for clothes that are very water absorbent will mean that they take longer to dry. Heavy fabrics, such as cotton jeans, absorb lots of water so you will need a higher heat setting. Synthetics and wool need a lower heat.
Use the guide in the manual to make sure that you set the right heat settings for your clothes.
An exhaust hose that is damaged or kinked will not allow the air to flow out of the appliance easily. Additionally, the hose could be blocked by lint or something else. If you want your machine to work at its best, make sure the exhaust hose is completely clear. This will also reduce the risk of the engine overheating. Click here for a quick guide on cleaning a vented tumble dryer exhaust hose.
For condenser tumble dryers check that the moisture container is not overfull and is collecting the water properly.
This is a simple mistake that can cause poor performance in a tumble dryer. Air needs to flow around the clothes so never put in too much in one go. The usual recommendation is to fill the machine half way up. You can also refer to the manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
A faulty machine that gives out no heat may need an engineer to assess what is wrong. The heating element in the machine could be broken or the thermostat may need to be reset. In this case, you will usually need an expert.
Some tumble dryers have thermal cut-out switches which activate if the tumble dryer becomes too hot. These switches activate to prevent the machine from being damaged. However, once they have activated, the machine will be unable to heat up. If your machine has a thermal cut out switch that has been designed to be operated by the home user, then try pressing this to see if you can reset the thermostat. It will usually be a red switch that is located at the back of the machine.
If you can feel the heat, but the machine is still taking a long time to dry the clothes the problem could be more complicated.
A noisy tumble dryer
A noisy dryer can be really irritating, this may be a simple problem that you can fix yourself. However, sometimes you will need to consult with a repairman.
Excessive noise from a tumble dryer could indicate that there is something foreign in the drum. The usual suspects are coins that have been left in pockets. So it is always worthwhile checking all items of clothing before starting the drying program.
If you are using drying balls in your tumble dryer, you may experience a higher level of noise than usual. Dryer balls help to separate clothes and are an effective way to increase the performance of the machine. However, there is nothing that can be done to stop the higher noise levels. So, it is up to you to assess whether the drying balls are worth the extra noise.
Like all household appliances, tumble dryers work best when they are completely level on the floor. Extra noise can be caused by an unlevel appliance. If your tumble dryer has feet, you can usually adjust them to make sure that the appliance is level. Here’s a quick guide on how to level the feet of your tumble dryer.
Excessive noise could indicate a more serious problem. If you are worried about the noise level, consult with an appliance repairman.
Professional Tumble Dryer Repairs
Don’t Take Risks With Tumble Dryers
There are many reasons why a tumble dryer can break down. This appliance is not one you should take risks with. Tumble dryers are the source of many house fires. So, if you are in any doubt about the machine, it is always best to stop using it and call in an expert.
Even squeaking noises which could indicate a worn drum belt. Also, any indication of overheating is a sign that you should stop using the machine until it has been thoroughly checked out. Although the consensus is that it could be cheaper to buy a new machine instead of going for appliance repair, some simple repairs are worthwhile doing.
A new belt, bearings for the drum or a new thermostat are three simple repairs that could be cost effective. Take advice from a reputable engineer on whether the cost is worth it. A regular cleaning schedule for filters and condenser dryer containers will help to ensure that your machine gives you value for money.
How Much Does Tumble Dryer Repair Cost?
It’s difficult to estimate costs for repairs to a tumble dryer. Some companies will come out on a ‘no fix no fee’ basis while others will ask for a call out fee just to advise you on the state of the machine. You are best off calling a few different repair companies to get an idea of the price range. If you are waiting until payday to make the repair, but your tumble dryer is a basic household necessity, an instant loan from Cashfloat may be the perfect solution. Click here to apply with a responsible lender.
As a basic guide, here are some pointers on how much your dryer repairs should cost:
- Gas dryer repair can be more costly. Washer dryer repair service can also be more expensive. Luckily, you can follow the do it yourself dryer repairs listed above, for gas dryers and washer dryers before you choose to approach a repair company.
- Reputable businesses will always include a three month warranty for repairs. In some cases you can pay more for a longer period of protection.
- Many appliance repairmen will charge a call out fee plus an hourly rate, so make sure to ask about this before you order a repair.
- If you need to replace parts in your tumble dryer, you can ask for “pattern parts”. These are generic parts that will fit any brand and can cost half the price of the brand-specific parts.
Weighing up the costs for appliance repairs and breakdown insurance may help you to decide whether to repair or replace.
Finding Tumble Dryer Repair Near Me
When looking for a repairman you want to find someone local, cheap and reliable. Cashfloat, a leading short term loan lender in the UK provides some top tips to help you find a suitable repairman today:
- Ask family and friends: The first place to start looking is amongst friends and family. Repairing household appliances is fairly common, and you are most likely to have a family member or friend who is able to recommend a professional repairman.
- Local press: Reputable repair companies are often advertised in the local press. Choosing a local repairman is the best option because if you are not happy with the repair, then it will be easy for them to return.
- Online search: Conduct a localised Google search for tumble dryer repair companies or independent engineers. You can also use trusted websites that list local appliance repairs. You are almost guaranteed to find a repairman this way.
Should I Repair or Replace my Dryer?
Your tumble dryer has broken down and you don’t know whether to replace or repair it. On the one hand, you don’t have the money to fork out for a new tumble dryer. Should you pour more money into that broken, old tumble dryer? Especially if your tumble dryer is older, you should consider replacing rather than repairing it. But where will you find the cash to pay for a new appliance? That might mean that you opt for repairs instead of replacing.
When deciding whether to repair or replace, you should consider more than the price. Tumble dryers are the most frequent causes of fire in the home so if you are in any doubt about the safety of the machine get an expert in.
Modern tumble dryers are more energy efficient. Studies have shown that you could save up to £500 over a 10 year period just by choosing the right modern appliance for your needs. Having an energy efficient tumble dryer means you will no longer have to rely on the vagaries of the British weather. You can simply and quickly get your washing dry at costs which could be as low as 30 pence per load.
