Tumble Dryer Troubleshooting Guide
Tumble dryer troubleshooting guide

Tumble dryers that don't heat or run properly can be fixed at home

Here's how to troubleshoot issues safely.

Read our troubleshooting guides below.

Washing MachineWashing Machine
Tumble DryerTumble Dryer

Tumble dryer does not turn on

Power

When this happens, the first thing to check is if your tumble dryer is getting power. The outlet voltage can be checked with a multi-meter. If there is no electricity flowing to the tumble dryer, the household electrical panel can be checked to see if any circuit breaker has been tripped.

Motor

When the tumble dryer's motor is overheated, it would shut down automatically to allow it to cool before it can be restarted.

Door Switch

Ensuring that the door of the tumble dryer is closed properly would resolve this as an open door may prevent the machine from turning on and running the programme.

Tumble dryer is not draining properly

Drain Hose

A clogged drain hose could hinder the tumble dryer from being drained properly. The drain hose can be removed and a garden hose may be used to flush any blockages in the drain hose.

Drain Pump

Another solution is to check if the drain pump is jammed. The tub should be drained and disconnected so the pump can be inspected for foreign objects. If foreign objects such as socks, pens or coins get wedged between the basket and the tub or becomes lodged in the pump, the tumble dryer will not be able to drain fully.

Too much detergent

Using too much detergent will cause too many suds that will result in the tumble dryer not being able to drain in a timely manner.

Tumble dryer is not spinning properly

Laundry Overload

When the tumble dryer becomes overloaded, it would become unbalanced and not be able to spin properly. Moving the clothes around to redistribute the load might help or simply reduce the current load for the machine to spin properly.

Switches and Settings

A faulty switch would cause the tumble dryer to malfunction. Additionally, the setting of the speed selector switch has to be properly positioned and should not be set between different speeds.

Drain Pump

If a foreign object is stuck in the drain pump, a ‘humming’ sound may be heard when the tumble dryer is full of water.

Tumble dryer is leaking

Leaks could be caused by:

  • The drain hose that may be clogged or cracked.
  • The fill hose that could be loose and require tightening.
  • Potential leaks in the water-inlet valve caused by a build-up of rust or mineral deposits within the valve.
  • Too much detergent that was used with hard water and a water softener.
  • A front-loading door seal that is faulty and causing water to seep out.
  • A drain pump that needs to be replaced because the seal is failing.

Tumble dryer is not dispensing detergent

When this problem happens, a possible DIY solution is that the dispenser has to be cleaned. An ideal method of regular maintenance is to clean the dispenser monthly with a cup of warm distilled white vinegar. The vinegar should be poured into the dispenser and the tumble dryer should be run on a regular cycle to flush out any existing built-up residue.

Additionally, the type of detergent product used would also affect the tumble dryer's performance as well. A powder bleach should not be used in a tumble dryer that is designed for liquid bleach as this would also cause clogs to happen.

Tumble dryer is making a strange noise or vibration

This could be caused by a failed drum seal due to frequent overloading or contact with foreign objects. In this case, the drum seal would need to be replaced.

Tumble dryer runs but does not heat up

Blocked ventilation, a clogged lint screen or a consistently overloaded machine would lead to a faulty thermal fuse and if this fuse gets broken, it would also need to be replaced.

Tumble dryer does not run

Similar to the point above, this happens when the thermal fuse is broken due to the same reasons and would also have to be replaced.

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Tumble dryer does not turn on

Power

When this happens, the first thing to check is if your tumble dryer is getting power. The outlet voltage can be checked with a multi-meter. If there is no electricity flowing to the tumble dryer, the household electrical panel can be checked to see if any circuit breaker has been tripped.

Motor

When the tumble dryer's motor is overheated, it would shut down automatically to allow it to cool before it can be restarted.

Door Switch

Ensuring that the door of the tumble dryer is closed properly would resolve this as an open door may prevent the machine from turning on and running the programme.

Tumble dryer is not draining properly

Drain Hose

A clogged drain hose could hinder the tumble dryer from being drained properly. The drain hose can be removed and a garden hose may be used to flush any blockages in the drain hose.

Drain Pump

Another solution is to check if the drain pump is jammed. The tub should be drained and disconnected so the pump can be inspected for foreign objects. If foreign objects such as socks, pens or coins get wedged between the basket and the tub or becomes lodged in the pump, the tumble dryer will not be able to drain fully.

Too much detergent

Using too much detergent will cause too many suds that will result in the tumble dryer not being able to drain in a timely manner.

Tumble dryer is not spinning properly

Laundry Overload

When the tumble dryer becomes overloaded, it would become unbalanced and not be able to spin properly. Moving the clothes around to redistribute the load might help or simply reduce the current load for the machine to spin properly.

Switches and Settings

A faulty switch would cause the tumble dryer to malfunction. Additionally, the setting of the speed selector switch has to be properly positioned and should not be set between different speeds.

Drain Pump

If a foreign object is stuck in the drain pump, a ‘humming’ sound may be heard when the tumble dryer is full of water.

Tumble dryer is leaking

Leaks could be caused by:

  • The drain hose that may be clogged or cracked.
  • The fill hose that could be loose and require tightening.
  • Potential leaks in the water-inlet valve caused by a build-up of rust or mineral deposits within the valve.
  • Too much detergent that was used with hard water and a water softener.
  • A front-loading door seal that is faulty and causing water to seep out.
  • A drain pump that needs to be replaced because the seal is failing.

Tumble dryer is not dispensing detergent

When this problem happens, a possible DIY solution is that the dispenser has to be cleaned. An ideal method of regular maintenance is to clean the dispenser monthly with a cup of warm distilled white vinegar. The vinegar should be poured into the dispenser and the tumble dryer should be run on a regular cycle to flush out any existing built-up residue.

Additionally, the type of detergent product used would also affect the tumble dryer's performance as well. A powder bleach should not be used in a tumble dryer that is designed for liquid bleach as this would also cause clogs to happen.

Tumble dryer is making a strange noise or vibration

This could be caused by a failed drum seal due to frequent overloading or contact with foreign objects. In this case, the drum seal would need to be replaced.

Tumble dryer runs but does not heat up

Blocked ventilation, a clogged lint screen or a consistently overloaded machine would lead to a faulty thermal fuse and if this fuse gets broken, it would also need to be replaced.

Tumble dryer does not run

Similar to the point above, this happens when the thermal fuse is broken due to the same reasons and would also have to be replaced.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Service Box is for general guidance only. Attempting repairs on your own appliances or devices carries risk. Some repairs may void the manufacturer's warranty, and Service Box accepts no responsibility for any damage, costs, injury, or issues arising from attempts to carry out repairs based on this information. Always take proper safety precautions, especially when working with electrical equipment, to avoid the risk of electric shock, and be aware that electronic components can be damaged by static discharge. Check your manufacturer's warranty documentation before attempting any repair, and if in doubt, consult a qualified professional.

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Tumble Dryer Troubleshooting & Repair Guide - Service Box