Washer and dryer repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What washer and dryer repair is

Washer and dryer repair diagnoses a washer that will not spin, drain or fill, and a dryer that will not heat or tumble. Common failures include drive belts, drain pumps, inlet valves, lid switches, bearings, thermal fuses, heating elements, thermostats, idler pulleys and blocked vents. People call when laundry stays wet, cycles stop partway or the machine makes new noises.

Signs you need it

  • The washer fills and runs but will not spin, or spins only slowly
  • Water stays in the drum at the end of a cycle, or the washer drains slowly
  • The dryer tumbles but gives no heat, or clothes stay damp after a full cycle
  • The dryer squeals, thumps or runs with a loud slapping sound from the belt
  • Clothes need more than one cycle to dry, or the dryer cabinet and laundry room get very hot, or you smell burning lint
  • The washer shakes heavily or walks across the floor during a spin

What the pro does

  • Run a diagnostic cycle and note the error code and the symptoms on each cycle
  • Check the drive belt, the idler pulley, the drum rollers and the bearings for wear
  • Test the drain pump, inlet valve, lid switch and the dryer's thermal fuse, heating element and thermostat with a multimeter
  • Inspect the dryer vent and the lint trap path for blockage and crushed duct
  • Replace the failed part, such as a belt, pump, valve, lid switch, thermal fuse, heating element or idler pulley
  • Run full washer and dryer cycles and check that the drum turns, drains, fills and heats as it should

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Washer versus dryer, and whether the fault is electric or gas on a gas dryer
  • Which part failed, since a belt or lint trap is simpler than a drum bearing or control board
  • Brand and model, and whether parts are stocked
  • Front-load versus top-load design, which changes access
  • Whether a vent or duct needs cleaning or replacing
  • Whether a part must be ordered, which can mean another visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Make, model and serial number, and the error code if one showed
  • Each failed part by name and the test that confirmed it
  • Whether a vent cleaning or duct replacement is included, and the duct material
  • Whether any gas work is needed and which licensed gas trade does it
  • Warranty on the parts and the labor, in writing

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the dryer electric or gas, and who does any gas work?
  • Did you test the thermal fuse and the heating element before ordering parts?
  • Will you check the dryer vent for blockage and tell me what you find?
  • Do you carry the belt, pump or valve for my model?
  • Does the warranty cover the part and the labor?
  • Will you run a full cycle on both units before you leave?
  • Is the drum bearing worn, and how would the repair change if it is?

Red flags

  • A dryer heating element replaced without testing the thermal fuse and the thermostat
  • No check of the dryer vent before the pro leaves, when the vent is blocked
  • A washer bearing replacement with no test of the drive belt and the drum
  • A quote that names only a general washer or dryer part
  • No full cycle run before the pro leaves

What you can do yourself

You can clean the lint trap and the lint path, clear the dryer vent at the outside hood, check the washer's drain filter for debris, and level the machine. Unplug the unit or turn off its breaker before you open a panel or reach behind it. Do not test heating elements, thermal fuses, gas valves or live wiring; call a pro for belt, pump, valve, element, fuse or gas faults.

Licenses and permits

Washer and dryer repair is often not licensed as a trade, but gas dryer work often needs a licensed gas trade, electrical work can need a licensed electrician, and a permit can apply to some vent or hookup work. Check with your state or local licensing agency before hiring.

Washer and dryer repair questions

Why is my dryer not heating?

Common causes include a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element, a thermostat that has opened, or a blocked vent that has tripped a safety switch. A pro tests each one and checks the vent.

Is it safe to use a dryer with a blocked vent?

No. A blocked vent can cause overheating and is a fire risk. Clear the vent and have the pro check the path before you run the dryer again.

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About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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