Regardless of if you have dryer issues at home or are experiencing this as a laundromat owner, this is one repair that is easy to do and cheap to fix. No matter how convenient or perfect dryers are, they aren’t exempt from normal wear and tear.
Over the years, dryer belts become loose, burnt, or cracked and may need replacing. If your dryer is loud or no longer starting, turning, or drying your clothes, a belt replacement may be needed. Keep reading and find out how to tell if your dryer belt needs replacing.
What Is a Dryer Belt?
Before delving into the signs you need to replace your dryer belt, we’ll define what the dryer belt does. Dryer belts have the function of rotating the drum inside of the dryer. It does this by going around the drum and the idler pulley or motor pulley. As a result, your clothes tumble during the drying process.
Appliance Repair Services Near Me
253-486-9072
How Much does It Cost to Replace a Dryer Belt?
The good news is that replacing a dryer belt is fairly inexpensive. You can buy and install a dryer belt replacement from your local appliance store for a fraction of the repair price. If DIY dryer repair isn’t your thing, take the guesswork out and hire a professional. But it may cost you upwards of $200 in replacement costs.
How do I Know If My Dryer Belt Is Bad?
Appliance malfunctions derive from a lot of different things like clogged vents or electrical issues. Luckily for you, we’ve listed scenarios that indicate four obvious signs that you need to replace your dryer belt.
My Dryer Will Not Start
While there may be a myriad of reasons as to why the dryer will not start, sometimes, the cause is as easy as a broken dryer belt. The belt could be damaged, worn, or fallen off of the pulley. If electricity isn’t the issue, check for a faulty dryer belt.
My Dryer Drum doesn’t Turn
Troubleshooting with your ears, listen closely to the dryer noises. There should be the sound of the motor but also the noise of the drum turning. If your dryer has power and the drum is not turning, a snapped belt may be the cause. Some dryers will display an error code advising that there is a problem with the belt.
My Dryer Is Making a Loud Banging Noise
Unless you are drying sneakers in the dryer, the sound of thumping can be alarming. Over time, the belt becomes worn and brittle, producing a rhythmic banging noise each time you dry a load. Replace the dryer belt so that other components of your dryer can avoid heavier wear and tear.
My Clothes Are Still Wet After Drying
Sometimes, the belt will fall off of the pulley mid-cycle. If this occurs, the drum will stop spinning while the dryer continues to run. Similarly, a defective sensor could be reading that there is moisture in your dryer, causing it to stop. If the dryer will not turn back on, the belt is the culprit.
An appliance technician fixing a broken dryer. Replacing a dryer belt is a common and inexpensive repair.
How Often Should My Dryer Belt Be Replaced?
Dryer belts are one of the components that don’t break often and don’t require routine maintenance. You can reference the owner’s manual for key tips to maintain its performance, but use determines its longevity. If you are experiencing any of the signs listed above, you need to replace your dryer belt.
When in Doubt, Consult a Professional
You may have noticed some signs that you need to replace a dryer belt but still aren’t sure what to do. Or maybe your dryer is still malfunctioning despite checking for all the signs that it could be your dryer belt. Whatever the case may be, sometimes, the situation calls for a professional.
When you need the experience and quality of a certified repair technician, turn to Top Shelf Services. We offer same or next-day service with transparent, competitive pricing and a FREE diagnosis with repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Click to contact Top Shelf Appliance Repair Services today
