The faults we are called out for most often, what usually causes them, and what the repair involves.
Not heating at all
Likely cause: Electric dryers: a failed heating element or a blown thermal fuse. Gas dryers: the igniter or flame sensor. Worth knowing — a blown thermal fuse is almost never a random failure, it is the safety device doing its job because the vent is restricted.
What we do: We replace the element or igniter AND check the venting. Replacing the fuse alone means you call us again in three months.
Typical repair: $130 – $310
Takes two or three cycles to dry one load
Likely cause: Restricted airflow, essentially always. Lint packed into the vent duct, a crushed flexible hose behind the machine, a blocked exterior flap, or lint caked in the blower housing.
What we do: Full airflow check and clearing. This is also the single biggest dryer fire risk in a house, so it is worth doing properly.
Typical repair: $110 – $260
Motor hums but the drum will not turn
Likely cause: A snapped drive belt, a seized idler pulley, or worn drum rollers loading the motor beyond what it can turn.
What we do: Belt, pulley and rollers are replaced as a set — doing one and leaving the others worn is a false economy.
Typical repair: $140 – $300
Squealing, thumping or rumbling while running
Likely cause: Drum support rollers flat-spotted with age, a dry idler pulley bearing, or worn front drum glides letting the drum rub the bulkhead.
What we do: Straightforward mechanical replacement, usually a single visit.
Typical repair: $140 – $290
Runs for a few minutes then shuts off
Likely cause: The dryer is overheating and the cycling thermostat or thermal cut-off is protecting it. Restricted venting again, or a failed thermostat reading temperature wrongly.
What we do: We measure actual airflow and duct temperature rather than swapping thermostats hopefully.
Typical repair: $130 – $290
Completely dead — no lights, no response
Likely cause: A tripped breaker or half-lost 240V leg (an electric dryer on one leg will tumble but not heat, or do nothing at all), a failed door switch, thermal fuse, or start switch.
What we do: Electrical supply is checked first, because that one is free to rule out.
Typical repair: $120 – $280
Burning or hot-lint smell
Likely cause: Lint accumulated on the heating element or inside the vent run. This is the failure mode that starts house fires and it should be treated as urgent.
What we do: Stop using the dryer and book a visit. We strip and clear the lint path and inspect the element for damage.
Typical repair: $120 – $280
Price bands are typical all-in figures for parts and labor on this type of repair and are not a quote.
Diagnostic starts at $89 and is credited against the repair if you go ahead. You always get a firm price before work begins.