Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - dryer not drying clothes
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nonhandy
01-08-07, 08:47 AM
very timely...especially towels. i had someone come clean the vent and they said there is one elbow that is tough to clean (i saw it on the camera he ran through) but he got it pretty darn clean anyway. still not drying. it has to take a 45 degree turn and run under the floor about 10-12 feet to the outside. i don't feel a LOT of air coming out outside, but do know some is coming. i have no clue if the dryer is getting hot enough other than the SEARS repairman about a year ago said it was fine (elements). a year later, still not fine. is it possible this venting is too long? this house is 20 years old, i figured it would be changed by now if so by the previous 2 owners. any suggestions?
nonhandy
01-09-07, 08:09 AM
bump bump...anyone have some help to offer?
DIYaddict
01-09-07, 10:52 AM
Sorry no one has got to your question yet nonhandy.
No pro, but I can pull up some troubleshooting information for you. Seems like you're checkin' the correct stuff. Since the Sears repairman told you the element was fine a year ago, it doesn't mean it still is now. Does that mean since a year ago you still haven't resolved the issue? In any case, doesn't hurt to have the following checked as these are the common problems for a dryer not drying correctly (slow).
(From this site: http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_8_1.asp#Level1_4)
"It normally takes about 45 minutes for a dryer to dry a full load. If your dryer is taking more than an hour, check these.
Vent
Heating element
Internal ductwork
Cycling thermostat
Vent
Frequently there's an obstruction in the vent duct from the dryer to the outside of the house. For the dryer to heat properly, the duct must be clean and clear of lint or any other substance.
Heating element
Your dryer's heating element may be partially burned out. If it is, your dryer still heats, but at such a low temperature that it takes three or four times as long to dry the clothes. If the element is partially burned out, replace it.
Internal ductwork
Your dryer has some internal ductwork. If it gets clogged, your dryer can't dry properly. In most dryers, to get to the internal ductwork to clear the clog, you have to substantially disassemble the dryer. A quick way to check for internal clogs is to remove the lint filter and use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the duct. If it looks clogged and you can't clear it using your vacuum, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
Cycling thermostat
Although this isn't a common problem, one of the thermostats that controls the temperature in your dryer may break and cause the dryer to heat poorly. If so, you need to replace it. The thermostat is usually a small, round, black device mounted to an oblong steel plate. The plate is mounted to the internal ductwork with two screws."
No pro, but I can pull up some troubleshooting information for you. Seems like you're checkin' the correct stuff. Since the Sears repairman told you the element was fine a year ago, it doesn't mean it still is now. Does that mean since a year ago you still haven't resolved the issue? In any case, doesn't hurt to have the following checked as these are the common problems for a dryer not drying correctly (slow).
(From this site: http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_8_1.asp#Level1_4)
"It normally takes about 45 minutes for a dryer to dry a full load. If your dryer is taking more than an hour, check these.
Vent
Heating element
Internal ductwork
Cycling thermostat
Vent
Frequently there's an obstruction in the vent duct from the dryer to the outside of the house. For the dryer to heat properly, the duct must be clean and clear of lint or any other substance.
Heating element
Your dryer's heating element may be partially burned out. If it is, your dryer still heats, but at such a low temperature that it takes three or four times as long to dry the clothes. If the element is partially burned out, replace it.
Internal ductwork
Your dryer has some internal ductwork. If it gets clogged, your dryer can't dry properly. In most dryers, to get to the internal ductwork to clear the clog, you have to substantially disassemble the dryer. A quick way to check for internal clogs is to remove the lint filter and use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the duct. If it looks clogged and you can't clear it using your vacuum, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
Cycling thermostat
Although this isn't a common problem, one of the thermostats that controls the temperature in your dryer may break and cause the dryer to heat poorly. If so, you need to replace it. The thermostat is usually a small, round, black device mounted to an oblong steel plate. The plate is mounted to the internal ductwork with two screws."