Our services
Tumble Dryer Repair in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall
Tumble dryer repair covers condenser, vented and heat pump dryers that run cold, stop turning, cut out mid-cycle or leave clothes damp. We diagnose the fault in your home, explain what has failed and agree the cost with you first.
01How it works
Tumble Dryer Repair, explained
How it works
Your tumble dryer, properly understood
Tumble dryers remove moisture from clothing by passing warm air through a rotating drum. Vented models expel this damp air outside through a hose. Condenser dryers pass the moist air over a heat exchanger, turning the vapour back into liquid water which collects in a container. Heat pump dryers use a closed-loop system with a compressor and refrigerant to heat the air and extract moisture, making them highly energy efficient but mechanically more complex. The combination of heat, moisture and lint creates a harsh environment for internal components. Heating elements can burn out, thermostats can trip or fail, and drive belts can snap under the strain of heavy, wet loads. In condenser and heat pump models, lint accumulation around the heat exchanger or water pump can block airflow or prevent water from being pumped to the collection tank. When airflow is restricted, the machine has to work harder, which puts additional stress on the motor and heating circuits. Finding the root cause of a tumble dryer fault requires a systematic approach. A drum that refuses to turn might be due to a broken drive belt, a failed motor capacitor or a seized jockey wheel. If a dryer runs cold, the heating element, the thermal overload cut-out or the main control board must be tested with a multimeter. Proper diagnosis involves dismantling the machine to inspect these components, checking for continuity and checking that the airflow pathways are clear of obstructions. All Appliance Care provides domestic appliance repairs across Plymouth and the surrounding areas in Devon and Cornwall.
02Know the signs
When it is time to call us
01
The machine runs a full cycle but the clothes are still completely damp.
02
You can hear the motor humming but the drum does not rotate at all.
03
The dryer stops after a few minutes and the control panel lights flash.
04
There is a loud metallic scraping noise when the drum turns during a cycle.
05
The water collection drawer in your condenser dryer remains empty after a cycle.
06
The appliance trips the household electrics as soon as the heating element turns on.
03Common faults
What usually lies behind it
01
Tumble dryer runs but does not heat
When a dryer tumbles but remains cold, the heating element or the thermal cut-out thermostat has usually failed. This happens if airflow is restricted by lint, causing the machine to overheat and trip the safety thermostat. Testing the heating circuit with a multimeter identifies the broken component.
02
The dryer drum will not turn
A drum that fails to rotate is typically caused by a snapped drive belt. Belts wear out over time or break if the drum is overloaded with heavy, wet towels. Other potential causes include a faulty motor starting capacitor or a worn jockey wheel that keeps the belt tensioned.
03
Machine stops mid-cycle or cuts out
Dryers that stop before the load is dry may be suffering from a faulty moisture sensor. These sensors sit inside the drum and measure the dampness of the clothes. If they become coated in fabric softener or lint, they give false readings to the control board and end the cycle.
04
Condenser dryer water container faults
Condenser and heat pump dryers pump extracted water up into a collection drawer. If the reservoir remains empty while clothes stay damp, the internal pump may be blocked with lint or the float switch might be stuck. Clearing the sump and testing the pump restores normal water extraction.
05
Unusually noisy running during a cycle
A loud rumbling, squeaking or scraping noise points to worn mechanical parts. The support rollers, drum bearings or the tension pulley can degrade due to the constant weight of wet laundry. Replacing these worn bearings prevents further damage to the drum and the motor shaft.
04Questions
Tumble Dryers: your questions
Not answered here? Tell us the make, the model and what the appliance is doing.
Call 01752 922765No. Switch it off at the wall and stop using it until it has been checked. Clean the lint filter, and call us to look at it.
Heat pump dryers operate at lower temperatures than vented or condenser models, so cycles naturally take longer. However, if drying times are excessive, the heat exchanger filters might be blocked with lint. Keeping all filters completely clear is essential for the air to circulate and extract moisture efficiently.
Yes, a broken drive belt can be replaced. The process involves removing the top and side panels to route a new belt around the drum, the motor shaft and the tension pulley. It requires dismantling a significant portion of the appliance so that the new belt can be seated correctly.
Overheating is almost always caused by poor airflow. If the lint filters are blocked, or the vent hose is crushed, the hot air cannot escape. The internal temperature rises until the safety thermostat trips to prevent a fire. The thermostat and the airflow system must be checked together.
All Appliance Care repairs vented, condenser and heat pump tumble dryers in customers' homes. We also repair washing machines, dishwashers, electric ovens and other electric appliances, but we do not work on gas appliances.
05Where we work
Tumble Dryers in your town
Choose your town for tumble dryer repair there, nearest to Plymouth first.
Devon