Electric dryer
Dryer makes noise or hums but the drum won't turn
The dryer starts, I hear it, but the drum doesn't spin. What's broken?
Straight answer: If you hear the motor but the drum sits still, the drive belt has snapped or slipped. If you hear nothing, it's more likely the door switch, a start switch or the motor itself. Both are standard repairs.
$99 CAD visit & diagnosis · 30% off your first repair · 90-day labour warranty
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What it usually means
- Drive belt broken or off the pulley
- Idler pulley or tensioner seized
- Door switch not registering the door as closed
- Drum rollers or glides worn, so the motor can't turn the drum
- Motor failed or its start winding gone
Safe to check yourself
- Open the door and try to turn the drum by hand: very easy and loose means a broken belt, stiff means rollers or bearings
- Check the door closes properly and the light goes off
- Look for lint or a stray sock behind the drum opening
- Listen for a hum: a hum with no movement usually means belt or pulley
Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before touching anything behind or under it. If you're not comfortable, skip the checks and call; the visit covers all of this.
Time to call when
- The drum turns by hand but not under power
- You hear a hum, a click and then silence
- The drum turns but squeals or thumps
What the visit looks like
A technician comes to your place, diagnoses the electric dryer and tells you what it needs and what it costs. You decide; nothing starts without your okay. $99 CAD covers the visit and diagnosis anywhere in our area.
Electric dryer repair: what to expect 
Good to know
Is a belt repair done in one visit?
Usually, yes, when the model is confirmed ahead of time so the belt is on the truck.
My dryer squeaks loudly. Same problem?
A squeal is often the idler pulley or drum rollers wearing out, which leads to a stuck drum later. Sorting it early is cheaper.
Other electric dryer problems
- Electric dryer running but not heatingMy dryer tumbles but the clothes stay cold and damp. Why no heat?
- Dryer takes two or three cycles to dryMy dryer heats, but clothes need two or three runs to dry. Why so slow?
- Electric dryer won't start at allMy dryer is dead. No lights, no sound, nothing. What should I check?
Still stuck?
Tell us what it's doing and your town. We'll sort out the rest on the call.