Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Digit

(6,163 posts)
Tue Mar 27, 2012, 01:00 AM Mar 2012

My old dryer stopped heating, but I was able to fix it

Just in case this ever works for anyone else, here is what happened:

Whirlpool gas dryer 15 years old decides to abruptly stop heating up although the drum would turn.
No click, no whoosh. Damn! It had not given me any indication it was not feeling well. Inconsiderate
piece of metal.

I am an older lady but took the bi-fold door off, pulled the sick sucker out and and vacuumed the hell
out of it.

Lo and behold, it works now. Just when I had the gas company scheduled to come out tomorrow afternoon, too.
So, if anyone else has a dryer that is not heating...before you go replacing parts or something more drastic, try
just cleaning it out.

I just know it was my cat's fault and they tried death by hairballs.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My old dryer stopped heating, but I was able to fix it (Original Post) Digit Mar 2012 OP
Carbon build up. I had two burners on my stove stop lighting from an electric pilot. I sinkingfeeling Apr 2012 #1
I would not have made it that far Digit Apr 2012 #2

sinkingfeeling

(52,993 posts)
1. Carbon build up. I had two burners on my stove stop lighting from an electric pilot. I
Mon Apr 2, 2012, 09:46 AM
Apr 2012

took herm all apart and could not believe the amount of carbon dust in them. Put it all back together and it works like a charm. Who knew that 16 years of 'burning' created such a problem!

Digit

(6,163 posts)
2. I would not have made it that far
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 07:16 PM
Apr 2012

I am much too fearful to attempt to actually take an appliance apart, especially if it is connected to electricity or gas.
Taking the dryer hose off and replacing it with a new one is my limit!

It is great you were able to fix the problem yourself though. Sadly, I am not THAT handy!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»DIY & Home Improvement»My old dryer stopped heat...