article

Replacing Your Clothes Dryer

By Bluehammer Admin

With lots of small moving parts, having a clothes dryer stop working is inevitable. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your clothes dryer.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Clothes Dryer

The biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your clothes dryer is the cost of the appliance itself. Clothes dryers come in all types, sizes and features from economy to designer. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your dryer.

  • Removal of the old clothes dryer
  • Purchase, delivery and installation of the new clothes dryer
  • Replacing gas lines (if applicable) and the material costs
  • Replacing the vent tube and the material costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old clothes dryer

Should I Replace My Dryer or Try to Repair it?

Believe it or not, clothes dryer issues are usually fixable depending on how willing you are to troubleshoot. Remember to always disconnect the electricity before working on your clothes dryer. Some of the main reasons a dryer stops working or stops drying are caused by common parts failing or wearing out. For example, there are door switches that make sure the door is closed before connecting the current to allow the unit to operate. Repeated use of these switches can make them fail. These switches are inexpensive and a quick search online can get you to fixing your exact model in no time. If your dryer motor is running but the drum isn't tumbling you are probably looking at a worn out belt. The belt connects the drum to the motor making it turn. See below on how to replace your belt.

Replacing Your Clothes Dryer Belt

Follow the steps below to replace your clothes dryer's motor belt (it is best if you have the replacement belt before you begin the work—again, be sure to confirm with the owner’s manual that you have the proper belt for the dryer you are working with.)

  • Turn the power and gas off (if applicable)Never work on an appliance while it is still connected to power or gas as this could be dangerous.
  • Remove the lint screens and screwsYou need to remove the lint screen so you can raise the top of the appliance.
  • Raise the appliance topThe top of the dryer opens by prying a screwdriver carefully near the left and right edges releasing the locking clips. Open the top fully.
  • Disconnect wiringSince you will be removing the door panel, you will need to disconnect the wires connected to the door switch. They should simply unplug.
  • Remove the door panelUnscrew the front door panel and set it aside. Now you have full access to the dryer drum.
  • Remove and replace the beltTake notice of how the belt is attached to the motor pully and drum. Remove the old belt and install the new belt wrapping it around the drum and then around the pully from the motor.
  • Re-assemble and testRe-assemble the appliance reversing the steps before (Attach the door panel, connect the wiring close the appliance top, replace the lint screen and turn on the power) and test.

Gas or Electric Dryers

You need to know whether your current dryer is gas or electric before you choose a new one. To check if your dryer is gas, you can simply look for a gas line to your existing dryer. Also, If you have an electric dryer, your electrical plug will look different than your other appliances.

Removing Your Old Clothes Dryer

Follow the steps below to remove your existing clothes dryer.

  • Turn off the gas if needed and unplug your clothes dryerAlways make sure you have turned off the electricity and gas.
  • Disconnect the gas line (if applicable)
  • Pull out your dryer and disconnect the vent tubeThe vent tube transfers moisture and/or carbon monoxide from the unit to outside. If it is in good condition you can re-use the part, however vent pipes are inexpensive and having the peace of mind you have a new clean vent may be worth the purchase.
  • Remove the dryer

Installing Your New Clothes Dryer

Follow the steps below to install your new clothes dryer

  • Attach the vent tube to the dryer and the ventThe vent tube usually connects easily with a spring like clamp.
  • Re-connect the gas line if applicable and test the connection.
  • Slide the unit into place and make sure it is secure and level.
  • Plug the unit in, turn on the gas if needed and test the operation.
  • If you have any issues, check the owner’s manual to ensure you have connected everything correctly.
  • If the unit still doesn’t work—you may have to call in a professional.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Stylish Bath Storage Solutions: Ways to Complement Your Bathroom Vanity

Finding adequate storage is a particularly challenging problem in bathrooms, and not just because they are usually the smallest rooms in the house. Bathrooms have increasingly become the place to store a large and diverse number of items, including bath towels, beauty supplies, toiletries, hair care products, medications, soaps, shampoo, and assorted cleansers. And if the primary inhabitants of the bathroom happen to be teenagers, then the demand for storage space increases exponentially.

New Windows Changed My House - and My Mind

It was exciting to contemplate city life after living in smaller towns. Apparently, everyone else thought so too, because by the time I decided I liked a house, it was gone from the market.

Tips For Creating A Luxe Bedroom

Creating a relaxing, romantic retreat of a bedroom is the goal, but it's not as easy as just loading the furniture in and making the bed. Many people find that even with beautiful pieces and great space, their bedroom is still lacking that something special. A few tips and the right mix can make you feel more serene, help you sleep better, and even make you feel more amorous in your private sanctuary.

Renovations to Make Aging at Home Easier

As you or your loved one ages, your home may need to be adapted to accommodate lifestyle changes, accessibility and independence. Over 41% of individuals plan to stay in their own homes until the age of 81 or older. It is important to make gradual adaptations to your home as you age to allow for maneuverability. When remodeling to age at home, start early and plan ahead. It is cheaper to do small renovations one at a time than an entire home overhaul overnight.

Getting your home ready for that big party

Preparing for a party can be a hectic time - you have a full slate on your to do list, including choosing the menu, preparing food, planning activities, and coordinating decor. It can be easy to overlook one of the most important elements of planning an event, making sure your home is presentable for your guests. Our guide will help you to quickly get your house party-ready so you can focus on all the other things involved in preparing for your event.

Replacing Your Clothes Dryer

With lots of small moving parts, having a clothes dryer stop working is inevitable.

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide To Grown-Up Furniture

You just bought your first home. Congratulations: You're an adult! Now it's time to fill it up. But if you were planning to pack up those ratty old beanbag chairs and the bed that awakens you with a morning backache and move them to your new place, we have a few suggestions. It's time for a grown-up upgrade. Here's where to start.

How To Choose The Right Vanity To Kick Off Your Bathroom Remodel

You can change your bathroom lighting, your floors, and your fixtures. But if your vanity is rickety, chipped, timeworn, or just plain ugly, your bathroom might feel that way too.

Home Foundations And Why Material Matters

The typical single-family home can weigh anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 pounds. Foundations provide a solid base for a home's weight, help to ensure the house stays level and provides a base for construction to take place. Foundations matter, and so does the material that they're made of. Here's a closer look at both, starting with materials and why they matter.

Replacing Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal eats alot of food and then one day it stops!

See More Articles