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


New Designs In Cabinet Refacing

You may be one of the fortunate homeowners whose kitchen just needs an update instead of a full remodel. Cabinet refacing is an economical option that can give your kitchen a quick makeover in no time. Rather than gutting your cabinets and replacing them with new ones, cabinet refacing allows you to update the exterior of the cabinets you already have. It's also a fabulous way to add contemporary design elements to your space, both with cabinet doors, colors and hardware. Let's take a look at the latest designs in cabinet refacing.

10 DIY Peel-And-Stick Tiles To Quickly Take Your Backsplash From Meh To Magnificent

Adding a flashy backsplash is one of the best ways to help transform your kitchen, and, especially, to take the emphasis off of countertops that might need updating or cabinets in need of an overhaul. It could also inspire you to make those other needed changes. But the hassle of working with tile and stone and dealing with messy thinset and grout - or paying someone to do it for you - often wins out over going for it.

Trend Alert: Convert a Dresser or Vintage Desk Into a Unique Bathroom Vanity

It's one of Houzz's deign trends for 2017, and it gives you a chance to express your style, add a character piece to your home, and maybe even save some money at the same time. It's the bathroom vanity conversion, and it just might inspire you to make a change for the better.

8 Clever Ways To Zone Off Space In An Open Floor Plan

We've fallen for open-plan living in recent years. After all, not many of us have a formal room just for company anymore. And with modern building materials, we don't necessarily need every room to have four walls to keep it at a comfortable temperature. But although an open plan may bring the space, light, flow and garden views we desire, it can also feel problematic to organize into zones - and prove distracting to share. Enter the glass partition. It makes room division simple yet doesn't starve spaces of light or compromise the open feel. Decorative, at half or full height, framed or barely visible, a glass partition can work in every environment. Check out these designs.

The Essentials Checklist for Newly Married Homeowners

After a beautiful wedding celebration and exotic honeymoon, you and your loved one are ready to settle in and enjoy your newly married bliss, especially in a new home. Although putting together a house can seem like an everlasting project, you can make it your home right away with the following new-home essentials.

Replacing Your Kitchen Dishwasher

Mix water, moving parts and wear and tear and you get a dishwasher replacement project

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans add to the decor of a room and are an energy efficient way to improve cooling when it's hot and heating when it's cold. For simple installations, installing your own ceiling fan is a breeze.

Choosing The Best Hardwood Floors For Your Home

The rich patina of wood floors adds beauty and elegance to any home.

Nontraditional Places to Use Pendant Lights

When you picture pendant lights, where do you see them in a house? Close your eyes and imagine it.

Replacing Your Kitchen Refrigerator

Refrigerators are the most important appliance in the Kitchen.

See More Articles