Dryer Repair: Common Issues, Costs, and When to Fix It

When your dryer, a household appliance that removes moisture from clothes using heat and tumbling. Also known as clothes dryer, it's one of the most used machines in the home—yet one of the first to break down when something goes wrong. Stops spinning, won’t heat up, or makes a weird noise, you’re not alone. Most dryers last 10 to 13 years, but worn-out belts, clogged vents, or failed heating elements can kill them way sooner. A lot of people assume it’s time to replace it, but often, a simple dryer repair can bring it back to life for pennies on the cost of a new one.

One of the biggest reasons dryers fail is a clogged vent, the duct that carries moist air out of the dryer and outside the house. It sounds simple, but lint builds up fast—especially if you don’t clean the filter every load. A blocked vent doesn’t just make your dryer work harder; it can overheat and shut off completely, or worse, become a fire hazard. Then there’s the heating element, the part that actually generates heat inside the dryer drum. If your dryer tumbles but stays cold, this is usually the culprit. It’s not expensive to replace, and most technicians can fix it in under an hour. Other common problems include a broken drum roller, a faulty thermostat, or a blown thermal fuse—all things that show up regularly in repair jobs here in Taunton.

How much does a dryer repair cost? It usually runs between £80 and £200, depending on the part and labor. Compare that to a new dryer, which starts at £400 and goes up fast if you want energy efficiency or smart features. If your machine is under 8 years old and the repair is straightforward, fixing it almost always saves money. Even if it’s older, sometimes it’s worth it—especially if you’re happy with how it performs. A lot of folks don’t realize that replacing a dryer doesn’t just cost the price tag—it also means hauling away the old one, waiting for delivery, and dealing with installation hassles.

Before you call a pro, try a few quick checks: Clean the lint filter, make sure the dryer isn’t stuck on air-fluff mode, and listen for unusual sounds. If the drum spins but no heat comes out, it’s likely the heating element or thermostat. If it won’t start at all, the door switch or start button might be faulty. These are easy to diagnose with a multimeter or a quick guide—many of the posts below walk you through exactly how to do it yourself.

Below, you’ll find real repair stories, step-by-step fixes, and cost breakdowns from people right here in Taunton who’ve been in your shoes. Whether you’re trying to save cash, avoid waste, or just get your laundry done without drama, these guides give you the facts—not fluff.