Very frustrated with dryer...need help!!!?

Question

I just bought a used dryer about a week ago and now I'm having problems with it. For some reason the dryer takes a really, really long time to dry my clothes. I can't dry my clothes a load at a time because it takes like 10 hours for one load to dry. If I put a towel in by itself though it dries quicker in about 1 hour. I reset the circuit breaker but still no luck. It's a four prong Whirlpool. I installed the cord but have not grounded it yet. Would grounding it have anything to do with the heat not producing as well as it should? (I can't find a small enough tool to connect the green wire on the cord to ground it.) Please help, I'm so frustrated and it has a 6-month warranty but I've already called the store where I bought it because I thought it was fixed but now I see that it's not. Help..dryer experts!!!

Answer 1

there are coils and limit switches inside that prevent overheating and will not allow the dryer to heat very well if they are not working right.
these need to be checked by a serviceman.
or someone with a multimeter.

Answer 2

Scary situation here. Dryers that don't work right can cause fires.
1. Check out all the dryer questions on this site. There's lots of information there.

2. The electrical wiring of the dryer is very important. Don't cut corners on what is recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Is the lint filter working properly, or is there a buildup of fabric softener on it? Is there a build up of lint inside the dryer: this includes the lint screen, the place where the screen fits into and the back of the dryer (vacuum the back of the dryer, because the vents may have a buildup of dust).

4. Check your dryer hose or pipe that leads outdoors. Is the hose new, or is it old and half-plugged with lint? Is the vent outside free of lint? If you have to, install a new pipe or hose to vent out this lint because otherwise you could have a fire.

5. Don't use the dryer until you have checked and fixed all these things. Otherwise, you will burn out the sensors inside the wiring, and that's a major repair bill.

Answer 3

I've had this problem before and it's usually either the heating coil that needs replaced, or the socket is not getting enough wattage. You should be plugging your dryer into a single plug that is specially made for dryers because it needs stronger power to operate. I would have someone come out and check your socket to see if it's working properly.
Right now, your best bet is to dry your clothes outside. They'll probably dry faster. Either that, or go by yourself a new dryer. They're cheaper than washers.

Answer 4

First off: GET THAT GROUND CONNECTED PROPERLY.

If a fault goes to the dryer casing and it is not grounded, you or someone else could get seriously injured or killed.

120/240 volts systems do kill.

The heating coil may be defective or as anther answer stated one of the thermal cutouts could be defective.

I would stongly advise you to call a service person to check your dryer out and have it done properly.

Answer 5

well, is it moving air? put your hand on the exaust vent, it should be moving a substantial amount of air. if not, you have a bad blower or clogged vent.(are you cleaning the lint screen after every load) if you do have good air flow, but it is not hot, then you have a bad element. grounding would not cause this problem, but you realy realy need to hook that up. that is a major shock and fire hazard.

Answer 6

have you made sure the filter is clean, that is important, because a blocked filter will cause a house fire