What the sounds usually mean
- Thumping or banging: Often something simple, like shoes, a heavy load, or a bundled-up comforter. If it thumps with a light load, the drum support parts may be wearing.
- Squealing or chirping: Usually a worn belt, idler pulley or drum rollers. It often starts quiet and gets louder over a few weeks.
- Grinding or scraping: Metal on metal, or something stuck between the drum and the cabinet. Stop using it.
- Rattling: Coins, buttons, zippers or a bra wire loose in the drum.
Easy checks first
- Empty pockets before every load, and look in the drum for coins, pens or wire.
- Run a smaller load to see if the noise changes.
- Make sure the dryer sits level and doesn't rock on the floor.
- Clean the lint screen every load. A clogged screen makes the dryer run longer and work harder.
Home tip
When a new noise starts, take a short phone video of it. Noises have a way of going quiet the minute a repair tech shows up, and a clip helps me pin it down faster.
When to stop and call
Unplug the dryer before you check anything inside the drum. Don't open the cabinet or try to replace belts or rollers on a live machine, and on a gas dryer, leave the burner and gas line alone. If you smell burning or gas, or the dryer gets hot to the touch, stop using it. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility from outside. A squeal, grind or thump that won't go away needs a look.
Call me at (470) 999-7395 or book online for a $79 diagnostic.
