Dryer Repair in Toronto & GTA — Safe, Professional, In-House Technicians

We repair all major dryer issues: no heat, not spinning, clothes still wet, loud scraping or grinding noises, and dryers that will not start. All work is completed by Octopus Royal in-house technicians — no subcontractors, no commission-based upselling.

Common Dryer Problems We Repair

These are the most common dryer issues we see in homes, rental units, condos and multi-unit properties. Each section below explains the likely causes and gives safe, basic DIY checks before calling a technician.

1. Dryer Has No Heat

A dryer that runs but does not heat usually has a problem with the heating circuit or with airflow. For electric dryers this includes the heater, thermostats, thermal cut-off and power supply; for gas dryers it includes the igniter, gas valve coils and flame sensor.

Most Likely Causes

• Tripped breaker or only half of the 240V power available (electric dryers)
• Failed heating element or burned thermal fuse
• Blocked vent causing overheating and safety shutoff
• Failed gas igniter or gas valve coils (gas dryers)
• Defective cycling thermostat or high-limit thermostat

DIY Checks (Safe Basics)

• Confirm the dryer is getting full power — check the breaker; for electric, there are usually two linked breakers.
• Run the dryer on a timed high heat cycle and check if you feel any warmth at the exhaust after a few minutes.
• Inspect and clean the lint filter and the vent hose at the back of the dryer.
• Check outside vent flap while the dryer is running — you should feel strong airflow.
• If there is no heat at all but the drum turns, a fuse, heater or gas ignition component may have failed.

Internal electrical testing should be done with power off and usually requires a meter; if you are not comfortable, stop at the basic checks.

2. Dryer Does Not Spin

If you press start and hear the motor hum but the drum does not turn, or nothing happens at all, the problem is usually in the drive system or the safety switches.

Possible Causes

• Broken or slipped drive belt
• Worn idler pulley or seized drum rollers
• Door switch not detecting that the door is closed
• Failed motor start winding or start capacitor (on some models)
• Control board or timer not sending power to the motor

DIY Checks

• Open the door and try to spin the drum by hand — it should rotate smoothly without heavy resistance or grinding.
• Close the door firmly and listen for the door switch click.
• Press start and listen: a loud hum without turning often means the belt is broken or the drum is jammed.
• Unplug the dryer and inspect behind it for anything caught between drum and cabinet (for example, clothing at rear seal).
• Do not keep forcing a humming motor — it can overheat and damage the motor further.

Replacing belts, rollers and idler pulleys usually requires opening the cabinet; this is best done with proper disassembly and reassembly procedures.

3. Clothes Are Hot but Still Wet at the End of the Cycle

When clothes come out very warm but still wet or damp, the dryer is producing heat but airflow is restricted. Moist air cannot leave the drum fast enough, so drying times become very long.

Most Common Causes

• Lint-clogged vent hose or wall duct
• Crushed or overly long flexible vent behind the dryer
• Blocked outside vent hood (lint, bird nest, flap stuck)
• Overloaded drum with too many items
• Sensor dryer not reading moisture correctly due to residue on sensor bars

DIY Checks

• Clean the lint filter before every load.
• Pull the dryer out and inspect the vent hose — remove kinks, shorten unnecessary length, and clean lint buildup.
• Go outside and check the vent hood while the dryer is running — you should feel strong airflow and see the flap open.
• Try a smaller load and see if drying improves.
• For sensor dryers, clean the metal sensor bars inside the drum with a soft cloth and a bit of vinegar to remove residue.

Poor airflow not only causes long drying times, it also increases fire risk — it is important to correct this early.

4. Dryer Makes Scraping or Grinding Noise

Scraping, grinding, or high-pitched squealing usually indicates a mechanical problem in the drum support system: drum glides, rollers, idler pulley, or something caught in the drum seal.

Likely Sources

• Worn front drum glides or felt pads
• Flat-spotted or seized rear drum rollers
• Idler pulley bearing worn out
• Coins, zippers or small objects trapped in the drum baffle or front seal
• Drum rubbing metal-to-metal on the front bulkhead

DIY Checks

• Run the dryer empty for a short period and listen to identify whether the sound is from the front, back or bottom.
• Open the door and gently rotate the drum by hand — feel for rough spots, scraping or resistance.
• Check pockets carefully before running loads to prevent foreign objects entering the drum system.
• Do not continue running the dryer for long periods with loud scraping — it can damage the drum and bulkhead.

Most of these repairs involve opening the cabinet and replacing support parts as a set, so that the noise and wear do not return quickly.

5. Dryer Does Not Start the Cycle

When the dryer will not start at all, or only clicks but never runs, there is usually a problem with power, door switch, start switch, motor, or control.

Common Causes

• No power at the outlet or tripped breaker
• Faulty door switch not detecting that the door is closed
• Defective start button / start relay
• Failed motor or jammed blower wheel
• Control board, timer, or safety fuse open

DIY Checks (Non-technical)

• Test another appliance in the same outlet to confirm power.
• Check the breaker panel — electric dryers typically use a double breaker.
• Close the door firmly and listen for the door switch click.
• Try a different cycle (for example, Timed Dry instead of Sensor Dry).
• If you hear nothing at all when pressing Start, it is usually not just a belt — it is an electrical or control problem.

Internal live-voltage testing should only be done by a qualified technician with the correct tools and safety procedures.

⚠ Dryers use high voltage and produce heat. Always disconnect power before removing panels. For gas dryers, also close the gas supply valve and avoid working on gas components if you are not trained.

Dryer Maintenance Tips to Improve Safety and Drying Performance

Regular dryer maintenance is not only about performance — it is also about fire safety, especially in homes and rental properties.

• Clean the lint filter every load: This is the simplest and most important step for airflow and safety.
• Inspect and clean the vent at least once a year: More often if you do many loads or have a long duct run.
• Use a rigid or semi-rigid vent, not thin plastic: Thin plastic ducts can collapse and are not recommended for safety.
• Do not push the dryer too tight to the wall: This can crush the vent and restrict airflow.
• Listen for new noises: Squealing, scraping or thumping should be checked early before damage spreads.
• Do not overload the dryer: Overloading stresses the motor, belt, and support rollers.
• Check the outside vent flap: Make sure it opens freely and is not blocked by lint or nests.

Annual dryer and vent maintenance is also available as part of our appliance protection and maintenance plans.

Why Homeowners, Landlords and Property Managers Choose Octopus Royal

• Only in-house technicians — no subcontractors, no commission-based upselling
• $85 service call, waived when you repair with us
• Fast response and clear communication for multi-unit buildings and rental properties
• 2 million liability insurance for extra peace of mind
• 1-year workmanship warranty on repairs and installations
• Extensive experience with both electric and gas dryers

Dryer Brands We Service

Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Amana, Kenmore and other major dryer brands used in homes and condos across the GTA.

If you do not see your brand listed, contact us — in many cases we can still service it or advise on the best next step.

Book Dryer Repair or Installation in Toronto & GTA

Whether your dryer has no heat, will not spin, leaves clothes hot and wet, makes loud noises or will not start, or you need a new dryer professionally installed and vented, Octopus Royal can help.

We provide safe, clean dryer installation with proper vent connection, leveling and a test cycle — all backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.