Dryers are a household appliance that we often take for granted- until they break down. When a dryer breaks, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only do you have to wash your clothes by hand, but you also have to worry about the cost of repairs.

But before you call the repairman, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem yourself. And if you do have to call in a professional, these tips will help them get your dryer up and running again as quickly as possible- and hopefully prevent any future problems. So read on for our top dryer repair safety tips!

Always disconnect the power to the dryer before beginning any repair work

Professional dryer repair comes with a set of essential precautions that must always be taken before beginning any work, namely to disconnect the power. Failing to do so can not only lead to an unexpected shock or electrocution but also potentially damage the appliance beyond repair. Taking this safety step every time you go to make any repairs yourself, or even when hiring a professional to help, will ensure that you and anyone in your home stay safe while you work, as well as keep your dryer in optimal running condition.

Inspect the dryer venting system for lint build-up, which can be a fire hazard

It’s important to check the venting system of your dryer regularly for lint buildup as this is one of the most common causes of house fires. A good inspection will help keep your home safe and also allow for efficient drying performance – a clogged dryer vent can cause the dryer to use more energy, and push up your utility bills. Check both inside the dryer at the lint trap, as well as outside near where the vent exits your home. Also check the length of any flexible vent pipe, which might be filled with lint- especially if it’s not been replaced in a while. Taking measures to prevent a fire ensures that you and your family stay safe in your home.

If you’re not familiar with how to disassemble your dryer, consult a professional or look up a video tutorial online

Taking apart a dryer can be an intimidating prospect, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help soothe your worries. Consulting with a professional will provide you with the assurance that you’ll get the job done correctly and safely, as having proper knowledge is one of the best ways to avoid costly errors or accidents. Alternatively, if you’d like to go it alone – which can be a great learning experience – several video tutorials are available online featuring step-by-step instructions. Either way, gaining familiarity with how to disassemble your dryer will not only save time and money in the long run but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you can handle those daunting repair jobs on your own.

Be sure to clean all the lint out of the dryer after completing any repair work

After you have completed any repair work on your dryer, it is essential to clean the lint that has built up in the lint catcher. Doing so will help keep your house safe from fires caused by built-up lint and other debris catching on fire. It will also make your drying times more efficient, since with no excess lint blocking the airflow, the heat can move more freely throughout the dryer. To clean out the lint, simply remove the lint catcher and use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft brush attachment to remove all of the built-up dirt and debris. If you do not own a vacuum cleaner, an old toothbrush can be used as well. With this simple task done periodically, you will help keep yourself and your home safe from dryer fires and ensure that every load of laundry is dried quickly and efficiently.

Reconnect the power to the dryer and test it out before putting it back in use

When needing to reconnect the power to a dryer, safety should always be a top priority. It is important to make sure that the power cord and circuit are completely off before attempting any work. With the circuit breaker off and the dryer unplugged from its socket, it’s time to begin. If working with an electric dryer, attach the correct voltage wire connection in accordance with local codes. The next step is to check all of the electrical parts inside of the unit and ensure they are in good working order. Finally test out your hard work by connecting the power plug back into its socket, setting the timer controls, and making sure everything is running properly. Taking these extra steps can save you from any trouble down the line when using your newly reconnected dryer.