Homeowners Report 5 Common Problems With Whirlpool Dryers

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If you're in the market for a new dryer, you may want to stick with a well-known brand with a reputation for reliability. Whirlpool is one of them, but you should know a few things about a Whirlpool dryer before you buy one, including some of the most common problems customers have reported that can affect operation.

Based on research and an examination of reviews of Whirlpool dryers, some recurring problems customers have reported include a drum that won't spin properly, a circuit breaker that frequently trips during operation, squeaking and other odd noises while drying clothing, damaged clothing after running the machine, and a unit that won't turn on and start. The good news is that some of these problems may have easy fixes, while others require professional help. Some solutions may involve replacing parts like the drum support bearing or the drive belt. You may also need an electrician to replace the circuit breaker or fix the dryer's power supply.

It's worth noting that negative reviews don't represent every Whirlpool dryer owner. Consumer Reports gives Whirlpool above-average brand reliability scores. However, you can decide whether the reviews make Whirlpool a brand of dryers you should avoid.

Understanding laundry machine settings and features can help you troubleshoot performance issues, including problems with the drum's ability to spin. A dryer relies on the spinning of the drum while heat and airflow remove moisture from clothing.

Some reviewers say their Whirlpool dryer's drum doesn't spin properly, leaving clothes too damp. "Towels take forever to dry," one reviewer said. "I need to use time dry, and it's usually about two hours. Yikes! The electricity!" A few reviewers even report that the drum may stop spinning entirely, even though the Whirlpool dryer is generating heat.

To diagnose the issue, try running the dryer and listening for the motor. If the motor makes no noise, the motor or another component may need professional diagnosis. If the motor is running but the drum isn't spinning, you may have a broken drum belt. If you can't spin the drum by hand, the drum may have seized, leaving it unable to move. It may then require professional repair.

Some Whirlpool dryer owners report being unable to operate the machine after installation because it trips the circuit breaker in the electrical panel as soon as it starts. "I have a newer whirlpool dryer that trips the breaker immediately after just powering it on," one user wrote. "As soon as I turn the power button on (not start dryer) it trips the breaker." Others say the circuit breaker trips when the heating element begins to operate. Other times, it may happen without an obvious cause.

When installing a new electric Whirlpool dryer, you need a separate 30-amp circuit breaker to handle the 220-volt outlet the dryer requires. If you install the dryer on an existing 20-amp circuit, the breaker may immediately trip when the dryer begins drawing power. You'll need an electrician to determine whether the breaker and wiring need to be upgraded.

If the Whirlpool clothes dryer starts running before it later trips the breaker, you may have too many appliances connected to a single circuit breaker. When multiple appliances simultaneously draw power, the breaker may trip. An electrician can inspect the electrical panel and recommend the best next steps. You may also have a short circuit caused by damaged insulation or wiring in the dryer. Excessive humidity or moisture on exposed wiring could also cause a tripped breaker.

Most clothes dryers make some noise during operation, primarily the sound of the drum spinning. However, some people who own Whirlpool dryers say their appliances make excessively loud noises that are unexpected. "I live in proximity to the Navy's master fighter base in Virginia Beach, and this machine is loud enough to drown them out when they fly overhead," one reviewer said. Other people report squeaking, grinding, rattling, or rumbling noises that don't go away.

If the Whirlpool dryer isn't properly leveled, it may produce squeaking or other unwanted noises. To fix this issue, use a bubble level and adjust the length of the dryer's legs accordingly. A grinding or squeaking noise may also occur when the dryer's bearings are worn. A professional can grease or replace the bearings to try to eliminate the noise. Rattling noises may come from vibration during operation, including vibration from a nearby washer, so adding a little space between the washer and dryer may help. Rumbling noises can occur when lint or debris block the blower wheel. An off-center or loose blower wheel may cause the same issue, requiring help from a professional.

Some customers who own Whirlpool dryers say that torn or damaged clothing is a common occurrence. It "tangles clothes badly, especially sheets. [It] has torn little holes in so many items, old and new," one reviewer said.

One possible cause for damaged clothing is a loose or broken spinning drum. If the drum loosens, clothing may become stuck in the gap and tear or rip. Putting the drum back into the proper alignment can fix the problem. Many models of Whirlpool dryers use a drum support bearing that keeps the back part of the drum in alignment, allowing it to spin properly without snagging clothing. A repair technician can inspect the bearing. Additionally, you should check the integrity of the interior of the drum, as any cracked, sharp, or raised areas can snag clothing and tear it. A drum with these kinds of cracks may need replacement.

Another problem is the design of some parts of Whirlpool dryer models. One reviewer said the door has a piece that extends outward and causes problems. "Clothes can get stuck on it or torn," they reported.

Some reviewers say their Whirlpool dryer model has refused to run since it was installed, while others say it breaks down far too often. "This dryer is a little over a year old and has fully broken twice," one reviewer said, while another noted the dryer started making a loud noise for a few weeks before it completely broke down, despite multiple visits from repair professionals.

An appliance that simply won't run at all could have several causes and repair solutions. For some easy-to-check causes, make sure the unit is plugged in, the outlet has power, the circuit breaker isn't tripped, and the dryer's door is latched. Some Whirlpool dryers allow you to lock the controls to prevent a child from accidentally tinkering with them. Look for a light on the dryer's interface that indicates the controls are locked.

If you checked these items and your Whirlpool dryer still won't start, you may need professional help to diagnose the issue. A problem with the control board is one possible cause. This piece of electronics controls the dryer's operation, and it may need replacement by a technician.