Dryer Repair in Leaside — Bungalow Basement Venting, Renovated Laundry Rooms, and Gas Dryer Service
Dryer repair in Leaside centres on the neighbourhood's post-war housing stock and the venting configurations that have evolved as homeowners modernize their laundry setups. The 1940s through 1960s bungalows that define Leaside were built with short, direct dryer vent paths from the basement laundry room through the foundation wall to the exterior — typically 4 to 8 feet of rigid duct. These short vent runs are ideal for dryer performance and safety, which is one reason why Leaside's unrenovated basement laundry setups produce fewer vent-related repair calls than neighbourhoods with longer vent configurations.
When Leaside homeowners relocate their laundry from the basement to the main floor or second floor — an increasingly popular renovation — the vent path changes significantly. The dryer now vents through the floor, across the basement ceiling, and out through the foundation wall or up through the roof. This creates vent runs of 15 to 25 feet with multiple elbows, and each elbow adds the equivalent of 5 feet of straight duct in terms of airflow resistance. The longer path accumulates lint faster and restricts airflow more severely, causing the dryer to take longer per cycle and eventually tripping the thermal fuse.
Gas dryers are well-represented in Leaside because the neighbourhood's bungalows all have natural gas service for heating, and many homeowners chose gas dryers for their lower operating costs and faster drying times. Gas dryer repairs in Leaside most commonly involve the igniter system: the flat silicon carbide igniter that glows to ignite the gas burner wears out after 5 to 8 years of regular use. When the igniter weakens, it glows but doesn't reach the temperature threshold needed to open the gas safety valve. The dryer tumbles but produces no heat. Igniter replacement is a $130 to $240 repair that our TSSA-licensed technicians perform routinely in Leaside.
The gas valve solenoid coils are the second most common gas dryer failure in Leaside. These electromagnetic coils open the gas valve to allow gas flow to the burner. When they fail intermittently — a common pattern — the dryer heats for part of the cycle, then the heat cuts out, and the dryer finishes the cycle with tumbling only. Clothes come out warm but damp. Replacing the solenoid coils restores consistent heat throughout the cycle, typically $110 to $200.
Dryer Drum and Belt Issues in Leaside
Leaside's long-serving dryers — many bungalow homes still have the same dryer that was installed 15 or more years ago — develop drum support issues over time. The drum rollers that support the drum's weight as it rotates develop flat spots and produce a rhythmic thumping noise. The drum belt stretches and slips, causing intermittent tumbling or a squealing noise. The drum glide bearings at the front of the drum wear through their coating and produce a scraping sound. Our Leaside technicians often recommend replacing all drum support components — rollers, belt, and glides — in a single service call for machines over 10 years old, because these components wear at similar rates and replacing one typically means the others will fail within months.
Electric dryers in Leaside develop heating element failures after 8 to 12 years. The nichrome wire coil inside the element develops hot spots from repeated thermal cycling, and these hot spots eventually burn through, creating an open circuit. The dryer tumbles but produces no heat. In some cases, the break is intermittent — the element heats, then stops, then heats again — which makes the issue difficult for the homeowner to identify. Our technicians test the element resistance and continuity to confirm the failure before replacement, typically $120 to $240.
Dryer Fire Safety in Leaside
Dryer vent maintenance is critical for fire prevention, and Leaside homeowners with longer vent runs from relocated laundry areas should have the vent system professionally cleaned annually. Our Leaside dryer service includes a vent system inspection and cleaning with every repair call — we use a rotary brush system for the duct and check the exterior vent cap for obstruction. This service is included at no additional charge.
Our Dryer Repair Process in Leaside
- Book Online or Call: Choose a convenient time slot. Same-day slots available for Leaside residents.
- Technician Arrives: A licensed technician arrives within 2-4 hours with parts for common Leaside dryer issues.
- Diagnosis & Quote: We diagnose the issue and provide an upfront quote before any work begins.
- Repair Completed: Most repairs are completed in a single visit. 90-day warranty on all parts and labour.
Common Dryer Problems We Fix in Leaside
| Problem | Likely Cause | Our Fix | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Dryer No Heat | Igniter worn below gas valve threshold | Replace igniter, test gas valve operation | $130–$240 |
| Gas Dryer Heat Cuts Out Mid-Cycle | Gas valve solenoid coils failing intermittently | Replace solenoid coils, test valve | $110–$200 |
| Dryer Thumping Noise | Drum rollers with flat spots from age | Replace rollers, belt, and glide bearings | $140–$260 |
| Electric Dryer No Heat | Heating element burned through after 8-12 years | Replace heating element, test thermostat | $120–$240 |
| Dryer Takes Too Long — Relocated Vent | Lint buildup in extended vent run | Rotary brush vent clean, replace thermal fuse | $130–$250 |