Condenser tumble dryers work by condensing steam inside the machine and turning it into water, this is then collected inside a removable container that you empty after drying. You can install your tumble dryer in a well-ventilated room and be hose-free. And heat pump technology can help save energy.
The Indesit IDC85 tumble dryer can dry up to 8kg of laundry – making it a great value condenser appliance. It features two settings, a refresh cycle. 160-minute timer, and reverse tumble action to minimise creasing and tangling. There’s easy access to a top water bottle for emptying, and an option to drain moisture via the mains.
When technical problems occur, there are some basic checks you can do before you call out an appliance repair engineer. See the most common Indesit tumble dryer faults and problems here…
Indesit tumble dryer making a screeching noise
Your dryer can make a loud screeching or squeaking noise when a component known as the idler pulley isn’t working properly. This part puts tension on the drum belt to prevent it from slipping when the tumble dryer is spinning. A build-up of friction can cause the pulley to wear resulting in the loud noise. Worn motor bearings can also emit a high-pitched screaming noise.
Other odd noises can include banging and whining and can be related to a range of issues. Rattling and clanking sounds can be caused by coins or keys left in pockets, and a dryer positioned on an uneven surface will vibrate and shake during spinning. Drum bearings or the drum itself may also produce continuous banging sounds.
Grinding noises indicate worn metal rollers that are attached to the outside of the drum and help it spin. On some tumble dryers, there are a pair of gliders located on the drum’s outer rim that stop direct contact of the rim to the metal cabinet. The thin nylon seal may wear down over time resulting in a grinding sound.
The long rubber belt that encompasses the centre of the drum can slip from its position of supporting the drum and this too can cause a grinding noise.
Indesit IDC85 tumble dryer not heating up
An Indesit tumble dryer not heating and other common problems are looked at in more detail below:
There are many factors that can influence whether your tumble dryer heats up. Typical faults can be associated with heating elements and the assembly which includes the thermostat. The heat control cycling thermostat basically regulates the heat by continually opening and closing the circuit to the heater element. Modern dryers usually have two thermostats with the other being a high-limit or thermal thermostat that cuts power to the heating element if the dryer overheats.
If the heating element gets too hot due to elevated temperatures and insufficient airflow the coil will burn out. The heating element can be tested with a multimeter to determine whether there are any breaks in electricity.
No heat can also point to the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the power has blown, or the thermal overload has cut out. Any electricity issues need to be investigated by a qualified engineer and safely rectified.
Bear in mind that a simple thing like the door filter being blocked can cause the tumble dryer not to heat up as it doesn’t allow the air to circulate through the dryer. The condenser box can also get lint trapped in it and needs to be rinsed out regularly, and failure to empty the water container can also leave clothes wet at the end of the drying cycle.
Indesit tumble dryer overheating
The most common cause of a tumble dryer tripping the thermostat is opening the door before the cycle has ended as this stops the cooling fan, preventing time for the heating element to cool down. If your appliance keeps tripping the electric it could be the result of the condenser box becoming blocked with lint and an increasing amount of moisture being held within the machine. This may cause a flash-over between a live component and neutral or earth – resulting in a blown fuse.
An Indesit IDC85 condenser tumble dryer reset button can be used when the heater has overheated and tripped the electrics. The location of the reset button differs with different models – some may be found on the back of the machine – but the basic guide for resetting is to hold the Indesit tumble dryer reset button down (pressing in the red button) and if you hear it click, you’ll know it’s the cause of the tripped electrics.
Miscellaneous Indesit tumble dryer faults
Indesit tumble dryer empty water light staying on
As moist air passes over the condenser the water content reduces and falls into a container that needs to be emptied. When the container is full the empty light comes on and the appliance won’t start until it’s emptied and the pump unit can then work correctly.
The most likely cause of this empty water light staying on is the pump jamming – often caused by a blockage of lint or fluff. This, in turn, will cause the appliance not drying the clothes as it won’t condense properly.
The pump unit typically has a float system with a micro-switch activated by the float switch when the water level rises. Floats can also jam as the polystyrene defrauds over time, in certain cases, the pump unit or the float system may need to be replaced.
Indesit tumble dryer drum not turning
In order for the tumble dryer to dry it needs to be able to tumble. The drum will fail to turn if the belt has snapped or become tangled. If the belt isn’t the culprit it could be due to a faulty capacitor making the drum unable to change direction. The capacitor kick-starts the motor which can also develop a fault.
Indesit tumble dryer not starting
If your tumble dryer won’t start it may be an issue with the electricity supply, the power socket, fuses, or the plug itself. Any electrical problems need to be investigated and safely repaired, or defective parts replaced by a qualified engineer.
If failing electrics isn’t the problem you may have an issue with the door being unable to close securely. This could be the result of a bent hinge, loose latch screws, or a broken latch assembly. When the door switch is broken, it will be unable to communicate to the control panel that the door is shut, so the dryer won’t turn on. A faulty switch can be identified with the use of a multimeter.
Modern tumble dryers often include a safety mechanism built into the door latch system. If the door won’t close properly, which presents a safety hazard, the appliance simply won’t start. A replacement component may be necessary to ensure the door doesn’t open mid-cycle either.
When you need professional help
North London appliance repairs can easily be arranged via trusted domestic appliance repair specialists. With years of industry experience, a comprehensive service is guaranteed – every technician is highly trained and qualified in working with all makes and models of appliances – so your Indesit tumble dryer will quickly be in full working order once more. And what’s more all parts and labour come with a six-month warranty.
