What is actually happening
A motor that runs while the drum stands still is almost always a snapped drive belt — the belt is a thin band that wraps the whole drum, and when it goes the motor spins freely with nothing to drive. The easy confirmation is that the drum will turn far too freely by hand, with none of the usual resistance.
The usual causes
- A snapped or slipped drive belt
- A failed drum bearing or worn support rollers, which can seize the drum
- A failed motor or motor capacitor
- An item jammed between the drum and the casing
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- With the dryer off, turn the drum by hand — no resistance at all points at a broken belt
- Listen: a motor humming with no drum movement is the classic sign
- Check nothing is jammed at the edge of the drum
Still drum not turning?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my tumble dryer drum not turning?
The dryer starts and hums, but the drum does not turn. A motor that runs while the drum stands still is almost always a snapped drive belt — the belt is a thin band that wraps the whole drum, and when it goes the motor spins freely with nothing to drive. The easy confirmation is that the drum will turn far too freely by hand, with none of the usual resistance.
Can I fix a tumble dryer drum not turning myself?
With the dryer off, turn the drum by hand — no resistance at all points at a broken belt. Listen: a motor humming with no drum movement is the classic sign. Check nothing is jammed at the edge of the drum. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a tumble dryer drum not turning?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other tumble dryer faults
- tumble dryer not heating
- tumble dryer not drying the clothes
- tumble dryer making a noise
- tumble dryer will not start
- tumble dryer burning smell
- tumble dryer keeps stopping