People who use dryers often stumble upon a common problem, their dryer smells like gas. While this is a rather common issue, the solution to this simple problem is not so widely known.
In this article, we are going to discuss the reasons why your dryer might smell like gas and how you can fix it. Read ahead to learn more about it.
Why does my dryer smell like gas?
There may be several underlying issues behind your dryer smelling like gas. One of the most common issues is that the ventilation system is faulty. There may even be a breach in the exhaust system. The gas valve may be acting up as well. Another possible reason is a dirty filter.
Maintenance of a dryer is always a task in itself. And when the dryer begins to act up, it is often quite difficult to identify the reason behind it.
In this article, we are working on addressing a common issue that dryers often come across. Let’s find out why a dryer smells like gas and why we can fix it.
Households that have gotten used to a dryer often have a hard time getting around their dryer tasks when the dryer acts up. It may cause a lot of hassle in your day-to-day life. So it often needs your immediate attention.
If you notice that your dryer is smelling like gas, then you should immediately work on finding the reason behind it.
Now you should switch the dryer on in order to ignite the flame. If the ignition does not form an orange and red flame, then you will have to take it as an indication of a damaged ignitor.
In that case, it may be the reason behind the smell of gas inside your dryer.
Dryer smell like gas when I open the door:
It is likely that your dryer will smell like gas every once in a while. If you notice that the dryer smells like gas when you open the door, then there is most likely some issue with the ventilation.
The primary function of the vent is to let out any gas from inside the dryer to the outside. When the ventilator starts acting up, the gas gets trapped inside the dryer.
The toxic gases that are produced inside the combustion chamber remain trapped inside the dryer. This is what leads to forming a gas-like smell inside the dryer.
Dryer smell like gas when turned on:
If you notice that your dryer smells like gas when it is turned on, then it is an indication that something is wrong with the igniter. In that case, you should check the ignition chamber of the dryer.
In order to check the ignitor, you will have to remove the panel of the dryer. Then you will have access to the ignitor of the dryer.
Turn on the ignition and check the flames of the dryer. If the flames do not turn orange and red within 15 minutes, then you will have to start working on fixing the ignitor.
Dryer smell like gas when off:
If you notice that your dryer smells like gas when it is off, it is a clear indication that there is something wrong with the defective valve. It is likely that the valve is leaking gas which leads to the smell.
This also poses a fire risk. So in this case, you should seal the valve off in order to prevent any further leaking.
Dryer smell like gas only while running:
if you notice that the dryer smells like gas even when it is running, then there may be something wrong with the igniter of the dryer.
In order to check the igniter, you will have to check the flames. Make sure to remove the panel in order to gain access to the flames of the igniter.
Dryer smells like gas but no leak:
if you do not find any leak but your dryer smells like gas then it is possible that the filter is dirty or clogged.
If the filter get clogged, it cannot let out a lot of the toxic elements that it is designed to get rid of. And since these unwanted elements get trapped inside the dryer, it smells like gas inside the dryer.
How do you know if your gas line is leaking?
If you are worried that your gas line may be leaking, then there are some tests that you can run in order to be sure.
One such test is a bubble test. Make sure to mix the liquid dishwasher with some water. Then you will need to use a piece of cloth or a sponge to soak some of the solutions and put them in the line where you suspect that gas may be leaking.
Now if you notice that some bubbles or soapy suds are beginning to show up along the line, then it is a clear indication that there is a leak. Note that this is the very basic step that will only help you identify whether or not there is a leak.
When to call for professional help?
You should call for professional help whenever you notice that the inside of your dryer smells like gas. It is very important that you should identify the reason behind the smell as soon as possible.
Some of the most common reasons behind this problem are that the ventilation system may have failed, issues in the gas valve, ignitor failure, or the presence of a dirty filter. In any of these cases, you should call for professional help as soon as you notice that the dryer is acting up and smells bad.
Remember that dryers are an essential part of every household and these machines are rather sensitive. So you should not let the problem dwell for too long. Otherwise, it may turn out to be a costly fixture later.
Tips to fix a dryer smelling like gas:
Let’s now take a look at some professional tips that may follow in order to fix dryers smelling like gas.
Identify the reason:
There may be several reasons why your dryer is smelling like gas. There may be some issues with the ventilator. If the ventilator begins to malfunction, your dryer is likely to smell like gas.
Note that the sole job of the ventilator is to expel moisture and any other toxic gas from the gas combustion chamber.
So when the vent is not working properly, the gas will be trapped inside. It is likely that the vent of your dryer may get clogged every once in a while. So you should check the ventilation system first.
Another prominent reason why your dryer may smell like gas is that the filter has gotten dirty. It is essential that you clean the filter of your dryer at least once a month. In addition, the filter should be replaced at least once every year.
Another major reason why your dryer may smell like gas is that the dryer ignitor may have malfunctioned. In order to check the ignitor, you will have to remove the panel first.
Check all these parts of the dryer as soon as you notice that there is a gas-like smell inside the dryer. This will help you fix the issue.
Turn off the gas and allow ventilation:
You should turn off the dryer altogether and begin a thorough ventilation process. If you allow the air inside the dryer to come out then the trapped gas will also be allowed out.
Once this step is done properly, you will be able to ask for professional help to come to check your dryer out.
Start the dryer and operate it on an on-heat setting for about a few minutes. Then close the gas valve and repeat the process. This will allow the residual gas to come out of the supply tube.
Check whether there is a supply leak:
Now you should check whether there is a supply leak. Turn off the gas valve of the dryer and allow the gas to ventilate. Let this go on for about 15 minutes. Then you should enter the room and check for a gas smell.
Now if your notice that there is a smell in the room, then you should allow some fresh air inside the fan that is placed outside the area. Let this continue for about 5 minutes. Once you are done, you should run a bubble test to check for any further leaks.
Final thoughts
Dryers may sometimes smell like gas for a lot of reasons. There may be issues with the ventilation system or the gas valve. The ignitor may be acting up. Or the filter inside the dryer may be clogged. In order to fix this, identify the reason and allow proper ventilation. Call for professional help.