- Joined
- 10 Nov 2026
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- Country
Looking for qualified advice from anyone experienced in tumble dryer repairs.
My Hotpoint TVF85C vented dryer was working normally until a pair of joggers became caught by their drawstring in the rear of the drum. I heard an unusual noise (most likely the drum not turning properly), switched the dryer off and removed the joggers. The drawstring came out cleanly.
However, when I switched the dryer back on, it ran briefly and tripped the main RCD in the consumer unit.
Since then, every time I try to restart it, the drum begins rotating normally but the RCD trips again after a few seconds. The drum turns freely by hand, drum belt is absolutely fine.
On a refresh cycle, the dryer runs just fine - I guess because the dryer heater element isn't in use. However, even on the gentlest low heat setting, it trips out after a few seconds
Does this indicate a new heater is required, or could there be other things?
My question is: are there any checks or tests I can safely carry out myself to rule in or rule out potential causes, such as the motor, heating element or internal wiring, before calling an appliance engineer?
I'd rather establish the likely root cause than start replacing components on guesswork or write off an otherwise working dryer.
Appreciate any practical advice.
My Hotpoint TVF85C vented dryer was working normally until a pair of joggers became caught by their drawstring in the rear of the drum. I heard an unusual noise (most likely the drum not turning properly), switched the dryer off and removed the joggers. The drawstring came out cleanly.
However, when I switched the dryer back on, it ran briefly and tripped the main RCD in the consumer unit.
Since then, every time I try to restart it, the drum begins rotating normally but the RCD trips again after a few seconds. The drum turns freely by hand, drum belt is absolutely fine.
On a refresh cycle, the dryer runs just fine - I guess because the dryer heater element isn't in use. However, even on the gentlest low heat setting, it trips out after a few seconds
Does this indicate a new heater is required, or could there be other things?
My question is: are there any checks or tests I can safely carry out myself to rule in or rule out potential causes, such as the motor, heating element or internal wiring, before calling an appliance engineer?
I'd rather establish the likely root cause than start replacing components on guesswork or write off an otherwise working dryer.
Appreciate any practical advice.
Last edited:
