If your Kenmore dryer has stopped heating, stopped tumbling or started throwing an error code, the technician you call should know the model line. We flag companies whose listing or website mentions Kenmore and fill in with nearby dryer repair companies so you always have options.
Independent listings only: Washer and Dryer Repair is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenmore. If your dryer is still under manufacturer coverage, contact Kenmore directly.
Kenmore appliances were sold through Sears for decades, so many owners look for Sears dryer repair. The companies here are independent technicians who work on Kenmore and Kenmore Elite dryers; they are not Sears.
Who Works on Kenmore Dryers Near Waterloo
40 repair companies serve Waterloo from within 60 miles. 4 of them are based in Waterloo itself, and other nearby bases include Cedar Rapids (17), Marion (4), and Charles City (3). The farthest listed company is about 53 miles out. Nearest on the list: Checkmark Appliance Repair, around 0.8 miles out. No company within 90 miles of Waterloo mentions Kenmore by name, so these are the nearest appliance repair companies. Most work on several brands, so ask about yours. The 39 rated companies in range average 4.7 stars. Waterloo is a smaller market, so expect a longer drive and ask whether a trip charge applies.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Waterloo. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 9 |
|---|---|
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 12 |
| Appliance repair companies in range (60 mi) | 44 |
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 32 |
| Distance to the three closest (mi) | 0.8, 1.7, 2.0 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
At the top of the Waterloo list: Sears Appliance Repair (2.6 miles away, 4.7 stars from 86 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Appliance Plus (23.7 miles away, based in Independence, 5.0 stars from 82 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Peoples Appliance Inc (1.7 miles away, 4.2 stars from 100 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Direct Appliance (3.8 miles away, based in Cedar Falls, 4.7 stars from 107 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
What a Kenmore Dryer Technician Deals With
Kenmore's Check Vent sensor alerts the owner when the dryer is not moving enough air to the outside. Source: Kenmore - Laundry List: Kenmore Dryer Buying Guide
SmartDry Ultra dryers combine two moisture sensors with a temperature monitor and a dual heating element to fine-tune heat and cycle length. Source: Kenmore - 8.8 cu. ft. Electric Dryer w/ SmartDry Ultra Technology
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- Dryer not heating. Kenmore says to check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and, on gas models, confirm the gas supply is on, noting an electric dryer can tumble without heat on a partial circuit. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- Dryer vibrating or noisy. Kenmore says to level the dryer on its four feet without extending them more than needed and keep at least an inch of clearance at the sides and back. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| PS (Elite steam dryers) | The power cord on an electric model is wired incorrectly; check the neutral on the center terminal. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| gAS (Elite steam dryers) | The gas supply is off on a gas model; open the house and dryer gas shutoffs. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| CHECK FILTER (Elite steam dryers) | A reminder to clean the lint filter before the load. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
When to Call for Kenmore Dryer Repair
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
- Drum will not turn even though you hear a hum
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
Inside a Dryer Repair Visit
Owner Care for Kenmore Dryers
- To clean the vent, unplug the dryer, disconnect the duct from the dryer and wall, and vacuum lint from the duct, the wall vent and the back of the dryer. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
- Use only 4-inch rigid or semi-rigid metal duct (no plastic or foil), check it for lint monthly and clean it at least yearly; one Elite steam model allows about 65 feet with no elbows and 28 feet with four 90-degree elbows using a 4-inch hood. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Cost Ranges
Most Kenmore dryer repairs involve common parts and an hour or so of labor. For reference, published cost guides report:
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Timer replacement: $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drum belt replacement: $150–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Typical dryer repair (most homeowners): $100–$430 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Service call fee (may be waived if the technician does the repair): $50–$80 per visit Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
If a repair would cost more than about half the price of a new dryer, replacing is usually the better choice. Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
Before the Technician Arrives
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
Dryer Notes for Waterloo, IA
Most dryer calls in Waterloo come down to the same handful of parts: the vent and lint path, the heat source, the belt and rollers, and the door and start switches.
Iowa does not issue a general appliance repair technician license; the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and hydronic work, and state law carves out a special restricted license only for utility employees who repair appliances. Source: Iowa Code Chapter 105, Plumbers, Mechanical Professionals, and Contractors
In Iowa, you can check a license with the Iowa DIAL Find a Record or License (Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board public search) or report a problem to the Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Before You Book in Waterloo
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Waterloo, IA
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
How do I find a technician who knows Kenmore dryers?
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why do my clothes come out damp?
More Laundry Repair in Waterloo, IA
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Before you call, find the model and serial number on your Kenmore dryer's label, usually inside the door opening. A technician who knows the model can often tell you on the phone what the first visit will involve.