Kenmore owners in Tumwater usually want two things from a repair company: experience with the brand and quick access to parts. The Tumwater list starts with companies that name Kenmore, followed by other appliance repair companies that list dryer work.
Washer and Dryer Repair is independent and not affiliated with Kenmore. Listed companies are independent technicians who repair Kenmore dryers and other brands.
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.
Independent Kenmore Dryer Technicians, Tumwater WA
Within 30 miles of Tumwater there are 30 appliance repair companies in our data. The rest are spread across Tacoma (12), Spanaway (4), and Lacey (3). Distances run up to about 30 miles. 1 of them mentions Kenmore in their listing or website. The closest is 1st Choice Appliances, about 4.5 miles away. The 24 rated companies in range average 4.4 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from Tumwater. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 8 |
|---|---|
| Open on Saturdays (per listing) | 15 |
| Mention Kenmore | 1 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 4.5, 4.7, 5.4 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 30 |
| Show laundry appliance work | 10 |
The leading options for Tumwater are Sears Appliance Repair (20.9 miles away, based in Chehalis, 4.4 stars from 134 reviews, lists Saturday hours); RPS Appliance Repair (29.6 miles away, based in Graham, 4.9 stars from 495 reviews); Sears Appliance Repair (5.4 miles away, based in Lacey, 4.4 stars from 262 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (23.9 miles away, based in Spanaway, 4.5 stars from 111 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Know Your Kenmore Dryer
What Makes Kenmore Dryer Repairs Different
Accela Steam dryers connect directly to the household water supply, so the inlet hose and water pressure (20 to 120 psi) become part of a steam-dryer service check. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- 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 takes too long to dry. Kenmore says to clean the lint filter of lint and softener residue and check the exhaust duct for buildup or excess length. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
What Kenmore Dryer Codes Mean
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| HS (Elite steam dryers) | The humidity (moisture) sensor has failed; the dryer needs service. 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) |
| 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) |
Kenmore smart washers and dryers can check diagnostics through the Kenmore Smart app or Alexa and send app notices about blocked filters and other machine issues. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite 81782 Smart 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Accela Steam
Kenmore Dryer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Outside of the cabinet gets unusually hot
- Drum turns but the air stays cool
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
What a Dryer Repair Technician Checks
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)
- Clean the lint trap after every load, since lint that gets past it builds up in the vent and lengthens drying times. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
Budgeting for a Kenmore Dryer Repair
A Kenmore dryer repair usually costs about the same as any other brand for the same part. Published ranges:
- Thermal fuse repair: $80–$130 Source: Angi - How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dryer?
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $100–$250 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?
- Dryer not heating (repair by symptom): $80–$420 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Appliance technician diagnosis, washer (usually waived if hired for the repair): $50–$100 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
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.
Getting Ready for the Repair
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- Any error code on the display
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
Local Notes for Tumwater
Most dryer calls in Tumwater 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.
Washington's Department of Labor & Industries issues an appliance repair (07D) specialty electrician certificate that covers like-for-like repair and replacement of self-contained appliances such as ovens on an unchanged circuit, but excludes branch-circuit wiring and plumbing work. Source: WAC 296-46B-920, Electrical/telecommunications license/certificate types and scope of work
Washington's state plumber certification law defines plumbing as potable water, waste, medical gas and similar systems and does not list fuel gas piping, so gas line work is not part of the state plumber certificate. Source: Chapter 18.106 RCW, Plumbers
How to Choose a Dryer Technician Near Tumwater
- Do you work on gas dryers, and who handles anything involving the gas line?
- What guarantee do you give on parts and labor?
- How often do you repair Kenmore dryers, and do you carry common parts on the truck?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Tumwater, WA
Why does my dryer take so long to dry?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Which Tumwater technicians work on Kenmore?
Other Dryer Repair in Tumwater
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Clean the lint screen, check the vent hood outside and note the model number before calling. It rules out the simple causes and speeds up a Kenmore repair.