Waywest Mechanical repairs gas and electric clothes dryers in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Technicians fix dryers that do not heat, take too long to dry, will not tumble, or make noise, by repairing heating elements, igniters, gas valve coils, thermal fuses, belts, rollers and motors. Waywest also checks dryer venting, a major cause of slow drying and fire risk, and handles gas dryer connections as a TSBC-licensed gas contractor.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Dryer problems we repair
- No heat — elements, igniters, gas valve coils, thermal fuses and thermostats
- Slow drying — venting restrictions, sensors and thermostats
- Won't start — door switches, start switches, thermal fuses and motors
- Won't tumble — broken belts, idler pulleys and motors
- Squealing, thumping or grinding — drum rollers, glides, idler pulleys and bearings
- Shuts off early — moisture sensors and overheating from poor venting
Gas and electric dryers
Electric dryers run on a 240-volt circuit and heat with an element. Problems often involve the element, thermal fuse or one side of the circuit.
Gas dryers use an igniter and gas valve to light a burner, and still need a standard electrical outlet for the motor and controls. Waywest is TSBC licensed for gas, so gas valve, supply and connection work stays with one company.
The vent is part of the dryer
Most slow-drying calls are really venting problems. Common issues:
- Lint packed inside the vent duct
- Plastic or foil flex duct that has been crushed behind the dryer
- Vent runs that are too long or have too many bends
- Exterior hoods with stuck flaps or bird nests
- Vents terminating in a crawlspace or attic instead of outdoors
A properly installed rigid metal vent, as short and straight as possible, dries clothes faster, saves energy and reduces fire risk.
Dryer safety checklist
- Clean the lint screen after every load
- Never run a dryer when you are away from home or asleep
- Replace plastic or foil flex duct with approved metal duct
- Keep the area around the dryer free of clutter
- Have the full vent cleaned periodically
Service area
Waywest repairs gas and electric dryers in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan and across our Vancouver Island service area.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
Why is my dryer running but not heating?
On electric dryers, the usual causes are a failed heating element, thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat, or a tripped breaker on one side of the 240-volt circuit. On gas dryers, it is often a failed igniter, flame sensor or gas valve coils. A blown thermal fuse usually points to a restricted vent that should also be fixed.
Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?
A restricted or overly long vent is the most common cause. Lint builds up in the vent duct, crushed flexible ducts restrict airflow, and exterior vent flaps stick. Clean the lint screen every load and have the full vent cleaned regularly.
Is a clogged dryer vent dangerous?
Yes. Lint is highly flammable, and a restricted vent makes the dryer run hotter. Dryer lint buildup is a well-known cause of house fires. On gas dryers, a blocked vent can also push combustion exhaust back into the home.
Can a gas dryer be installed without a licensed gas fitter?
In BC, connecting a gas appliance is regulated gas work that must be done by a licensed gas fitter. Waywest connects gas dryers, installs shut-off valves and checks for leaks.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.