Maytag Dryer: gas leak

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If you're smelling gas from your Maytag gas dryer during operation, it could indicate a serious issue. This distinct gas odor may suggest unburned gas or a potential leak from the dryer’s supply line or internal components. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial for safety.

Urgency: Critical

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag gas dryers can emit gas smell if internal gas valve or ignition components malfunction, similar to other brands; no specific official Maytag documentation for gas leaks was found, but community reports indicate these causes.

Possible Causes

Loose or damaged gas supply connection

How to Identify: Smell of gas near back of dryer, especially at gas line connection; hissing sound; soapy water bubble test shows bubbles at connection.

Part: Gas supply line and fittings

Faulty internal gas valve not closing properly

How to Identify: Persistent gas smell even after ignition expected; internal valve leaking allowing gas flow when not ignited.

Part: Gas valve assembly/solenoids

Ignition system malfunction (delayed or weak igniter)

How to Identify: Smell of gas at start of cycle that lingers longer than brief expected ignition escape; dryer not heating consistently.

Part: Igniter and flame sensor

Poor ventilation or backdrafting causing gas fumes indoors

How to Identify: Smells of gas-like odor in room, especially if dryer vent is obstructed, drawing fumes back into laundry area.

Part: Dryer vent system

DIY Solutions

Check for external gas line leaks with soapy water

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: soapy water solution spray, flashlight
  1. Turn off dryer and gas supply to dryer.
  2. Apply soapy water solution to all gas line fittings at the back of the dryer.
  3. Watch for bubbles indicating a leak when gas supply is turned back on momentarily or when testing carefully.
  4. If bubbles are detected, tighten fittings or mark for technician inspection; do NOT attempt major repairs yourself.
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off gas supply before testing.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty gas valve or internal gas controls

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

Repair or replace gas supply line or connectors

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Strong or persistent gas odor that does not dissipate quickly
Hissing sound near gas line or dryer indicating active leak
Unable to locate or fix leak with basic external checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect gas line connections annually: Loose fittings and potential gas leaks
    Frequency: annually
  • Clean dryer vent regularly: Poor ventilation and backdrafting of fumes
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer gas leak?
Common causes include loose gas supply connections, faulty internal gas valves, or ignition system malfunctions.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer gas leak myself?
Turn off the dryer and gas supply, then check for leaks using soapy water on all gas line fittings.
How much does it cost to fix gas leak?
Professional repairs can cost between $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for gas leak?
Call a technician immediately if you smell gas, as this indicates a critical safety issue.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Gas valve malfunction (2 mentions)
  • Gas piping leaks (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check gas piping for leaks and ensure gas valve is functioning properly

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. New Maytag dryer, gas leak inside?
  2. Faulty coil cause small gas leak?

Community Discussions

small gas leak

Gas valve defaults to off; check gas piping for leaks.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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