What to Do When Your Hand Dryer Stops Working

When your hand dryer stops working, it can disrupt restroom flow and frustrate customers. Fortunately, most problems are simple to diagnose — and even easier to fix. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your commercial hand dryer back up and running. We advise having a licensed electrician or general contractor perform the following steps below. A well-maintained hand dryer can last 7–10 years and pay for itself many times over in paper towel savings. We help facility managers and business owners troubleshoot, repair, or replace hand dryers from top brands like World Dryer, Excel Dryer, Dyson Airblade, ASI, Saniflow, and more. Whether it’s parts, replacements, or guidance, we’ve got your back.

1. Check the Power Supply

Power issues are the #1 reason hand dryers fail to start.

  • Inspect the circuit breaker and reset it if tripped.
  • Make sure the power switch or connection is on.
  • If the hand dryer is plugged in, test the outlet with another device.
  • If the hand dryer is hardwired, use a voltage tester to confirm that power is reaching the unit.

2. Clean the Sensor and Air Intake

Dirt or dust might be blocking the sensor if the hand dryer isn’t responding when you wave your hands under the nozzle.

  • Wipe the infrared sensor with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Clean any dust or debris around the air intake and filter area.
  • Regular cleaning goes a long way toward keeping the hand dryer functioning optimally.

3. Let the Hand Dryer Cool Down

Some hand dryers automatically shut off when overheated.

  • Turn off the power supply to the hand dryer unit and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
  • If it still won’t power on, the internal fuse or thermal cut-off may need to be replaced.

4. Check Airflow for Blockages

Blocked airways can make your hand dryer feel weak or stop blowing warm air.

  • Make sure nothing’s covering the air intake and nozzle.
  • If you hear the motor running but no air, the fan or heating element may need servicing.

5. Contact Us or the Manufacturer

If you’ve tried all of these steps and it’s still not working, please feel free to give us a call or contact the manufacturer's technical support team directly. When you reach out, have the model and serial number handy — they’re usually printed inside the cover. If you'd like to purchase a replacement part, please fill out our replacement parts form. 

To Prevent Future Issues, Follow Our Regular Maintenance Guide

  • Weekly: Clean the exterior and sensor area with a damp cloth to remove dust, soap, and grime.
  • Monthly: Vacuum or brush the air inlet and outlet; clean or replace filters to prevent overheating.
  • Quarterly: Check that the hand dryer is securely mounted and panels or screws aren’t loose.
  • Annually: Have a technician inspect wiring, motor, and heating elements once a year.