To reduce the risk of fire, dryer vent cleaning is required to ensure that the ductwork is free of debris such as highly flammable dryer lint and other debris. Before calling a professional, there are a couple of things you can try if your dryer is not drying clothes properly. Identify where your dryer vents to the outdoors and inspect the vent for obvious obstructions. This may not be so simple if you live in an apartment or townhouse, but we still have some advice for you.

Have you ever observed the tube emanating from the dryer’s rear? Curious where that goes? Do you have an exterior vent for which you do not know the purpose? It’s likely the dryer vent. There must be a venting system for the dryer’s heat to escape. It is also where excess dryer lint accumulates when the filter is not cleaned after each use. If you can find this ductwork and follow it to where it vents outside, you can visually inspect the elements to determine if they require cleaning. Checking this will be easier in a single-family home than in an apartment or townhouse, but it is not impossible.

First, ensure that there are no tears or disconnections in the ductwork. A disconnected line is the simplest issue to detect and repair. Exactly as it sounds, your ductwork line has become disconnected somewhere along the way. A disconnected or broken duct line is not catastrophic. Simply reattach the duct line. As this is the reason why the majority of duct lines become disconnected in the first place, it is sometimes easiest to replace the duct with a longer tube. Before professional cleaning can commence, disconnects must be repaired.

Disconnections are frequently the first sign of trouble in townhouses, apartments, and other multifamily dwellings. This is due to the fact that this style of home frequently vents dryer lines through the attic, making it difficult to locate fallen ductwork. These areas should be examined frequently to ensure that everything is connected. Disconnected duct lines can result in the accumulation of highly combustible dryer lint in enclosed spaces, posing a significant fire hazard.

A rip or tear in the line could also be to blame. Typically, ductwork tears can be temporarily repaired with electrical tape, but they must be replaced as soon as possible. Replacement of the duct is also not difficult, as these flexible ducts are readily available and inexpensive. Downed or torn ducts can lead to additional issues, such as water damage from water pooling in the excess space and mold growth from the escaping cold air. These are typically indications that something is wrong with your ductwork.