This creates a potential fire hazard. It can be a bigger problem yet with a gas dryer, where the combustion exhaust vents out this duct. And, as some friends of mine found out, when the dryer exhaust is cut off like that, it can lead to overheating of components in the dryer. When that happens, typically, there is at least one part that has to be replaced and that usually requires a service call.
Best thing to do is get rid of flex-duct all together. If you cannot, or do not want to, do that, then you should at least keep it short and clean it often. Usually smooth metal ducting can be installed and it is so much better. If you do that, your dryer will love you for it.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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So if the exerior hood is full of lint, do you assume that the entire pipe is full? How do you recommend cleaning it?
Sharon
Thanks Steven, I have to go check my own dryer vent to see if it is bad.
I cut my accordian flex stuff down to size as I hate the gap between the dryer and the wall.
I just wrote about mine being stopped up. It goes a distance to the outside vent. What do you think of just letting it be disconnected under the house? With a high crawl space?
Steven - My sister just got her dryer duct cleaned. She was complaining that it took over 2 hours in the dryer to get the clothes dry. Now that it's clean it only takes her 35 minutes to get the clothes dry. I can see where this could be a fire hazard.
Steven,
I think it is great you wrote about this...I know of a house down the street that had a fire as a result! Thanks for the reminder to make sure to make sure I have no build up...
Thanks to all for comments. Now, for those who asked questions.
Barbara....NO,NO,NO. Do not let it duct under your house. That is a leading cause of wood destroying organisms and mold. That moisture is a killer. It must go out. Also, if you got a gas dryer, it would be exhausting the combustion gases under there. Get your husband away from his squrrel hunt for the weekend and have him get that taken care of.
Sharon,
It is is short, just disconnect it and clean it. If it long then do the same. However, if it is long and flexduct, you really ought to replace it. If this stuff is used at all it should be really short little sections.
I am usually pretty anal about this stuff so I have Brian check it frequently. But now that you mentioned it.... lol ~Rita
Thanks, Steven. I knew to clean the ducts but had no idea that the flexible ones were bad.
Maria,
Yes, they have those ridges and lint collects like it is attracted to a magnet. Plus, half the time they have more kinks and twists than should be legal.
I hear that dryers cause more fires than electrical problems. Probably true.
But Steve, look how hard it is to clean my ducts. Remember this blog?
I always include a fire hazard blurb in all my inspection reports but I have found what people pay attention to is that the dryer runs a lot better with clean ducts and they can cut their drying time thus saving them money. For some reason having the house burn down is less important than saving a few dollars a year.
Hey Steve,
good post! I check my vent periodically to make sure it is clear.
Mr Tony,
I think I can tell when you feel like venting. I get out of the way so I will not feel like General Custard.
Nutsy
Hey Steve, I don't understand. Do you mean to tell me that the lint gets stuck in that dryer (?) tubing?
Steve - Thanks for the reminder - I need to check my dryer vent for a possible clog.