Dryer Vent 101

DRYER VENT DON'TS

 

Having your dryer vent cleaned by a professional is the best way to ensure your dryer’s safe and efficient operation. Dryer Vent Squad technicians often see a variety of issues caused by using the wrong materials, improper vent configurations or attempts to go the DIY route when fixing a problem. Here is our running list of what not to do when it comes to your dryer vent based on our years of experience.

 

DO NOT use vinyl or slinky foil materials for dryer vents.

Dryer vents made from flexible plastic or foil can be easily kinded or crused, restricting airflow. The ridges in vinyl and slinky materials can also catch excess lint, creating an increased fire risk. If a dryer fire should occur, these materials quickly spread fire.

DO NOT use PVC piping or plastic materials for dryer vents.

  • Static in PVC and plastic venting causes lint to stick to the inside of the vent walls which can mix with the expelled water during a typical dry cycle, creating sludge, clogs, and an increased risk of a fire.
  • PVC sweats when warm, moist air travels through the cool smooth surface, causing lint to collect and harden, making cleanings more difficult.
  • PVC takes longer to heat up allowing water to remain in vapor form inside the pipe. The water along with the buildup of link, creates sludge in the vent.

DO NOT use duct tape to connect venting materials.

The adhesive eventually dries out, especially due to temperature changes, creating gaps in the joints of the vent.

DO NOT use screws or bolts to secure joints.

Screws and bolts act as lint collectors inside the vent wall, increasing fire risk.

DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics.

Dryer vents that terminate in crawl spaces or attics allow for moisture to deposit and encourage mold growth. Dryer vents must terminate outside of the building.

DO NOT use cages or screens to prevent pests from entering.

Pest cages or screens can cause lint build-up which creates a fire hazard and reduces the dryer's efficiency.

DO NOT ignore signs indicating that your clothes dryer is not operating properly.

Watch for warning signs that indicate you have a clogged or obstructed dryer vent and a potential fire risk in your home.

DO call your local Dryer Vent Squad

if your dryer ventilation system incorporates any of the "don'ts" above to schedule service resulting in a safer and more efficient dryer in your home or business.

See what our happy customers have to say about us: 

"Highly Recommend"

“I highly recommend Dryer Vent Squad! I have a feeling they saved my house from burning down, it was really bad without even knowing that this was a service I needed. I am glad I saw one of your pamphlets and super glad i acted upon it and called you.”

Amy G - Chadwick lake, GA

"Best Customer Service"

“Excellent service! Best customer service I have ever received! My dryer vent had a huge blockage. The Dryer Vent Squad associate was at my home for 3 hours clearing this blockage. He made sure that my dryer vent was clear of all lint and safe to use. Very professional. Super great job. I will definitely be using the Dryer Vent Squad again – every year – to ensure my dryer vent is cleaned out and my dryer is safe to use.”

Denise D - Horsham, PA

"Look No Further Than Dryer Vent Squad"

“If you need clean dryer vents, look no further than Dryer Vent Squad. They came on time, did the work and also gave me some helpful hints. Both my husband and I feel the difference in the air already. Thanks so very much!”

Barbara D - Toms River, NJ