Clogged Dryer Vent?

Question

I recently purchased a new dryer because the old dryer was taking forever to dry the clothes. Before installing the new one I noticed the pipe for the air vent where the dryer attatches to was 3/4 full of wet lint goo. I tried to clean what I could reach but the pipe goes up 20 plus feet on to the roof of the house. The pipe is made of PVC and goes through the attic. What is the best way to get this cleaned or do I have to get it replaced? What companies do this type of thing? Is this expensive?

Answer 1

Your old dryer was probably O.K.. If your dryer is located on an outside wall ,which I'll bet is not the case, it should be vented through the exterior wall. The system you described is very poor at best,but it sounds like it worked for a time,so use compressed air, a plumbers snake or a vacuum cleaner, ect. to remove lint from pipe. You may have to attack the problem from above also. Once cleaned keep your eye on it because it won't stay clean long.

Answer 2

You can purchase such a brush that you can snake up thru the pvc pipe. But the first thing I would do might be to go up on the roof and shine a light down the pipe to make sure it was not blocked. You might even have to leave a light bulb in the bottom part and see if you can see it at the top. This may be the problem that the run is just too long to accomodate getting the damp air out of the pipe. This would explain the wet lint. This is where I would start. Since the pipe has already been run, it might not be very hard to pull it out for replacement. I might suggest hiring a maintenance man to do just such work. Good Luck and good drying.

Answer 3

Look in your local yellow pages for someone who advertises cleaning of ductwork, which is basically what you have. They use a stiff bristled round brush on a long flexible shaft that's usually powered by a small drill motor to push through the pipe and take the accumulated lint out. Pretty much the same way plumbers clean out clogged drain pipes with a power snake. A twenty foot run strainght up is way more than should be used to vent a dryer. That's probably why your old dryer took so long to dry a load of clothes. It's one of the first things I check when I get that complaint from customers. If the dryer can't get rid of the heat and the moisture it's driving out of the clothes they;'ll never dry. .

Answer 4

I would attach a shop vacuum to the bottom, remove the vent cover from the top and then use an electricians snake to brak up the lint that is stuck to the pipe. The vacuum will suck out whatever you manage to dislodge.

You could call in a pro to do this if you are not comfortable on ladders.

By the way this is most likely the reason your old dryer was taking so long to dry.

Answer 5

Sorry to say this young lady but someone really messed up. First there is no need to run a dryer vent through the roof. All you have to do is cut a 4" hole in an outer wall and install a dryer vent (this costs less than $10.00) I would never run a dryer vent through PVC pipe (it's an open invite for problems). I wish you good luck.

Answer 6

I think the only place that uses a roof top exaust point is a commercial laundry and that's probably with with some air booster blower. I'd go with Opie's thought as a starting point.

1. Return the new dryer. 2. Get a "laundry equipment" service guy to to clean and change belts or what ever on your old dryer and install a new out the wall exaust (as Opie mentioned).

The pvc pipe to the roof...I don't know...use it as a rocket launcher maybe?

Answer 7

I think the dryer is on an inside wall, therefore the pipe. The pipe is OK cause it worked before. clean it out, and clean the lint trap more often. More than likely, you have already got all the lint out of the pipe.

Answer 8

in step with how long your dryer hose is, there's a broom referred to as Webster. verify at homestead Depot or Lowes. this is on a protracted cope with and has a around brush head on the tip. Webster is likewise reachable for cleansing the cob webs from the ceiling corners and lighting fixtures furnishings. you're able to have the means to disconnect your dryer from the hose and run Webster from the two ends and pull out any lint that has amassed. be sure and sparkling your dryer vent it is located the two in the dryer or on suitable whenever you employ the dryer, that could desire to help with destiny lent build-up.

Answer 9

I just had issues with my electric dryer not drying thought it was my heating element but i said to myself this is Heavy Duty; checked my vent all it was, was my vent being plugged

Answer 10

There are some "Chimney Sweep" type tools available from your local hardware store, or just call a chimney sweep, or a duct cleaning company, they should be able to help you out.