i just replaced the vinyl vent pipe in our dryer with an aluminum one. now that i have done this do i still?

Question

need to clean out the vent pipe on occasion? if so, how often?
could a fire start still? and if it did wouldnt it be contained in the aluminum pipe and then just go out?

Answer 1

The dryer works most efficiently if the vent is cleaned out or replaced twice a year and there are no kinks or no excessive length to the vent. It should not be looped back and forth behind the dryer as this allows the moisture to condense and the moisture will collect more lint and the more lint it collects the more lint it will collect.

The lint filter must be cleaned after or before every load and it would not hurt to run a long brush or the vacuum hose down the filter duct once a month or so to get some of the lint that accumulates there. The cleaner you keep the entire venting system the faster the dryer dries the clothes cutting time off of the wash day and cost off the energy bill.

Answer 2

replacing plastic pipe for aluminum was a great idea,less likely to catch fire ,however you should keep the pipe clean no matter what material it is. I recommend at least once a year to have someone come and clean out the dryer and this entails having it removed and taken apart and blown out and that will keep it just like new, but who can afford that? The whole Idea is to keep the lint as free as posible from the innards of the dryer. how can we do that? by removing the lint screen EVERY load and giving it a good cleaning, and at least once a year take the vent pipe loose and clean it out. And if youve a mind to take the dryer outside and give it a good blowing out as well.I use a lawn/leaf blower ,

Answer 3

You should inspect it periodically, say 2 times a year or if there is a change in performance of your dryer Aluminum is safer than vinyl, but I would not assume a fire in an aluminum duct could not spread. The best prevention is to clean the lint trap of you dryer with EVERY use and you will prevent lint build up in the vent, plus you dryer will work much more efficiently.

Answer 4

Depends on how often you use the dryer, for 1-2 person2 i would say a every 2 yrs, for a family 2-4 people, about every yr, and yes they can still catch fire and it's the #1 cause of house fires. The aluminum pipe is a better choice.

Answer 5

Outstanding... Being a firefighter I have seen many fires start because people using vinyl pipe. Yes inspect pipe every 3-6 months and clean if needed. Check and clean the lint trap as well

Answer 6

Yes you have to still clean it, about every 6-12 months depending on usuage. As for if the fire will stay in the pipe, NO NO NO. It is not steel. Just like aluminum foil, it too will burn.