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 Wizard technicians often see a variety of issues caused by using the wrong materials, improper vent configurations, or attempts to fix a problem without consulting a professional. The following is our list of what not to do when it comes to your dryer vent based on the mistakes we’ve seen on the job.

• DO NOT use vinyl or slinky foil materials for dryer vents.
  • Dryer vents made from flexible plastic or foil can be easily kinked or crushed, 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 the 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 lint, creates sludge in the vent.
• DO NOT use duct tape to connect venting materials.
  • The adhesive dries out over time, 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 and create an increased 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 and health hazards. Dryer vents must terminate outside of the building.
• DO NOT use cages or screens to prevent pests from entering.
  • The use of pest cages or screens can allow lint to build up creating a fire hazard and reducing 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 Wizard if your dryer ventilation system incorporates any of the “don’ts” above to schedule service and have a safer and more efficient dryer in your home or business today!