• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Good lord, at least it wasn't a gas dryer

V

Viper GTS

Lifer
So a few months ago the g/f had her dad + some of his friends move her washer & dryer into our apartment. I was travelling at the time (work) & wasn't able to be a part of the move. The first time she used it she called me & said "You're going to love this, it gets really hot in here." I didn't think anything of it because when you install a dryer you check to make sure the vent is working... right?

So tonight we're drying a load of clothes & it's absolutely unbearable in here. It's still pushing 70 degrees outside but inside it's a freaking sauna. I notice (for the first time) that it reeks of fabric softener... Hmm...

Me: When they moved your dryer in they did go around back & check the vent right?
Her: No...
Me: Oh good lord...

So now that I've had this revelation I have to check, off I go with my flashlight. Sure enough it was sealed off. I ripped the cover off of it but the pipe is so stuffed full of lint that no air is getting out. The cover wasn't completely air-tight so I'm sure it wasn't this bad when they first moved it in, but it's completely plugged now.

:|

Anybody know how to clean a dryer vent or do I need to call the landlord & admit that we fvcked up?

Viper GTS
 
did you try a simple vacum cleaner on the strongest settings? if that won't do it, then i guess you either have to take the dryer to be repaired (taken apart and cleaned) or maybe even replace it depending on how bad it is. also, dryer are always connected to pipes which take the hot air out. make sure that the pipe is outside.
 
Originally posted by: ForumMaster
did you try a simple vacum cleaner on the strongest settings? if that won't do it, then i guess you either have to take the dryer to be repaired (taken apart and cleaned) or maybe even replace it depending on how bad it is. also, dryer are always connected to pipes which take the hot air out. make sure that the pipe is outside.
Click to expand...

The detachable hose inside seems to be OK (at least it doesn't seem abnormally heavy).

The problem is there's a good 6' or more of pipe inside the wall (hose connects at floor level inside, vent is at chest height outside, plus the whole building is set into a hill... It could be more like 8' of pipe inside the wall) I don't think I'll be able to get anything through the multiple 90 degree bends to get it thoroughly clean.

Viper GTS
 
You MAY be able to break the lint clog loose with a coat hanger straigntened out, with a small hook bent on the end. Yoiu MIGHT have to work from both ends to get it all. No way to know from here, but that would be my first point of attack. Also, if you have access to a decent wet-dry vacuum, (the kind that you can hook the hose up in reverse, so it BLOWS instead of sucking) (Yeah, his g/f's job, I know) you might be able to get some pressure against the clog, so that when you work at it from the outside, it will blow the lint outside. I had a dryer vent clog in a garage of a rental house several years back...vented up to the roof. I had to do something like this to get it cleaned out.
 
We ended up calling up someone when ours got clogged and had it professionally cleaned. They used a camera and everything. Turns out there was a dead rat stuck in there. :Q:disgust:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top