Dryer vent questions, answered

NFPA recommends cleaning lint out of the vent pipe once a year, or more often if you notice clothes taking longer than normal to dry. Homes with heavy laundry use, long or roof-terminated vents, or pets may need it more often.

Yes. According to NFPA, failure to clean was the leading factor in home dryer fires from 2014 to 2018, accounting for about a third of them, and lint, dust or fiber was the item first ignited in about 27 percent.

Common signs include clothes taking longer to dry, a dryer or laundry room that feels unusually hot, a burning or musty smell, weak airflow at the outside vent hood, and lint collecting around the hood or behind the dryer.

No. The lint screen catches much of the lint, but some passes through and builds up in the transition hose and the duct, especially at bends and at the exterior hood. NFPA advises cleaning the screen every load and the vent pipe at least once a year.

It depends on the home. A short, straight wall vent can be fairly quick, while long runs, roof terminations, heavy buildup or repairs take longer. The technician can give you an estimate when they quote.

Pricing is set by each independent provider and depends on vent length, access (wall versus roof), the amount of buildup, and any repairs. Request a quote and the technician will explain the price before starting work.

NFPA recommends rigid or flexible metal venting to maintain proper airflow and drying time. Thin plastic or vinyl hose crushes and traps lint easily, so many technicians recommend replacing it.

Yes. Roof-terminated vents are common in newer homes and can be cleaned. Technicians may work from inside, from the roof, or both, depending on access and safety.

Clear it before running the dryer. NFPA recommends checking that the outdoor vent flap isn't covered by snow. A blocked hood stops the dryer from exhausting heat and moisture.

No. Spokane Dryer Vent Pro is a referral service. We connect you with independent local dryer vent professionals, who set their own pricing and are responsible for their work. Ask any provider about licensing and insurance before work begins.

We connect homeowners in Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington, and Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, plus many nearby communities. If you're just outside these areas, send a request and we'll try to help.

Yes. We can connect apartment, condo, HOA and vacation-rental managers with providers who handle multi-unit and scheduled building-wide cleanings.