It seems like we home inspectors spend a lot of time showing photos of, and writing about, dryers and their ducting. For such common appliances, it is amazing how often they are in ill-repair in one way or another. That ranges from the duct on a gas dryer (any dryer for that matter) being vented into the house with a nylon sock over the duct, to inappropriate flex-duct, to ducts that have come loose, to heavy lint. The homeowner should know that this dryer vent hood and duct needs cleaned. However, honestly, they look like this on at least half of the inspections that I perform. I have said it once, and I will say it again -- clean the dryer ducting system occasionally. To do so, you will probably have to take the duct loose at both ends. At my rental properties I have had good luck taking the vent hood off outside, taking the duct loose at the back of the dryer and then securely tying a damp towel on a plumber's snake and running it back and forth several times through the duct-- kind of like being a chimney sweep. Steven L. Smith Bellingham WA Home Inspections 
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR
Not only the dryer vent . . . but furnaces. Seems as if NO ONE (including me, hand raised) do not maintain the furance, or change the filters, etc.
Jun 17, 2009 12:26 PM
Connecticut Lawn Painting - Wilton, CT
Dryer vents are one of those things homeowners never think about, but they can be so dangerous if not cleaned regularly. Thanks Steven
Jun 17, 2009 12:39 PM
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru
Dryer vents, furnace filters, refrigerator coils, and other home maintenance issues are easily overlooked. Homeowners need to post a note where it's easily seen as a reminder.
Jun 17, 2009 01:18 PM
Miller Homes Group - Tyler, TX
Miller Homes Group and Tyler Apartment Locator
Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate
Steve - That vent is nasty. It looks like it would be easy to clean since it is on the side of the home.
Jun 17, 2009 02:05 PM
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor
Our council just had all the dryer vents in our complex - 93 units - cleaned - fire hazard for sure!
Jun 17, 2009 05:00 PM
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector
Steve, and don't even bother cleaning any of the plastic versions----just throw them away and replace them with smooth wall metal pipes. Easier to clean and don't clog up as much to begin with.
Jun 18, 2009 01:09 AM
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector
Why are you using a towel? Push Nustsy through the vent hose with a long pole.
Jun 18, 2009 01:19 AM
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC
I guess Nutsy hasn't seen the last two comments yet! Watch out!
Steve, I have seen duct covers like this when I was renting an apartment in Concord waiting for my house to be built...very dangerous!
Jun 18, 2009 02:45 AM
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
I was going to suggest that this kind of thing is what Nutsy is for, and right up his alley. But I see I would be late to that party.
Maybe one of his relatives?
Jun 19, 2009 08:26 PM
Rainmaker
1,248,786
1,248,786
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspector
Real Estate Resources
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Steven L. Smith, King of the House Home Inspection, provides information for real estate buyers, sellers and real estate industry professionals.
Blog posts emphasize issues commonly found in Bellingham, WA and Whatcom County. Smith is Washington State Licensed Home Inspector #207, a state licensed structural pest inspector, ASHI certified inspector #252760 and one of the most experienced inspectors in the northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Steven L. Smith is lead instructor of home inspection at Bellingham Technical College and teaches classes for Washington State University and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Steve was a two-term member of the state licensing board.
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