Dryer Vent Prevention
Dryer vent prevention is critical — you want to get the lint out, both from the back of the dryer and from the vent pipes leading outside. The major challenge with dryer vent lint is that once it builds up, it doesn’t take much to start a house fire: a spark, friction, or simply the dryer’s own heat reaching the lint’s low ignition point.
It’s amazing how much lint gets built up inside the pipe. Depending on how old your dryer vent pipe is and when it was installed, screws used to attach the pipe sections may now be capturing and holding lint as it tries to leave your house. This is common in older homes and no longer meets Canadian building code for installation.
If you have a plastic dryer vent pipe from the back of your dryer leading out, this again isn’t to code but is still available to be purchased at major department stores. These also tend to collect the most dryer vent lint with the static electricity and are very likely to melt or catch on fire. Clothes dryer fire safety is critical to think about in any home!
TIPS FOR DRYER VENT PREVENTION!
- Make sure that you have the dryer installed by a professional service provider.
- If you are going to install your dryer, use the manufacturer suggested instructions BEFORE you install the dryer vent. Install metal piping and DO NOT screw it in. This should be attached by tape or clamps.
- If you’re installing a dryer in a closet, make sure there is enough air flow.
Other suggestions when drying your clothes.
- Don’t dry your clothes when you’re NOT at home or when you go to sleep.
- Clean the lint screen on your dryer regularly. This can be located inside the door of the dryer or the top of the dryer.
- Clean out the back of your dryer every 6 months to a year. This can be done by vacuuming the pipe at the back of your dryer or calling a professional dryer vent cleaning company to come and “blow” out the entire dryer vent system.
It’s critical for your safety and your loved ones that you ensure to clean the dryer vent from lint inside and out on a regular basis. If you can’t remember the last time you did this, it’s time to do it. If your clothes are taking longer to dry, it’s worth inspecting your dryer pipe. Cleaning it regularly also helps with energy costs, which continue to rise across Ontario.
This is a concern in every city in Ontario, especially with new condos and homes being built with a dryer vent. Whether you live in Oakville, Burlington, or Hamilton, you’ll want to add dryer vent cleaning to your home’s routine cleaning schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do screws in a dryer vent pipe cause problems?
Screws that protrude into the interior of the vent pipe catch lint as it tries to exit, causing buildup over time. This is common in older homes and no longer meets Canadian building code — vent sections should be joined with tape or clamps instead.
Are plastic dryer vent hoses actually dangerous?
Yes. Plastic and vinyl dryer vent hoses collect lint more readily due to static electricity and are prone to melting or catching fire. They’re not code-compliant, though they’re still sold at major retailers — metal ducting is the safer, compliant choice.
How often should I clean the back of my dryer?
Every 6 months to a year, either by vacuuming the pipe yourself or having a professional blow out the full dryer vent system.
What's a warning sign my dryer vent needs cleaning?
Clothes taking longer to dry than usual is one of the clearest signs lint has built up in the vent, restricting airflow.