Avoiding Fire Hazards With Dryer Vent Maintenance

MARTINEZ — Fifteen thousand homes burned. Fifteen deaths. Four hundred injuries. $99 million in property damage. Contrary to what you might expect, these disturbing annual figures aren’t the result of arson or wildfire. The real culprit is much less probable: clogged dryer vents. Surprised? Small wonder—like most homeowners, you likely pay little mind to this hidden component of your laundry center. However, by doing so, you leave yourself vulnerable to a substantial risk.

Before we talk about dryer vent safety, it’s good to get an understanding of how dryer vents function. A closed dryer vent works by forcing hot air out of a rigid galvanized pipe to the exterior of the home. This process typically generates condensation, which, when combined with lint and other debris, can create a clog in the pipe. As the pipe becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, leaving it unable to exhaust properly and posing a potential fire hazard.

To prevent this from occurring, you should regularly check a couple of areas of your dryer. First, check the vent line behind the dryer to make sure the line isn’t broken, smashed or crimped. Next, check the exterior vent (where the vent exhausts outside of the home). Remove any visible debris and test the airflow with your hand. If the airflow is strong, you can be reasonably sure the line is clear; if the airflow is weak, there may be some buildup inside. In the latter case, you should call a professional to have the line cleaned.

To further guard against dryer-related fire hazards, follow these tips:

1. Avoid running your dryer while you’re asleep or away from home.

2. Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load. You should also check other areas of the dryer (around the drum, beneath the filter) to ensure there’s no hidden lint buildup, which can also lead to a fire.

3. Once a year, have a professional clear out your dryer vent line. This annual maintenance step will give you greater assurance that your home is safe from dryer-related fire hazards.