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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jul 21, 2009 20:20:02 GMT -5
I wanted to share my story, as a cautionary tale to others:
I have 3 cats and 5 dogs, so I do laundry every day. Last year, we had some new duct work installed, including an improved outside vent from the dryer, complete with a little plastic mesh cover.
Last month, I noticed that the dryer wasn't working as effectively. I always empty the lint trap, so I used the little brush to probe for lint underneath the trap, and rinsed the trap filter, to no avail.
Last week, the dryer stopped heating altogether. I spent $238 to have a new thermostat and heating element installed, and took a vacation day to stay home for the repairman.
When I used the dryer that night, it heated, but still didn't dry very well.
The next day, I was working in the yard near the outside vent, and started wondering whether there was some problem with it. I started drying a load, then went outside to see if there was any air coming out. I discovered a massive ball of lint, stuck in that little plastic mesh cover. After removing a ball of lint the size of an orange, more lint started flying out of the vent, spewing everywhere.
I replaced the little plastic mesh cover, considered it a lesson learned, and returned to my laundry.
The next day, I checked the vent again, to admire my work. Imagine my surprise to discover the little plastic mesh cover, stuffed full of lint again!
The little plastic mesh cover now lies in my side yard, until the dryer has fully disimpacted itself of lint.
Perhaps I shall knit a sweater with all the lint.
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Post by Peach on Jul 21, 2009 20:39:08 GMT -5
Several years ago we had to pull the dryer out of the utility room so a repairperson could access the heater for a major repair. I took that opportunity to clean lint from where the hose connected to the back of the dryer. This area was loaded with lint. So I looked into the hose and could not believe the amount of lint that had accumulated. And, I always cleaned out the lint filter regularly. Heaven only knows what the attic ductwork contained, although once bird(s) got in from the outside vent and somehow died.  We decided to get rid of the dryer and have lived dryer-free for over 10 years now. All clothes are air dried, we feel safer, and we save on electricity.  |
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Post by bigtimetroubles on Jul 22, 2009 12:01:30 GMT -5
I used to use a plastic vent hose and was having same kind of issue with heat as you were....not really getting dry clothes on first run thru....then I saw that the hose was kind of kinked when it hit the floor behind the dryer...so I went and bought a metal dryer hose and it was wonderful relieving to see that things were dry again on first run...it was the air flow thru the vent. We know so little about stuff like this it is important to let others know what we do know.....hugs bigtimetroubles  |
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Post by Lucky Laura Loving Life on Jul 22, 2009 15:55:22 GMT -5
Dear HGF, My sons apt. dryer was running poorly so they purged the lint,after maintenance was done you could have knitted a full length winter coat! It's amazing they don't have that as required maintenance as it could cause a fire.  Thank Goodness you discovered yours before spending any more money. Love,Laura |
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bigsister
New Member
Maat goddess of truth, and balance
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 75 
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Post by bigsister on Jul 22, 2009 19:05:03 GMT -5
I just read this and wanted to share a warning with you. We had a house fire in 1995 in the laundry room. At first I was afraid I had caused it because of my poor housekeeping and piles of clothes. The firemen said it started in the dryer because of the plastic vent hose creating a chimney like drafts when the lint caught on fire. He told us it was common for laundry room fires to be caused by plastic vent hose. We replaced all with aluminum.
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