How to Clear a Dryer Vent That Goes to the Roof

Over time lint and clothing fibers that come loose during drying can become trapped inside the dryer's vent system. The vent system exhausts the hot air from the inside of the dryer to the outside. In some cases, the vent pipes run up to the roof. As lint and fibers become trapped in the vent system, the airflow is reduced and can eventually cause a backup of hot air. This can reduce the functionality of the dryer, damage the dryer, and in some cases, cause a fire hazard due to the flammable lint. The lint build up must be removed to allow full air flow.

Screwdriver
Power drill
Vent cleaning tool kit (includes flexible rods, auger piece, blockage removal hook attachment, brush attachment)
Vacuum with hose

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the circuit breaker switch for the dryer in your circuit breaker box. Turn it to the off position.
- 2
  Unscrew the clamp screw holding the dryer vent hose to the back of the dryer. Loosen the clamp and disconnect the hose from the back of the dryer.
- 3
  Connect one of the long flexible vent cleaning rods to the end of your power drill. Connect the brush attachment to the end of the rod.
- 4
  Insert the brush end of the rod into the vent hose and carefully maneuver it upwards into the vent system. Turn on the power drill and slowly push the rod upwards through the vent system. The brush rotates and loosens up lint and dirt.
- 5
  Pull the rod and attachment gently out of the vent system. Attach the blockage removal hook tool to the end of the rod. Insert the rod with the hook tool into the vent as far as it can go. Power on the drill while slowly pulling the hook tool out to catch clumps of lint.
- 6
  Attach the auger brush attachment after removing the hook tool. Run the rod and auger through the vent using the power drill.
- 7
  Insert the vacuum hose into the vent system being careful not to get it stuck and turn on the vacuum. This will suck out remaining dirt and lint.
- 8
  Reconnect the vent hose to the back of the dryer. Tighten the clamp screw and turn the dryer power back on.

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