Inspector's check · Kitchen, baths and laundry
Is the dryer vent a short, rigid metal duct with a clean outside flap?
Behind the dryer, the duct should be rigid or semi-rigid metal, not white vinyl or foil accordion. Outside, the flap should open freely when the dryer runs, with no lint buildup.
Why it matters
Lint in a dryer duct is a leading cause of house fires, and vinyl or foil ducts trap more of it.
If it's a problem
An inspector would write it up as “Dryer vent is clogged or the wrong material” and rate it safety first. Your options, with rough U.S. costs:
- DIY (usually best), $30 to $80: Clean the duct with a brush kit and replace vinyl or foil duct with semi-rigid metal.
- Handyman, $150 to $350: Clean the full run and replace the duct and outside hood.
- Pro, $150 to $300: Dryer vent service cleans long or roof-exiting runs.
Keep it from coming back: clean the dryer vent duct.
Get this on your own house's plan
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