Why is My Dryer Vent Leaking?
As a dryer heats up clothing, the moisture within is channeled outside through the dryer vents.
If you notice your dryer vents are leaking, it may be due to lint blockage, a broken flapper, or poorly insulated pipes. It is important to repair leaking dryer vents to prevent water damage.
Reasons For a Leaking Dryer Vent
1. Lint Blockages
A byproduct of drying clothes within this appliance is lint. Over time, lint and any excess fabric can begin building up within the dryer vent. When there’s no clear path for air and moisture to flow through, the moisture can condense — resulting in water leak. Routine maintenance of your dryer should include the removal of any buildup within the vent via a long-handled brush.
2. Broken Flapper
Moisture and hot air will flow out of the dryer vent to the outside. The exhaust pipe will be protected by a flapper that will open when air flows outward and remain closed when there is no activity. However, if the flapper is not closing as it should, rain and snow can easily get inside the dryer vent. On the other hand, the flapper can also become stuck — resulting in a buildup of moisture that can condense and cause water leaks. Make sure the flapper is working properly at all times.
3. Outdoor Temperatures
When hot air is traveling through the dryer’s exhaust pipe, condensation can form on the outside and edge of the pipe during extremely cold temperatures. Without the proper insulation, this condensation can begin to drip and cause water damage, mimicking a water leak. Avoid this altogether by insulating the entire length of the exhaust pipe. As you insulate the pipe, inspect it for any possible holes or cracks (and fix them if necessary).
The dryer is meant to transform your laundry from wet to dry, not give you a water leak and another headache to deal with. When you’re dealing with a plumbing, heating, ac ductless systems or a HVAC problem that you would like a professional to handle, give us a call and we’ll be happy to handle it for you!
