Dryer Vent Fire

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your pipes clean!

How do we prevent laundry room fires?

The most common cause of dryer fires is failure to clean the vent regularly. The lent trap will typically get most of the fuzzy lent. The pieces that get through are what will cause a large amount of damage.  There is typically a buildup in the line or around a heating element that will cause a fire.

Follow these tips to prevent Dryer vent fires

1. Clean out the lint and the vent pipe to reduce the chance of fire and to maintain the efficiency of the dryer.

2. Install with care. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the vent pipe. A dryer vent fan should be installed by a licensed electrician.

3. Clear out combustibles. You want to keep anything flammable material away from your dryer. If it does start to overheat or smaller fire-it can escalate much quicker.

4. Be sure to use solid metal as your duct work.

5. Read tags. Follow care label reads tumble dry low, don’t turn the dryer up to high.

6. Use extra caution with flammable liquids. Wash clothing stained with volatile chemicals more than once—and definitely opt to line dry over machine dry.

7. Use your clothes to diagnose problems. Clothes that no longer feel dry or that are extra hot to the touch after a normal dry cycle are a telltale sign that something’s wrong. Before doing the next load, check for a plugged vent and clean out any lint.

8. Don’t leave your dryer running when you leave the house. Issues can be quickly resolved if there is someone there.

9. Give the outdoor vent a regular inspection. Make sure it isn’t clogged with lent or blocked by weeds, snow or even a nest.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here to help your laundry room get back to where you want it if something should occur. Large or small-we are here to do it all!