Inspections
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Inspections |
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Departments > Inspections > Home Maintenance and Safety Tips > Laundry Dryers | ||||
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Laundry Dryers It is common knowledge that laundry dryers are equipped with a lint screen that must be cleaned frequently. It is not so well known that there are other parts of dryers that must be cleaned. There is usually a panel that can be removed to gain access to the burner area of a gas dryer. Most of the time this panel is at the front of the dryer near the floor. This panel should be removed and the area cleaned as needed. Lint build-up near the burner assembly is a potential fire hazard. There may also be a panel on the back of the dryer that can be removed. This area should be cleaned as well. When cleaning these areas always unplug the dryer. Always check the manufacturer recommendations for cleaning procedures. Dryers are vented to the outside to remove dangerous fumes and moisture from the inside of the home. Often times the pipe that carries the dryer exhaust to the outside is concealed in the ceiling. Never allow a dryer to vent directly into the house. When the dryer is running, check the outlet on the outside of the home to make sure a strong force of air is being exhausted. If the force of air is not great enough to cause the flap of the vent to open, the pipe may be leaking exhaust into the home or the vent pipe may be obstructed. If the vent pipe is not concealed you can check for leaks in the duct joints and seal them. Use a metal foil tape recommended for this use. Standard duct tape should not be used for this purpose. The only way to check for obstructions is to disassemble the pipe, however, you may be able to use a flashlight to look into the pipe from the outside and check for obstructions.
Content updated on: 12-Oct-2001
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