Dryer vent cleaning in Pittsburgh
Lint that gets past the screen builds up in the duct behind your dryer. It makes every load take longer, and it's a fire risk. We clean the whole run, from the back of the dryer to the vent outside, and measure the airflow before and after.
Your lint screen doesn't catch it all
Fine lint gets past the screen every load and sticks at bends, joints and the outside flap. The duct narrows, and the dryer runs hotter and longer to get the job done.
Fire risk
Lint is very flammable. NFPA fire data lists failure to clean as the leading factor in home dryer fires.
Carbon monoxide
With a gas dryer, a blocked vent can push exhaust, including carbon monoxide, back into the house.
Long, added-on runs
Laundry added to a basement or upper floor often means long ducts with several bends, or a roof vent. Those clog faster and are hard to reach yourself.
The whole run, not just the ends
- Airflow check before. A reading at the outside vent so we both know the starting point.
- Dryer pulled out and disconnected. Carefully, with floors protected. Gas dryers are shut off at the valve first.
- Transition duct cleaned or flagged. Crushed, kinked, foil or plastic transition ducts are pointed out, with a recommendation.
- Full-length duct cleaning. Rotary brushes and vacuum or air from the inside and the outside, through every bend.
- Termination cleared. Lint and nests removed, and the flap checked to open and close freely.
- Lint behind and under the dryer. Vacuumed out while the dryer is pulled out.
- Reconnected and tested. An airflow reading after, and photos of what came out.
Your dryer is telling you
- Loads take two cycles, or towels come out damp
- The top of the dryer or the laundry room gets unusually hot
- A burning or scorched smell when the dryer runs
- Lint around the dryer door, behind the dryer or at the vent outside
- The outside flap barely opens, or you feel little air there while it runs
- Birds or nesting material at the outside vent
- It's been more than a year, or never
Cleaning helps. A good duct helps more.
Some vents clog fast because of how they were installed. While we clean, we check the run against common code requirements and the dryer maker's instructions, and tell you if something is working against you.
Requirements vary with the code your municipality has adopted and with your dryer's installation instructions, which can allow longer runs. We'll tell you what applies to your setup.
| Part | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Duct | Smooth-wall rigid metal, usually 4 inches, with joints taped rather than screwed so screws don't snag lint |
| Length | Under the limit for your dryer. Model codes commonly allow 35 feet of straight run, minus about 5 feet for each 90-degree bend |
| Transition | The short connector behind the dryer: a listed transition duct, kept short and not crushed against the wall |
| Termination | Outside, not into an attic, crawlspace or garage, with a backdraft flap and no screen |
| Bird guard | If birds are a problem, a guard designed for dryer exhaust that won't trap lint |
How dryer vent cleaning works
Measure
We find the termination, check its flap, and take an airflow reading with the dryer running.
Disconnect
Floor protected, dryer shut off and pulled out, transition duct removed and checked.
Clean
Rotary brushes run through the full duct, with lint pulled out by vacuum or pushed out with air.
Reconnect and retest
Dryer reconnected and run, airflow measured again, and photos sent to you.
Book them together
Chimney Sweeping
One visit for the fireplace and the dryer vent, with one photo report.
Animal & Nest Removal
Birds nest in dryer vents as well as chimneys. We clear them and help keep them out.
Dryer vent fire safety
Simple habits that reduce lint buildup between cleanings.
Dryer vent cleaning across Greater Pittsburgh
Houses, townhomes and roof-vented laundries throughout our service area.
Dryer vent questions
Not sure where your vent comes out? That's common. Call and we'll help you find it.
(412) 555-0142How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
I clean the lint screen every load. Isn't that enough?
Can I clean the vent myself?
Is the foil or white plastic duct behind my dryer OK?
Can you put a screen on the outside vent to keep birds out?
Pick a time. We'll handle the rest.
Send the form and we'll text you within one business hour to confirm your service, your price and a 2-hour arrival window.
- Price in writing first. Nothing starts until you've seen it and said yes.
- 2-hour arrival window, with an on-the-way text and your technician's name.
- No mess. Drop cloths, shoe covers and a HEPA vacuum.
- Photo report texted to you the same day.
- Licensed & insured. Saturday appointments available.
You're on the list
Thanks! We'll text you within one business hour to lock in your arrival window. Need us sooner? Call (412) 555-0142.