How to Fix the Vent for a Dryer With Steam Coming Out

If your dryer has steam coming out of the door when it’s opened, it could be an issue with a buildup or improper airflow within your dryer’s vent, also known as the duct. If the vent is clogged or too narrow for proper airflow, it can cause heat and excess moisture to build up. The vent can also become damaged, punctured, or crushed and moved in its day-to-day operation, leading to overall issues with your dryer, signaled by steam build-up. This is not only problematic for the drying cycle, which may be impacted by your clothes not drying properly or coming out moist, but it can also become a safety hazard. It’s important to clear all buildups of lint and any other debris so your dryer can properly provide the cabinet with the airflow it needs to safely dry your clothes. Below is a guide to help you diagnose vent issues that are causing steam to come out of your dryer or your clothes to not dry properly.

What is a Vent?

The vent within your dryer is vital to not only its general operation, but the safety of the appliance and your home, as well. The vent allows your dryer to push hot air safely through and out of the dryer cabinet, along with any lint or dirt. There are a variety of different types of vents, from aluminum foil ducts, to rigid metal ducts, to vinyl vents, slim ducts, and more.

Where is the Vent Located?

Your dryer’s vent is normally located near the bottom and rear of the dryer cabinet. Depending on your home, this vent may be shorter, or longer in total length – and it can vary in structure.

General Location of the Vent in a Dryer

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Vent in a Dryer

1. Carefully pull your dryer out from the wall and unplug it.
2. Inspect your dryer’s vent – it’ll likely have a clamp that will need to be loosened, with either a screwdriver or a set of pliers, and then removed.
3. Any extra links and/or elbows will have to be carefully removed and inspected for any lint buildup.
4. Check the inside of the dryer for any lint buildup, and then do likewise for your dryer’s duct outlet on the rear of the appliance.
5. If you notice any lint buildup on any rear venting panels of your dryer, remove the back panel of the dryer cabinet then properly clean those rear venting panels.
6. Inspect the duct outside of your home for any lint buildup on both the inside and the outside. This duct is normally on the other side of your dryer’s wall, but following your dryer’s vent will lead you to it.
7. If the duct is clogged, it’s important to clean it out. Replace it if it’s damaged in any way.
8. If your dryer’s current vent and/or vent hose are damaged or have noticeable cracks or holes, they’ll need to be replaced. Click on the button below to find the proper vent assembly for your dryer.

How to Clean the Vent

1. Vacuum the inside area of your dryer’s vent and remove any built-up lint.
2. Remove and clean your vent duct on your wall as well.
3. If possible, vacuum within the vent hose of your dryer to remove any further lint buildups.
4. Using a flexible rotary brush, clean and remove any lint on the inside of your home’s duct, brushing from inside to out.

How to Install a New Vent

1. Disconnect and remove the outside vent duct from your home, using a screwdriver.
2. Connect the new vent duct by placing it around the hole from your home, and secure it with a drill and the appropriate screws.
3. Caulk the outside of your dryer vent duct to prevent any moisture from entering your home.
4. Remove the previous vent elbow (if necessary) from your home and install a new one by simply attaching it to the inside of the duct.
5. Attach a duct link to the elbow of your vent (if necessary).
6. Use foil tape to seal and secure any extra links together.
7. Insert a vent elbow over the outlet of your dryer’s vent. At this point, you’ll likely have 2 elbows in your vent assembly – coming into your home, and one going into your dryer’s vent duct.
8. Attach any necessary links to the elbow coming from your dryer’s vent, securing with foil tape. Now, your repair is complete!

Next: Troubleshooting the Lint Trap

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