Prevent a Fire in Your Dryer

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

It's no surprise that fire damages anything in its path. Your household dryer is no different. Many homeowners deal with dryer related fires, and the usual culprit would be a clogged dryer vent. In this particular case, the fire is preventable if you maintain your dryer throughout the year and ensure that its vent is clean and clear of buildup.

Over 15,000 calls are made to local fire departments every year for home-related fires and smoke issues. The unfortunate part is that many fires are due to clogged dryer vents within the home. Some of these fires are minimal, but others have been damaging when not caught in time.

Generally, we all know to clean out the lint traps, but did you know that excess lint passes through this filter and goes through the dryer vent? The dryer vent is located on the outside of your home, so that the hot air goes outside. This heat attracts lint built up in that area which causes fires. Fires related to clogged dryer vents can generate a lot of damage to a person's home.

The best way to prevent fires like these is to clean the lint hose. Special tools and services exist that can help unclog this particular hose.

Warning Signs Your Dryer is Clogged and May Result in a Fire

1. If it takes longer than 45 minutes to dry your clothing, it could be a sign that the dryer vent is clogged.

2. Your clothes are roasting hot to the touch after they have gone through a dry cycle.

3. The flapper on the dryer's vent may not open when the appliance is on.

Preventing a Fire with Your Dryer

1. You should clean the vent of your dryer at least twice per year.

2. Make sure to clean the lint trap inside the dryer before each cycle.

3. If you notice any of the warning signs above, make sure to contact a professional company to repair and clean the appliance.

For those homeowners who do not see the warning signs in time, fire damage is daunting. Professionals of SERVPRO can help, and they can work on your home's fire damage clean up and restoration when it is most convenient for you. Make sure to contact SERVPRO at the first sign of fire damage. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene is locally owned and operated—so we are part of the Tampa community. We are part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country. We're able to respond to large-scale disasters quickly. Give us a call today.