July 17, 2026 · 6 min read
The hose behind the dryer
Pushing the machine flat against the wall crushes the transition hose into a tight bend, cutting airflow before the run even starts.
A short rigid or UL-listed semi-rigid transition with a proper radius solves it permanently.
Screws at every joint
Sheet metal screws poke into the airstream and act as lint catchers. Within a year there is a visible mat at each one.
Joints should be foil-taped, never screwed, on the interior side of the duct.
Screened exterior hoods
A screen keeps birds out and lint in. It is the fastest way to clog a brand-new vent.
Use a damper hood, and if pest entry is a concern, choose a louvered model designed for dryer exhaust.
- Vinyl or foil accordion hose
- Runs terminating into a crawlspace or attic
- Missing or painted-shut dampers
- Unsupported duct sagging between joists
- Undersized 3-inch duct on a 4-inch outlet
- Unsealed wall penetration
Getting it corrected
Most of these are half-day corrections, and the improvement in dry time is immediate and measurable.
We document airflow before and after so the difference is not a matter of opinion.
Related service
Dryer Vent Installation
Code-compliant dryer vent runs installed cleanly the first time.
See Dryer Vent Installation details