How to Inspect the Dryer Vent

July 2, 2018
MichaelTest KeilyTest
Laundry

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While the inspector is in the laundry room the dryer vent piping should be visually inspected. It is important to check that it is properly installed and does not have any kinks or damage that could cause lint buildup, which could be a fire hazard. Please review the below procedure for how to properly inspect the dryer vent piping in the home.

NACHI SOP

International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection

3.9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

I. The inspector shall inspect:

C. Mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.

II. The inspector shall describe:

N/A

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

N/A

IV. The inspector is not required to:

N/A

Axium SOP Differences

Axium Requires: The inspector will check for the presence of dryer vent piping and make sure it is venting to the exterior of the home. We also want to check that everything else is proper with the dryer vent and there is no damage present.

Tools Needed

The inspector might need to use a flashlight to check for piping behind the laundry machines.

Procedure

While we are inspecting the laundry room we will want to check for the presence of dryer vent piping. We will want to make sure that it isn’t damaged and that it is venting properly to the exterior. It is not allowed to breach garage firewalls or vent into a canister. There is one picture required for this section and it should show the dryer vent piping in the laundry room.

Common Defects

There is no vent connection that is present in the laundry room.
The dryer vent connection is disconnected, kinked/damaged, or is missing.
The dryer vent connection has a plastic vent, is too short/can’t attach hose, or is vented to a canister.
The dryer vent exhaust is too long.

Common Mistakes

Not checking for dryer vent piping.
Identifying the wrong type of material for dryer vent piping.
Not checking to make sure the it exhausts to the exterior.
Not checking the dryer vent piping for any damage or that it is connected properly to the dryer.

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Report / Software

IN	A [word 1] dryer vent connection was installed in the laundry area. The dryer vent connection was examined visually only. A visual examination will not detect the presence of lint accumulated inside the vent, which is a potential fire hazard. The inspector recommends that you have the dryer vent cleaned at the time of purchase and annually in the future to help ensure that safe conditions exist. Lint accumulation can occur even in approved, properly installed vents. Flexible Foil Flexible Metal Flexible Vinyl Rigid Metal
NI	The clothes dryer vent piping was not accessible at the time of the inspection, and could not be inspected.
NP	No Vent Connection: No vent connection was provided for the dryer. Lack of proper dryer venting to the exterior may result in excessively high humidity levels which can damage property materials or components and may encourage the growth of microbes such as mold. Lack of proper dryer venting can also result in the accumulation of lint in the property. Lint is combustible and its accumulation is a potential fire hazard and a possible health hazard from the inhalation of particulates. The inspector recommends proper installation of an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)- approved dryer vent for safety reasons. Dryer vents should be cleaned annually to ensure that safe conditions continue to exist.


RR	A [word 1] dryer vent connection was installed in the laundry room [word 2]. Material: Flexible Foil Flexible Metal Flexible Vinyl Rigid Metal Defect: Disconnected Kinked/Damaged Missing Plastic Vent Too Short/Can’t Attach Hose Vented to Canister

How to Inspect the Dryer Vent

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