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Serving Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties

(704) 288-7316

One low price

Dryer Vent Services

Lint in the duct starts fires, stretches dry time, and wastes power. We clean the line from the dryer to the outside.

Schedule a vent cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning

Every year thousands of fires are started due to lint build up in dryer vents. MJL Services has one low price to clean the duct from the dryer to the outside. Additional charges apply if pipes in an attic or crawl space need to be opened to properly clean the duct line.

A clean line is essential to prevent fires and it also reduces energy costs and drying time by allowing vented air to flow freely outside.

If you see water on the floor where the dryer meets the wall, that is usually an impaction from years of buildup, or a bird or rodent nest in the line. Have it inspected and cleaned right away, then put a guard on the hood so it does not happen again.

Bird nest pulled from a dryer vent duct Flexible dryer duct behind a dryer

Repairs

Due to use or other circumstances, repairs may be necessary. At MJL Services we can resolve most issues: replacing the duct from the dryer to the wall, repairing or replacing duct lines, and installing new hood covers.

What is included

The run from the dryer to the exterior hood, at one price. MJL Services explains what it finds as it works and cleans up when the job is done.

When it costs more

If the pipe in an attic or crawl space has to be opened to clean the line properly, that is extra. You hear that before the extra work starts.

Signs the vent is the problem

These are the signs neighbors call about.

  • Clothes take longer than they used to. A new dryer cannot push air through a packed line.
  • The dryer runs hot, or the laundry room smells like hot lint.
  • Water on the floor where the dryer meets the wall: usually years of buildup, or a nest in the line.
  • Birds or rodents at the roof hood. After fledglings have left, the nest comes out and a guard goes on.

Frequently asked questions

I have water on the floor where my dryer connects to the wall. What is that?
You most likely have an impaction caused by years of buildup, or an animal or bird that has built a nest in the duct line. You should have this inspected and cleaned immediately. A bird and rodent guard should be installed to prevent further or potential issues in the future.
How often should my dryer vent be cleaned?
At least once a year. That keeps lint from packing the line, holds your dry time down, and cuts fire risk. If you do heavy laundry, have pets, run a long vent line, or you have already noticed clothes needing a second cycle, you may need it every six months instead.
My dryer duct line is plastic. What should I do?
Replace it. Plastic and vinyl flex duct traps lint, restricts airflow, and can melt, which is why it is not recommended for a dryer. It should be replaced with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, installed according to your dryer manufacturer's instructions and local code requirements. Rigid metal is usually preferred, and semi-rigid metal may be acceptable in some installations. Stop using the dryer now if the duct is damaged, crushed, overheating, or packed with lint. Keep the run as short and straight as possible, and avoid screws that stick into the duct, because lint catches on them.
My dryer is showing a check vent code. What does that mean?
It means the dryer is not exhausting air properly, and you should stop using it until the vent system is inspected. Clean the lint screen and make sure it is fully seated. Go outside and check that the vent hood flap opens freely and is not blocked by lint, debris, a nest, snow, or landscaping. Look behind the dryer for kinks, crushing, disconnected sections, or plastic ducting. Do not ignore the warning, because restricted airflow means overheating, longer dry times, appliance damage, and higher fire risk. If the code stays, or you cannot see the whole line, have it professionally cleaned and inspected before you use the dryer again.
Will a leaf blower clean a dryer duct line?
Not properly. A leaf blower may push some loose lint out, but it will not clean the whole duct line. It misses lint stuck to the duct walls, and it can pack lint tighter into the elbows and bends. It will not find a bird nest, a disconnected section, or crushed ducting, and it does not confirm the duct is venting safely. It can also be unsafe if the duct is disconnected, damaged, plastic or vinyl, or heavily clogged. Dryer vents get cleaned with proper brushes and rods, and the airflow gets tested afterward. If drying takes longer than normal, the dryer is throwing a check vent code, or you cannot see the full run, have it done professionally.
How does MJL Services clean a dryer vent line?
MJL Services disconnects and inspects the dryer vent connection, removes the lint buildup from the duct line with professional dryer-vent tools, clears the outside vent hood, checks for crushed or unsafe ducting, and verifies proper airflow before the dryer goes back into service.

Towns we serve

MJL Services is based in Monroe and runs Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties.

All service areas →

Clothes taking forever to dry?

That is usually the vent, not the dryer. Call and we will clean the line.

Call (704) 288-7316 Let's Talk