Vanetta, Sherry, Leslie, Pam, Louise, Airual, Julie, Theresa, Wanda & Heather -
Thanks so much for the suggestions on the dryer vent problem. I am considering all the possibilities - preferably hoping to find a way to fix this myself without hiring someone to help.
For now, I have the "panty hose" method going. I've attached a knee-hi stocking to the "slinky" part of the dryer vent and it is working fine at the moment. I guess if necessary, I can keep it this way indefinitely, as long as I keep that clean.
I've considered a chimney sweep tool, which my neighbor has. I'm going to go look at it and see if that might work. If so, I will try it. I think the lint is too tightly packed already to use a shop vac or a leaf blower. That stuff really sticks to the pipe - I could tell when I stuck my hand up there to pull out what I could reach.
I'm wondering if the pipe could be replaced, just pulled out of the wall through the roof and then another piece slid in. This is not something I would attempt myself - I'm afraid I'd get it half out or half in and it would be stuck there... But I could probably find a neighbor to help me with it - or tell me if it might work.
If all else fails, I might consider calling a chimney sweep or a duct cleaning service for an estimate. I'd rather explore the cheapest options first.If I get it clear, I think blowing it out with the leaf blower regularly might really help keep it clean.
Unfortunately, I can't easily move the dryer to an outside wall due to the configuration of the garage and the electrical outlets. If I stay here, someday I might do some remodeling that would make that possible.
I'll let you know if I find a way to get that duct clear. In the meantime, pantyhose it is!
Thanks,
Diane
