What I do
- Lint cleared from the dryer’s exhaust port and lint screen housing
- Flexible hose replaced with semi-rigid metal duct
- Wall duct brushed and vacuumed out to the cap
- Stuck, painted-over or broken vent caps freed or replaced
- Pest guards cleaned or swapped for a lint-friendly flap
- Airflow checked at the cap with the dryer running
Dryer vents in older San Gabriel houses
More than half of San Gabriel homes are over 60 years old, according to the city’s Housing Element. In houses that age, the dryer often sits in a garage or on a service porch, and the vent may have been routed through whichever wall was handy: a garage wall, under a porch window or behind a closet. Runs like that often have extra bends where lint collects.
I trace the run first so I know where it ends before I start brushing.
How the cleaning goes
Shut off
Dryer unplugged; gas dryers turned off at the valve.
Clear
Brush and vacuum from both ends.
Swap parts
Kinked hose and bad caps replaced.
Check airflow
Dryer run to confirm air moves at the cap.
What I refer out
Roof-exit vents, long attic runs and gas connections go to a vent specialist or plumber.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about refrigerator ice maker line, bathroom exhaust fan replacement or fall home maintenance visit.
Send me
A photo of the duct behind the dryer, the outside cap, and gas or electric.
Dryer vent questions
How do I know my dryer vent is clogged?
Long dry times, a hot laundry room, or weak air at the outside cap.
Can you replace a dryer vent hose?
Yes. I swap it for semi-rigid metal duct.
Do you clean dryer vents that go through the roof?
No. Roof vents go to a specialist.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
It depends on the length and parts. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Why is there lint outside my house?
The vent cap is clogged or the flap is stuck partly open.
Should the dryer vent flap close?
Yes, when the dryer is off. If it hangs open, the cap needs cleaning or replacing.
Laundry guides
- Washer hoses and laundry valves in older homesWhen to replace washer hoses, how to check old laundry shutoff valves in a San Gabriel garage or service porch, and the small habits that prevent a flood.
- A move-in checklist for an older houseWhat to check and fix when you move into an older San Gabriel home, from shutoffs and smoke alarms to locks, outlets and window hardware.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our plumbing fixes group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.