Why There Is Water In Your Dryer Vent & What To Do About It

Water in the dryer vent is a common problem during summer and winter. If this is your current situation and you are wondering, "Why is there water in my dryer vent?" keep reading.

Water in the dryer vent may be caused by various factors, such as a broken flapper, the dryer being clogged with lint, debris, or fabric, poorly insulated pipes, or the moisture that your dryer removes from your clothes condensing and leaking out of the vent.

It's important to know why there is water in the dryer vent and take the necessary measures immediately.

This article also answers some FAQs: "Why is my dryer vent wet?" or "Why is water coming out of my dryer vent?"

Why Is There Water in My Dryer Vent?

There may be various reasons why there is water in your dryer vent:

  • Clogged dryer vent
  • High outdoor temperatures
  • Broken flapper
  • Pinched flexible ducting
  • Long vent duct
  • Poorly constructed vent

Clogged Dryer

Over time, lint, fabrics, and debris clog the dryer vent (and could cause a dryer vent fire). This makes it difficult for moisture and air to flow through the vent, resulting in moisture condensation and water leakage.

Remove the duct and inspect the inside for debris, lint, and fabric. Gently shaking the duct, suck up fabric, lint, and debris using a vacuum, ensuring that you have removed all clogs.

Routinely inspect and clean the dryer vent to prevent future clogs. You can do this yourself or hire Zerorez to do it.

Male Zerorez technician kicking out a lot of lint and debris from an external dryer vent hose, while wearing a face mask

High Outdoor Temperatures

Cold temperatures increase the chances of leakage due to the contrast between the hot air running through the pipes and the cold air outside. Due to poor insulation, condensation drips, resulting in water leakage.

Insulate the dryer vents using fiberglass pipe wraps. Insulate the entire pipe, not just the areas exposed to cold air. Insulating a vent duct with smooth sides is much easier than the one with bends.

Pinched Flexible Ducting

The flexible ducting behind the machine, in the attic, or on the wall may be pinched, slowing down airflow and resulting in debris and lint blockage.

Faulty Flapper

The flap at the end of the vent pipe automatically closes when there is no activity and opens when air is coming out of the dryer.

When this flapper is faulty, it fails to open to allow out air, causing water to build up in the dryer vent due to air and moisture build-up. Snow and rain also get into the dryer vent when the flapper is faulty, resulting in water in the dryer vent.

Ensure the flapper is in good working condition at all times.

Long Vent Duct

Bends or sags in extremely long vent ducts result in clogs. When the dryer vent gets clogged with debris, lint, and fabric, water begins to accumulate.

You can cut the dryer vent hose short using shears or a utility knife or hire an expert to do it for you.

It should be short enough to make it possible (whenever necessary) to pull the dryer out at least a foot from your wall.

Poorly Constructed Vent

If the screws are protruding or the foil tape is exposed to the inside of your duct, lint and debris may get trapped, causing water to be trapped in the dryer vent.

FAQS

Why Is There Moisture in My Dryer Vent?

If there are no clogs, the flapper isn't faulty, and everything else seems to be working perfectly, high humidity outside may result in moisture build-up, making the dryer vent wet. You can't entirely prevent moisture build-up in the dryer vent if the humidity is high and temps are 90 degrees and above.

Why Is My Dryer Vent Full of Water?

Vent blockage, cold weather, and vent cover damage are the major causes of a dryer vent full of water. If you're unsure which is causing the problem, call a dryer vent expert to inspect it and give the necessary advice.

Why Is My Dryer Vent Leaking Water?

A lack of a clear path for moisture and air to flow through the vent due to lint, debris, and fabric build-up results in moisture condensation, which causes your dryer vent to leak.

Routine maintenance helps to prevent dryer vent leakage.

What Causes Water in Dryer Vent Hose?

When cold air gets into the dryer vent through cracks and holes, the humid air flowing inside cools down quickly, resulting in water in the vent.

Seal the cracks and holes using aluminum tape, or call an expert to repair the dryer vent.

When clogs cause a significant blockage in the dryer vent, moisture doesn't go out, causing water to accumulate.

Before and After Zerorez cleaned a clogged dryer vent hose
Before and After Zerorez cleaned a clogged dryer vent hose

Hire an Expert or DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning?

Dryer vent cleaning is vital; you can do it yourself or hire experts.

If you have a dryer vent kit, you might save a lot by cleaning it yourself. If mold and bacteria are growing, hiring experts is a better option, mainly because of the cost you may incur in case of damages or personal injuries.

Regular dryer vent cleaning extends its life and prevents unnecessary water leakage problems.

From clogs to faulty flappers, each issue requires a different approach.

Let the Zerorez team clean your dryer vents at a budget-friendly cost. We also specialize in carpet cleaning and other home cleaning services. Call us at 866-937-6739 to get a free quote.

Book a Cleaning with Zerorez Today!