Here are some steps we take on every dryer vent cleaning performed to help prevent anything from going wrong!

Step 1: Look behind the dryer to see what material is there and whether or not it is crushed.

Step 2: Inspect the lint filter and lint trap. (We always clean the lint filter before to get an accurate before and after air flow reading)

Step 3: Turn on the dryer make our way outside to check the airflow and inspect the exterior cover.

Step 4: If everything seems "normal" we will go on to clean the vent.

Now its time to go over why we take these steps.

Step 1: If the vent is crushed it is likely the customer will go back and crush it again at some point if you do not show and educate them on the problem.

If the transition vent is damaged you can show them before hand so they do not think you damaged it and can speak about replacing it ahead of time so you don't end up doing double the work. (We recommend dryer flex) 

Step 2: The air flow will not be accurate without cleaning the filter first and if it is packed it is something you can educate the customer on.

Step 3: Make sure the dryer is working properly and listen for any noises incase you finish the cleaning and all of a sudden the dryer does not work or seems to be making any new noises. (most likely you will not cause any damage to the dryer but you want to make sure you note anything that seems off ahead of time so you don't get blamed)

If everything seems normal most likely you are good to go and clean the vent with whatever method you choose 

What if the vent does not seem like it is properly blowing to the outside (before the cleaning). During step 3 if the vent is not properly blowing to the outside we will ALWAYS either hook up a blower or run our Vent Vision camera through.

Yes it is possible that it is not properly blowing because the vent is clogged but we are talking about almost no airflow not just poor airflow. 

The blower: If we hook up a blower most likely it will unclog the vent or give us confident air flow to the point that we know it is not a disconnection. If the blower does not answer our questions the next step would be a camera inspection. 

The camera: A camera will bypass using the blower and tells us everything we need to know. If you come across a disconnected vent you can address the customer about the issue and easily located the disconnection by counting your 3' rods and bringing them in or measuring it out on the inside of the home.

Wrapping it up: If you are going to take anything away from this its is that taking a few extra steps will make sure you never have any conflict with your customer and make sure you never end up running your equipemnt through a disconnected vent and having it get rapped up in insulation to the point where you have to start making holes in the wall.