Leakage of drying chambers is a typical problem that we find all the time. This is one of the places that are checked during the environmental inspection process. Very often, high levels of lint can be found behind the position of the washer / dryer. Sometimes we find mold in this place, and sometimes we do not find mold. It is important to check this period, because it may be an area with high humidity.
There are several reasons why this problem occurs. We will list them now:
1. Incorrect installation on the first day of installation of the washing machine / dryer. What happens is that the clamp on the vent pipe is not properly secured, and when the dryer is re-inserted, the vent pipe slides off. This is an installer error, but not all installers are created in the same way. This can cause a serious moisture problem in this area. If not corrected immediately, mold may develop.
2. The homeowner pulls out a washing machine / dryer for cleaning in this area. Sometimes the vent hole comes off if the dryer went too far. This is another problem that we find in older installations. Initially, we find the initial stages of mold growth on the surface of a lint or drywall behind the dryer.
3. A homeowner uses a fanless drying box. This is a box placed on the floor where the exhaust dryer is in the box and collects the nap. This is a very poor choice of ventilation for your dryer. We had one in Key Biscayne, FL, where a customer has been using it for over 3 years. Mold growth in this area required mold regeneration to remove walls. This is how bad the mold develops in this device.
4. The ventilation pipe develops holes in it with age. This is another common problem. You can buy this flexible plastic exhaust pipe at Home Depot or Lowes. Heat ultimately leads to the destruction of the flexible pipe and the formation of holes in it. The best choice is a flexible metal channel. You will find it in the same place where you found a plastic flexible duct. It costs a little more and requires a little more work, but is worth the cost compared to Mold Remediation. Metal Duct is the best choice to prevent further growth of mold in your laundry.
5. The last of them are rodents or small animals that eat holes in a flexible channel. This is not a common problem, but it happens. We had one case in Stuart, the Fleet, where the rats entered the house and lived in the Garage. The wall behind the dryer was supposed to have mold regeneration, and the entire duct system had to be cleaned and disinfected for rodent droppings.
In conclusion, it is important that you check this system on an annual basis to ensure that you do not have any leaks. It is also important that this system is cleaned every two years because of the possible danger of fire. This is also in addition to Mold growth opportunities in this area. As always, if you suspect any problems in the Washer / Dryer Area, call a licensed professional to check it out.
If you have questions, you can call us or visit our website.
