How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

Once a year is a common recommendation, and more often for large families, long duct runs, or pets. If clothes take more than one cycle to dry, don't wait.

How do I know my dryer vent is clogged?

Clothes that are still damp after a full cycle, a dryer or laundry room that feels hot, a burning smell, or lint around the outside vent are all warning signs.

Do you clean vents that go through the roof?

Only where I can reach them safely from the ground or a ladder. Steep roofs and tall vents are better left to a company with roof equipment.

What's the difference between flexible and rigid duct?

Flexible foil and vinyl duct traps lint more easily and crushes more readily. Rigid or semi-rigid metal duct moves air better. I'll replace damaged flex with a better option where the layout allows it.

Handyman service · Martinez, CA

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Martinez & Contra Costa County

Lint builds up in a dryer duct over years, and a clogged vent makes clothes take multiple cycles to dry, wastes energy, and is a known cause of dryer fires. I clean the vent from the dryer to the exterior hood with brushes and a vacuum, clear the hood, and replace damaged or crushed flexible duct. It's a quick job that's easy to forget about until the dryer stops working well.

Get a Quote Call 925-257-2685

Insured local handymanOne person, one phone number

Based in MartinezServing about 35 miles around

Quoted before I startSend photos for a quote

What's Included

Dryer duct cleaning from dryer to exterior vent hood
Exterior vent hood cleaning and bird or pest guard check
Lint trap housing cleaning
Replacement of crushed or kinked flexible duct
Reconnecting loose or disconnected duct
Vent hood replacement
Airflow check before and after
Notes on duct length and routing problems

Why dryer vent cleaning matters

A clogged vent traps heat and lint, which is both a fire hazard and a drain on your energy bill. A dryer that works harder to dry the same load wears out sooner too.

Common problems in Contra Costa homes

Long runs to a far wall, ducts crushed behind the dryer, and exterior hoods stuffed with lint or nests are the most common issues I see. Pulling the dryer out a few inches and checking the duct is often the quickest diagnosis.

Pricing

I price each job by the size of the work, access, and materials, and I quote before I start. Single-visit jobs like this stay well under California's $1,000 limit for unlicensed handyman work. Send a few photos and a short description for a quote.

When I'll Refer You to a Licensed Pro

I don't work on gas lines or gas dryer connections, and I don't go on steep or second-story roofs to clear roof vents. Ductwork inside walls, damaged beyond cleaning, or routed in a way that violates code should be assessed by a licensed contractor.

Bay Bilt is not a licensed contractor. Work is limited to jobs under $1,000 (labor and materials). Insured.

Related Repair Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Once a year is a common recommendation, and more often for large families, long duct runs, or pets. If clothes take more than one cycle to dry, don't wait.
: Clothes that are still damp after a full cycle, a dryer or laundry room that feels hot, a burning smell, or lint around the outside vent are all warning signs.
: Only where I can reach them safely from the ground or a ladder. Steep roofs and tall vents are better left to a company with roof equipment.
: Flexible foil and vinyl duct traps lint more easily and crushes more readily. Rigid or semi-rigid metal duct moves air better. I'll replace damaged flex with a better option where the layout allows it.

Get on the schedule

Need Dryer Vent Cleaning in Martinez or nearby?

Send a few photos and what you need done. I'll quote the job before I start.

Get a quote Call 925-257-2685