Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Dryer heats but won't dry

Hi
You probably hate another dryer question. Sorry
In a rental property, my tenant complains the dryer takes too long to dry towels etc. I had the condo assoc check the vent and they said its OK. It seems to blow great heat. Hose is not crinked. I ran my shop vac into the vent and it blew great. No heat or humidity buildup in laundry room so I think its venting OK.
I am suspicous that she doesn't clean the lint filter every time but she swears she does.
Is the element supposed to cycle? I ran it for 20 minutes and noticed it comes on then shuts down and repeats.
Any troubles shooting ideas?

Typically, when a dryer takes too long to dry there is a venting problem. Sometimes it is an indication that the heating element or thermostat is going bad. Too, if it's a gas heater, something could be going on that is causing the gas to prematurely shut off.

Failure to clean lint trap can increase drying time. Overloading dryer can also extend drying time.

With a full load our dryer seems to take 3-4 (depending on load size) full 80minute on high heat cycles. No crinkles in hose from dryer to wall. I removed it today and there was buildup in there (small sections were WET) so I cleaned it out. Our hose runs into the wall to a 90degree bend and then straight upto my roof. There was also build up in there. Which I was only able to clean out the first 2 feet or so by hand and used a small matress air pump to blow as much as I could loose and let "drain" back down so I could clear the passage way. Do they make a tool for the DIY'r to clean out this tube? I went into my attic and the tube is sealed until it hit the top of my roof...any suggestions? Much thanks!!

Hello: Fast.Shark

Go to any local appliance parts store and buy the dryer vent cleaning brush kit. Like a plumbing snake except the tool has a lint cleaning and clearing brush attachments designed specifically for the intended purpose. Works everytime for anyone whom using it. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.

Cleaning and/or clearing the venting system is likely to resolve the problem but will need to be done at least twice a year with any venting pipe going vertically straight upwards for almost any amount of footage.

Check the entire venting system. This also includes the exhaust vent hood outside. It has a flapper that may not be opening fully or not at all. Locate any restriction within the entire exhaust system and clean out all lint. Replace exhaust vent tubing as needed or if needed.

Maximum Exhaust Vent Lengths:
4 Inch Rigid Metal Ducting with 4 Inch Vent Hood.
#of elbows:
0 elbows...44 feet
1 elbow....34 feet
2 elbows..26 feet
3 elbows..20 feet

Above With 2 Inch Vent Hood:
0 elbows...34 feet
1 elbow....26 feet
2 elbows..20 feet
3 elbows..14 feet

Maximum Exhaust Vent Lengths:
4 Inch Flexible Metal Ducting with 4 Inch Vent Hood.
0 elbows...24 feet
1 elbow....20 feet
2 elbows..16 feet
3 elbows..12 feet

Above With 2 Inch Vent Hood:
0 elbows...20 feet
1 elbow....16 feet
2 elbows..12 feet
3 elbows....8 feet

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