Yes, mold can grow in a wet dryer vent. Mold is a type of fungi, and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions. Dryer vents need to be aired out so heat can escape and moisture can dry. If your dryer vents aren’t properly vented, the trapped heat and moisture will cause mold to grow, and the mold can spread to the dryer and even your clothes. Not only can this leave a musty smell on your freshly laundered clothes, but—more importantly—it also poses a health risk.

While a professional can always help, there are some common plumbing culprits you can check yourself to see if you can find the sewer gas smell. For example, you should check your water traps, sometimes called P-traps and S-traps, which are located under sink, shower, and laundry drains. The wax ring beneath the base of your toilet, which creates a watertight seal with the plumbing, could also have gone bad.

Professionals use specialized tools, such as high-powered vacuums and brushes, to clear lint and debris from the vent system, ensuring its safe and efficient operation.

You have two different types of air vents in your home: supply and return air vents. Your supply air vents are responsible for pushing air into your home. Meanwhile, return air vents draw warmer air back into the ductwork to condition it by removing the warm molecules from it. Both types of vents are necessary to a working HVAC system and a comfortable home.