clogged dryer vent - how do i get through it?

[mrwhirly]

ok - complete newbie here.  my first post, my first attempt at troubleshooting an appliance.  i am handy, however, so there is hope.

i'm attempting to clear out my dryer vent.  it vents up through the roof and i would estimate the run to be approx 15 to 18 feet with (best as i can tell) 1 90 degree turn just at the wall.  the vent is square galvanize metal (or maybe slightly rectangular).  it does seem to be a straight shot save for the 90 degree bend directly behind the wall connecting to the dryer side.

i've purchased a 20 foot dryer vent brush with a 4" brush.

my girlfriend got up on the roof, pulled the cap, and pulled out all she could reach.  a fair bit.

i pulled the dryer, pulled out the lint that was already spilling out - some wet - and began pushing the brush through.  it makes it maybe 10 feet and then won't budge any further.  same thing when she tries it from the roof - about 10 feet then it won't go any further.  we've pulled out the plumbing snake and snaked it up (and down) to try and break through the clog, but the snake is too flimsy and as soon as it meets any resistance it just doubles over instead of driving through.  we're stuck.

we got a fair bit out, but i'm concerned, obviously, then i can't push the brush all the way through.  we've got this far and i'd prefer not to have to call somebody in to finish the job.  any advise?

thanks!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE:  with a bit of exaspiration and force we were able to bust through it with a tape measure, then the plumbing snake, and finally broke fully through with the brush.  now, to see if that resolves the issue...

Thanks!

[dkpd1581]

Chances are you may have something very dead and stuck in there...your best bet is using a small heavy weighted object on a secure string and come in from the top and then pull it out the bottom.

Best of luck.

[ROBBYRIG]

I've adapted an electric leaf blower with 4" flexible dryer vent attached to it and blown from the inside out.  Works pretty good.