Thread: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

Today I had the pleasure of inspecting a newer home with flex-duct air ducts. The home had its air ducts cleaned and on the first floor I found 7 or of 10 ducts damaged at the registers. Needles to say the owner is not happy, was not happy and the company that did the cleaning is long gone!

It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.

Similar Threads:

• Vigorous chimney cleaning likely led to house fire - Flint Journal
• Exterior Installation of Gas Flex Line
• Aluminum duct at the water heater
• black flex gas line
• Flex Conduit

WE know why that duct cleaning business is long gone now don't we?

rick

I guess that explains the high heating bill and lack of heat.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.

Even when we tell them that will happen, they listen to the shysters who then convince the poor suckers ... er ... home owners that the ducts will not be damaged.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Today I had the pleasure of inspecting a newer home with flex-duct air ducts. The home had its air ducts cleaned and on the first floor I found 7 or of 10 ducts damaged at the registers. Needles to say the owner is not happy, was not happy and the company that did the cleaning is long gone!

It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.

SP: So then, am I to understand that you inspect the interior of air ducts during your usual inspection?

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

SP: So then, am I to understand that you inspect the interior of air ducts during your usual inspection?

You don't?

I look into floor registers and also wall or ceiling mounted air registers while looking over the room. You would be surprised at how many I find that are half attached, not attached, missing the duct altogether, or I find insulation in them. I'm only looking at the top or end of the duct. I do not scope the entire air duct.

Does not take that much longer. I do not get a ladder and open closed vents and if the cover is screwed down on the floor I don't remove it. Most floor covers are just sitting on top of the vent.

I agree with Scott, did it at every one.

All is takes is a couple of seconds and you Ultra Stinger flashlight.

I've found the ceiling boot not cut out, which meant the duct was not attached, and in an area where there was no access to the attic for me to see it in the attic or for the HVAC guys to fix it in the attic.

Like Scott, I've also see the things he mentioned.

I have not, however, seen duct destroyed by duct cleaning, I just knew it could / would happen. I now have seen just what I tried explaining to everyone, and I can now say that I KNOW it can happen (which seems to mean more than just stating common sense that something would happen).

I do the same as Scott and Jerry (did). I don't unscrew but do look inside and lift off as possible. It never ceases to amaze me how many boots are either poorly connected or not at all. I've saved many a client a lot of problems and probably myself as well.
I always turn the HVAC when I get to the house so it's running while I'm walking around. If I don't readily feel airflow, I start snooping.

Scott,

Can I use one of those photos (with a photo credit) to show what can happen?

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

Scott,

Can I use one of those photos (with a photo credit) to show what can happen?

You can use them all, just give me credit if you don't mind.

This is the same house and same vent in the first photo.

The ended up replacing 7 flex duct runs, each between 15-20 feet.

Cost the owner right at $1200 to have the work done!

SP will be asking for royalty fees next.

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

SP will be asking for royalty fees next.

Not a bad idea! It might help me pay for my Obamacare medical plan!

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Cost the owner right at $1200 to have the work done!

Plus the original cost of the duct tearing ... er ... I mean ... duct cleaning job.

I check all ducts at registers as well. Not only to look for duct issues, but I often see dead carpenter ants in them......

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

It might help me pay for my Obamacare medical plan!

Certainly cannot be any worse than the BushIdonotcare medical plan!