How to Install a Dryer Vent

Installing a dryer vent is rather straightforward and effortless merchandise for your do-it-yourselfer. Before purchasing materials or making some programs, remember the more straightforward, shorter and not as restrictive you can produce the run of port tubing, the quicker your clothes will dry.

Shorter working time also suggests that the dryer must operate less and that there'll be less wear on your clothing. Also, remember that lint build-up may result in security problems, and that means you wish to put in the sterile port, so it's serviceable for cleaning outside lint.

Install a Dryer Vent

If you're merely linking a new dryer at precisely the same place as the prior one, it might be just a matter of relating the new appliance to ventilation that is already set up.

To get a new port installment, however, you have a little more work and likely to perform. Check the manufacturer's directions before you choose which kind of ducting to utilize. By way of instance, the usage of flex ducting isn't suggested for use with a few sprays.

Whether you are installing a new port or updating a current one, the very first step in establishing drier vents would be to ascertain in which the dryer duct is going to operate. This is sometimes a small challenge. Bear in mind that these rules. The shorter space and fewer ends that the greater.


Duct and subtract 5 ft. for every single 90-degree twist and 2.5 ft for every 45-degree turn. By way of instance, a dryer using a 90-degree elbow in the exhaust port and the other in the peak of the basement wall may run a max of 15 ft. Dryer manufacturers' recommendations, so if you need to produce a longer streak, read the operator's manual. If you can, place your drier along an outside wall to maintain the vent as brief as possible.

Measure the vent route

Pick the most direct path to your port with the fewest potential twists. Assess the period of this run, notice the springs, then purchase the tubing required. If everything seems good outdoors, go back indoors, mark the port place, and plan the drier path. Purchase enough direct duct and fittings to complete the task, such as an outside cap.

Dryer Vent

Installation techniques – outdoors

Drill a pilot hole so that you can see precisely where the port goes outdoors (Photo 2). If the gap is a small low or so the cap does not sit in the very best place on the siding, then it isn't too late to correct it. When it's wrong, it is simple to fill out the gap and start over on another site. If you are cutting through a completed wall, then open up a little section and search for wiring, ductwork and other dangers before drilling.


Take your own time. A bimetal hole saw is most straightforward to use, as it is going to chew through a heated nail with no dulling and cut through aluminum or vinyl siding. Do not lock the trigger. Pull the saw out regularly to help keep it more relaxed and reduce binding then go back in the hole. Deep, which means you are going to need to stop and push the layers of siding and sheathing or straight out a part of this framing until you cut through.

Following the hole is completed, slide the port cap, square it from the siding, and attach it and then simmer it (Photo 6). Twist the cap evenly if a single corner is smaller compared to others, the port flapper will not seal. Vent caps using one flap and a massive hood (Photo 6) work the best, but if you'd like a lower profile, then you may use a cap which includes several thinner flaps. But was it more frequently; the folds snare more lint?

Watch How to Install a Dryer Vent

Vent installation – indoors

It is possible to use the plastic trim ring (as well as the port cap) for a neater look.
Now you are prepared to operate the dryer duct from the dryer into the port cap. Push the elbow on the dryer and the top angle on the port cap, then measure the distance between both, such as the overlap at each end. Cut, tape and assemble the right pieces.


Elbows may be twisted to form any angle, and with just two or three of these, you can usually snake your way round any obstacle.


You always have the option to alter the drier slightly if you reduce the last part somewhat long or short. But, orientation is crucial when linking segments end to end. The crimped end continually slides to the fitting over that the tube flows smoothly from 1 section into another.


Push the last elbow to the right piece that is linked to the cap. Since the bits are going to be at a small angle to one another, you might want to fuse to create the crimped end slide properly.


Do not rely on tape to maintain the dryer duct segments collectively over time that the glue will dry out and lose its stickiness. This is particularly true of a standard plastic or cloth duct tape. However, any port runs more than a couple feet will probably need more lasting support. Strap into the ceiling or wall framing with vinyl or metallic pipe strap to keep it inflexible and hold it together for the long term.


In the end, plug the drier inside, turn it on and assess out to be certain that the vent flap is still opening.


A note on cleansing: Lint accumulation reduces dryer performance, which means garments take more to dry. Assess the vent cap often and brush lint. One or more times every year, then snake a vacuum hose to the dryer duct to wash it. Tapping on the dryer duct at the same time you do so can help knock lint that is stuck to the joints and sides. To prevent fires, vacuum from round toaster drums, motors and leftovers in the base of the cabinet.