Use only 4” rigid metal ducting for the home exhaust duct. Use only 4” rigid metal or UL-listed flexible metal (semi-rigid or foil-type) duct to connect the dryer to the home exhaust duct.

Does a gas dryer need a special vent?

Gas dryers must always be vented.





When gas dryers are running, the combustion that takes place inside produces carbon monoxide, which must be vented either outdoors or into a suitable HVAC ventilation system. Most electric dryers also require venting to keep from blowing hot, moist air into the home.

What material should a dryer vent be made of?

Dryer venting tips and practices

Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). Do not use the plastic or vinyl. Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.

What can I use for a dryer vent?

You can use a 4-inch flexible aluminum foil duct that is UL 2158A listed and marked for safe dryer venting. Look for a product that is constructed from heavy duty, fire resistant aluminum foil with a high density, corrosion resistant wire helix. Remember that only ducts 8 feet or less can be UL listed and marked.

Can gas dryers use foil vents?





Like vinyl ducts, these ducts impede airflow and trap lint. Aluminum foil won’t burn, of course, but it will quickly disintegrate in a fire. Dryer manufacturers don’t recommend foil ducts and neither do we.

What is the best way to vent a gas dryer?

It’s best to route the dryer vent in a horizontal path to the home’s outside wall. All horizontal runs should pitch 1/4-inch per foot to the outside. This will help to avoid moisture from sitting in the pipe or draining back to the dryer.

Does a gas dryer need to be vented outside?

Warning. Since gas dryers produce carbon dioxide as a by-product of combustion, they should always be exhausted to the outside. Outside venting is also important to prevent the exhaustion of water vapor from damaging structures or causing mold and mildew growth.

Can I use galvanized pipe for dryer vent?

Dryer manufacturers recommend using rigid steel tubing for dryer vents. Both aluminum and galvanized steel work in these applications. Plastic and flexible tubing can be less efficient and can actually trap lint, which can decrease the dryer’s efficiency and can be a fire hazard.

Can PVC be used for dryer vent?



Dangers of PVC Pipe

PVC pipe’s sensitivity to heat is a big reason why it is not recommended for use in dryer vents. The exhaust from a clothes dryer can reach temperatures ranging from 120 degrees to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which could cause the pipe to soften and fail.

Are aluminum dryer vents safe?

Only rigid metal ducts, either aluminum or galvanized steel, are suitable for concealed dryer vent ducts that run inside floors, walls, and other areas before venting outside the home. Their smooth surfaces allow maximum air flow and resist lint accumulation, which contribute to fire safety.

What is code for a dryer vent?



The maximum length of a 4-inch (102 mm) diameter exhaust vent shall not exceed 35 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to wall or roof termination, and shall terminate with a full opening exhaust hood. A reduction in maximum length of 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-degree bend shall apply.

Can you vent a dryer upwards?

You can vent a dryer vertically as long as you don’t exceed a distance of 35 feet in length. The preferred way to vent a dryer is downward or laterally but vertically is indeed an option.

Is it better to vent a dryer up or down?

It’s fine for the dryer vent to rise vertically to enter the building ceiling, but within the ceiling the vent should slope downwards towards its exit point at the building exterior wall.

Can you vent a dryer into a bucket of water?

2: For dryers that are located in a place where venting to the outside is difficult, it’s OK to simply vent the dryer into a container of water.

What type of pipe is used for dryer vents?



That being said, we recommend using a smooth rigid metal duct to vent your dryer. Metal can withstand the heat generated by the dryer, and is will not accumulate dust and lint like plastic pipe. Aluminum duct is usually a safe bet, and it’s fairly inexpensive.

How do you vent a dryer without a vent outside?

How to Vent a Dryer Without a Vent to Outside

  1. Put Your Dryer Close to a Window.
  2. Purchase a Dryer Vent Kit. Dryer Vent Kits. Collect Your Supplies.
  3. Attach the Duct to Your Dryer.
  4. Check All the Seals.
  5. Put the Vent Out a Window.

Can you vent a gas dryer indoors?

Gas Dryers: You should never vent a gas dryer to the inside of your building. The biggest risk of venting a gas dryer to the inside is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is emitted when gas is combusted.

What happens if you can’t vent your dryer outside?



Improper venting of a dryer typically results in moisture being deposited in various areas of the room. Moist air serves as a breeding ground for mold-and-mildew when it condenses on different surfaces. You want to exhaust the warm air outside the home rather than indoors to properly vent your dryer.

How do you make a dryer vent?

How to Install a Dryer Vent

  1. STEP 1: Determine the path of the ventilation duct. …
  2. STEP 2: Open up a small, 4-1/4″ hole in the exterior wall. …
  3. STEP 3: Secure the dryer vent cap on the home exterior. …
  4. STEP 4: Cut and join duct sections to connect the vent opening to the dryer’s exhaust outlet. …
  5. STEP 5: Test your installation.

Can a dryer vent go straight out?

The good thing about going straight out the wall is that the vent is straight and as short as possible. It is unlikely that this vent system will ever clog. However regardless of how short the vent is you must clean it out once a year.

Why does my dryer vent keep falling off?

Most likely the dryer hose keeps falling off because it is not secured properly. Be sure the hose clamp is in the correct placement and is secured. If any damage is found with the hose clamps or the vent hose, replace them as soon as possible.