How Can I Attach the Dryer Vent to the Dryer & Get it to Stay?

Dryer vents are attached to the bottom outlet of the dryer so that the exhaust and lint can flow outdoors. If the vent is not sealed at junctions or where the vent attaches to the dryer, lint and exhaust will escape into the room.

Types

Dryer vents come in two styles. There is the aluminum or steel vent pipe and the plastic or foil vent hose. The vent hose is an accordion hose with ridges, and the pipe is straight with a smooth inside.

Tapes

Duct tape is sometimes used to secure the vent hose or pipe to the dryer vent outlet. But the duct tape may get hot, at which time the fiber outside of the tape will separate from the adhesive and fall off. Metal tape seals the connections and will hold up to the hot air that flows through the hose or pipe.

Sealing

Wherever there is a seam or junction, the metal tape should be wrapped around the seam. Duct tape should not be used because it is not meant to stand up to the heat that passes through the dryer vent pipe or hose.

References

• The Dryer Box: Dryer Venting Guidelines