How to Fix the Dryer Exhaust Vent Outside the Home
The dryer uses a duct hose or pipe that connects to the outside exhaust vent to remove moist air from the dryer. Over time the dryer exhaust vent works loose from the outside wall. You can fix the dryer exhaust vent outside the home without having to replace it with a new one. Often it's only a matter of reattaching the exhaust vent to the wall for a secure fit. You may need to disconnect the dryer from the exhaust vent to make repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Dryer lint brush
- Utility knife
- Nut driver
- Putty knife
- Spray silicone lubricant
- Drill
- Pencil
- Plastic anchors
- 2-inch wood screws
- Silicone caulk
- Caulking gun
Instructions
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1
Unplug the dryer's power cord from the dryer outlet. Pull the dryer away from the wall so you have access to the ductwork and outside vent connection.
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2
Loosen the clamp screw securing the dryer duct clamp over the inside pipe of the outside exhaust vent, using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the dryer duct off the exhaust vent and clean the inside of the pipe with a dryer lint brush.
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3
Go outside and use the utility knife to score the caulk around the perimeter of the exhaust vent where it meets the outside wall. Remove the screws securing the exhaust vent to the outside wall with a Phillips-head screwdriver or nut driver, depending on the screw head.
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4
Pull the exhaust vent away from the outside wall. Scrape caulk off the exhaust vent and outside wall, using the putty knife. Spray silicone lubricant on any moving louver parts, if you have an exhaust vent with louvers. Move the louvers up and down by hand to distribute the lubricant.
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5
Drill new mounting hole into the exhaust vent flange. The new holes should be at least an inch away from the previous holes.
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Insert the exhaust vent into the outside wall and mark the new mounting holes onto the wall with a pencil. Pull the exhaust vent out and drill new pilot holes into the outside wall to the depth of your new mounting screws. If the outside wall is brick or mortar, drill holes for plastic anchors with a bit the same diameter as the anchors.
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7
Push the plastic anchors into the pilot holes in the wall, if you're mounting to brick or mortar. Insert the exhaust vent into the outside wall, lining up the mounting holes with the pilot holes. Secure the exhaust vent to the wall with 2-inch wood screws.
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8
Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of the exhaust vent and inside the original mounting holes, using the caulking gun. Go back inside and slip the dryer duct over the exhaust vent pipe and tighten the duct clamp. Plug the power cord into the dryer outlet and slide the dryer back against the wall.
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