How to Install a Dryer Vent

Whether it's a gas or electric dryer, installing the vent is a universal process. It does require some tools and the ability to measure accurately. Proper installation of a dryer vent is crucial because it keeps potentially harmful gases and fibers out of your house, sending them outdoors. Depending on your experience and skills, you should probably allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the job.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Power drill
• Hole saw
• Wood screws
• Caulking gun
• Hose clamps
• Level

Instructions

1. Determine where you want your dryer vent to be located and prepare to drill a hole in the wall. Be sure to check the location outside the house as well as inside to ensure it's not blocked by fence posts or shrubbery.

2. Drill a small pilot hole inside the house where the dryer vent will be located. To install the vent in a basement, drill through the wood sill plate located at the top of the foundation. If it's on a first or second floor, make sure there's nothing in the wall you're going to hit when you drill.

3. Go outside and cut a larger hole where the vent will be run using a 4 inch hole saw. The pilot hole you cut should be in the center of the 4 inch hole you're cutting now.

4. Attach the vent hood with wood screws and caulk around the pipe. The vent hood should have a piece of pipe about a foot long already attached to it.

5. Add 90-degree elbow pipe to the end of the vent pipe on the inside of the house. Then add another one where the exhaust comes out of the dryer. Connect the two elbows together with sections of straight vent pipe using large hose clamps.

6. Push the dryer into place and adjust the legs on the bottom to ensure it's level.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding foil tape over the hose clamps will help ensure a good seal.

• Avoid the plastic flexible hoses if possible and stick with aluminum pipe. The hoses can't support their own weight so they sag and the lint and fibers back up inside the hose.