How to Fix a Clothes Dryer Vent
The dryer vent allows the dryer to expel moist air from the dryer. When the dryer vent is in need of repair, it can cause the dryer to take longer to dry your clothes. A damaged dryer vent could cause other long-term problems such as shortening the life of your dryer heating element. Replacing your dryer vent often is the best way to fix an exhaust problem and maintain the life of your dryer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- New dryer vent
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Putty knife
- Hammer
- Caulking gun
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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1
Unplug the clothes dryer from the wall outlet. Move the dryer away from the wall so that you can work behind it.
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2
Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp that secures the dryer duct to the outside dryer vent. Remove the dryer duct work from the vent. Remove the duct work from the dryer exhaust by loosening the clamp screw.
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3
Use a lint brush to remove lint and debris from the dryer exhaust. Clean the dryer duct work with the lint brush. Cleaning these parts now while you are replacing the outside dryer vent will help ensure good exhaust flow.
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4
Go outside and remove the clothes dryer vent from the wall. Use a screwdriver to remove the attaching screws and pull the vent straight out. If necessary, use a putty knife to break the caulking between the outside vent flange and the wall.
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5
Use a putty knife to clean the area around the perimeter of the vent hole. You want to mount the new dryer vent flush to the wall. Remove any debris that may be in the vent hole at this time.
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6
Insert the dryer vent into the wall and mark the attaching screw holes with a pencil. Use a drill to drill pilot holes for the attaching screws. If you are using wall anchors, make holes big enough to accommodate the anchor. Tap anchors in with a hammer after the holes have been drilled.
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7
Insert the new dryer vent into the wall and press it flush against the house. Secure the dryer vent to the wall using the attaching screws.
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8
Using a caulking gun, run a bead of silicone caulk between the dryer vent flange and the house. This will prevent water from leaking between the wall and vent during wet weather.
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9
Go inside and slip the dryer duct work over the new dryer vent pipe. Secure the duct work by tightening the clamp with a screwdriver. Plug the dryer back into the dryer outlet and push the dryer back against the wall.
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