How to Work With Dryer Vent Pipe

Dryers produce warm, humid air. If this air is not exhausted to the exterior of the building, it will cause mold and mildew. Air is exhausted through dryer vent pipe. This is installed from the outlet of the dryer to the the dryer vent hood at the exterior wall of the building. It is fairly easy to work with dryer vent pipe when you have the appropriate tools.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch galvanized dryer vent pipe
• 4-inch galvanized dryer vent elbows
• Foil aluminum tape
• 4-inch metal pipe straps
• Tape measure
• Aviation snips
• Pipe crimper
• Work gloves

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Instructions

1. Measure the size and length of pipe needed from the dryer to the vent hood. Note how many elbows will be needed also. Most dryers use 4-inch galvanized pipe to vent them. Purchase the correct quantity of dryer vent pipe and elbows from your local home improvement store.

2. Lay your first section of pipe on the floor and snap the pipe together, starting at the crimped end. Snap it together by inserting the male part of the seam into the female part of the seam. Work it together down the length of the pipe. When you get about halfway, it should snap completely together on its own.

3. Install the pipe to the vent hood, starting at the dryer. The crimped ends of the pipe should always face toward the vent hood when being installed. The pipe is installed by sliding the crimped end into the non-crimped end about 1 1/2 inches. Tape the seam with foil aluminum tape.

4. Continue snapping the dryer vent pipe together and installing it until the dryer is connected up to the vent hood. Use elbows where needed and if you need a shorter piece of pipe than what came from the store, cut it with your aviation snips before snapping together. Crimp one end of the cut piece with your pipe crimper so you can connect it with the next piece.

5. Secure all dryer vent pipe with 4-inch metal pipe straps at least every 3 or 4 feet. This will prevent it from coming apart over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use screws to secure the joints of pipe together. Dryer vent lint can get caught on the screws and cause a possible fire.

• Dryer vent pipe is extremely sharp. Wear work gloves when handling the pipe.

References

• Oneida Air Systems: Ductwork Design and Installation Guide