How to Replace Rusted Dryer Vents
Dryer vents exhaust warm, humid air from the dryer to outside your home. They also exhaust small amounts of lint from your clothing. Dryer vents are installed either with galvanized metal duct or aluminum duct. The galvanized metal duct tends to wear out and rust through more quickly than aluminum. The moisture in the warm, humid dryer exhaust contributes to the decline of the galvanized duct. Usually when galvanized duct needs to be replaced, it is recommended to use aluminum duct for a longer lasting dryer vent. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Cordless drill
- 4-inch aluminum duct
- 4-inch aluminum elbows
- Aviation snips
- Pipe crimper
- 3-inch foil aluminum tape
Instructions
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1
Turn off power to the dryer and unplug it from the outlet. This will prevent an accidental start-up while working near the dryer.
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2
Disconnect the existing dryer vent duct. Most vent ducts are either taped (preferred method) or pop-riveted together. To disconnect the duct, simply cut around the joint with a utility knife if it is taped together or drill out the pop rivets with a 1/8-inch drill bit if it is riveted together. The joints should slide apart easily.
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3
Measure the distance from the dryer outlet to the dryer vent exhaust hood and purchase enough aluminum duct and elbows to complete the job. Depending on how the old dryer vent duct was installed, you may be able to go off the measurements of those pieces.
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4
Start at the dryer and install the aluminum duct. Connect it by sliding the non-crimped end of the duct over the crimped end of the duct. The crimped ends of the duct should always point toward the dryer vent exhaust hood. Secure the joints together with 3-inch foil aluminum tape.
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5
Cut down the aluminum duct as necessary and use the pipe crimper to crimp one end of the cut piece to connect shorter pieces of duct. Use elbows where turns are needed.
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6
Secure the dryer vent duct in place with pipe strapping and nails or screws.
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Tips & Warnings
Take the dryer vent duct apart yearly and clean out all the lint and debris. If the duct isn't regularly cleaned, it may fill with lint and possibly cause a fire.
Keep all combustible objects away from the dryer and dryer venting. Both can get hot during operation and may cause a fire if combustible objects are placed too close to them.
