How to Install a Dryer Vent From the Basement
When a dryer is located in the basement, venting it is a little more involved than if it is on the first or second story of your home. You lose the ability to take the vent straight out the wall. Instead you have to run up the wall and out of the home through a ceiling joist space since the wall area is usually below grade in a basement. To successfully accomplish this task, you'll need some basic materials and a few tools that can be found at your local home improvement store. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- 4 1/4-inch hole saw
- Drill
- Dryer vent hood
- Screws
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
- Snips
- 4-inch galvanized sheet metal ducting
- 4-inch galvanized sheet metal elbows
- Pipe crimper
- 3-inch foil aluminum tape
- Gloves
Instructions
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Locate where you would like your dryer vent to penetrate the exterior wall of your home. Drill a 1/4-inch hole from the inside out to make a visible reference point on the outside of your home.
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2
Go outside and locate the hole. If it's in the correct location, cut a 4 1/4-inch hole with your hole saw.
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Insert the pipe stub of the vent hood into the hole and push the vent hood in until its tight against your home.
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4
Screw it on to your home with exterior wood screws. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the vent hood to make it weather tight.
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5
Go inside and install the sheet metal ducting from your dryer to the pipe stub. You should notice your pipe stub sticking through the exterior wall in the ceiling joist space. Connect the ducting together by inserting the crimped end of one piece into the crimped end of another piece. Secure the connection by wrapping 3-inch foil aluminum tape around the connection.
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6
Cut pipe lengths down as necessary with your snips to allow for shorter pieces. Crimp one end of the cut joint with your pipe crimper so it can be connected into the duct system. Use elbows where turns are needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the turns to a minimum in your dryer vent system. Each elbow adds resistance to the system and provides a possible place for lint to collect.
Don't use screws or pop rivets in the pipe connections. These will catch lint and possibly cause a fire.
Wear gloves when handling sheet metal ducting. The sharp edges can cause severe cuts.
References
- Timothy Gonyo; Sheet Metal Workers Local #18; Milwaukee, WI
