How do I Replace a Dryer Vent Going Into a Wall?
The dryer exhaust goes through your dryer duct hose and outside of the home through the dryer vent. Old dryer vents become rusty or blocked due to age and moisture. When this happens, the dryer must work harder to dry your clothes. Replacing a dryer vent going into a wall requires disconnecting the dryer hose from the vent. Replacement dryer vents are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores. Replacing a faulty dryer vent helps to prolong the life of your dryer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Replacement outside dryer vent
- Pencil
- Drill with bits
- Silicone caulk
- Caulking gun
Instructions
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1
Pull the dryer away from the wall so you can access the back of the outside dryer vent. Loosen the screws securing the clamp that holds the dryer duct hose to the outside vent pipe with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the dryer duct hose away from the vent pipe.
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2
Remove the screws securing the dryer vent to the outside wall with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Score along the outside perimeter of the vent where it meets the house with a utility knife. This scoring cuts through the caulk that seals the vent to the wall.
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3
Pull the dryer vent away from the wall. Clean the area where the dryer vent installs against the wall with a putty knife to remove any residual caulk.
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4
Insert the new dryer vent into the wall and mark the mounting holes onto the wall with a pencil. Pull the dryer vent out of the wall and drill the pilot holes for the new screws at your marks with a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the screws.
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5
Insert the dryer vent into the wall and secure the vent with the retaining screws. Apply a 1/8-inch bead of silicone caulk around the outside perimeter of the vent where it meets the wall with a caulking gun.
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6
Place the dryer duct hose over the pipe of the new dryer vent inside. Secure the hose to the dryer vent with the hose clamp. Tighten the screw on the hose clamp with the Phillips-head screwdriver, and push the dryer back into its working position.
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Tips & Warnings
If mounting to brick rather than wood, use plastic anchors for the screws.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
