Installing a Dryer Vent

Plan Ahead

Lay out the shortest and most direct route for the dryer vent. Make a list of the materials needed and the necessary length of the ducting. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum length of the duct, depending on which type of ducting you use. For each elbow you plan to use, you have to subtract 4 to 10 feet from the maximum duct length. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, because installation can vary from model to model. Some building codes say 25 feet is the maximum ducting length, subtracting 5 feet for each elbow.

Install the Wall Vent

Measure first, and then try drilling a pilot hole before you get too committed to a certain location. After drilling the pilot hole, check that the wider final hole (4 1/2 inches wide) won't cut through a stud, joist, or sill plate.

You will need to drill a 4 1/2-inch-diameter hole in the side of the house. This is easiest to drill with a large hole saw, unless it is a stucco wall, in which case you can use a series of small holes to outline the opening for the duct and then break it out. If you don't have a hole saw, you can also make this cut-out with a reciprocating saw or jigsaw.

After cutting the hole, the vent tailpiece is inserted into the hole from the outside, and it is screwed in place and sealed with exterior caulk. 

Measure and Cut Vent Tubing

Measure the distance from the dryer to the vent. Set up any elbows or bends and get your measurements. If you are using rigid ducting, you will want to measure first and cut it to size before connecting the seams. Take care when handling rigid ducting, because it is very sharp—especially after being cut. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Once the ducting is cut to size, align the seams by starting from one end and pushing both sides down and in, forcing them together.

Connect the Duct

If you are using aluminum flex ducting, use a piece of pipe to roll the rounded edges of the flex on the concrete. This will flatten the ends, so it is easy to slide them onto both the dryer vent tailpiece and the wall vent. Once the ducting is in position, you can use clamps to tighten both ends. If you are using rigid ducting, use aluminum tape to fasten it to the vent outlet and dryer tailpiece. If there are long runs of ducting, make sure to strap the duct to the wall or ceiling joists for support; don’t count on the seam tape holding the weight of the ducting.

Test the Dryer

Double check to make sure that the ducting did not become kinked or disconnected when the dryer was pushed into position. Run the dryer and make sure that the joints are all connected and that the duct louvers open up on the outside of the house.