There are countless dryer vent-related DIY projects, but one question has baffled most of us for a while, which is, “How to Install a Dryer Vent Hose.”
Here we will dive into one of the most popular but underrated DIY projects for dryer vent enthusiasts. Of course, a dryer vent is an essential component for home dryers since it directs the humid air out of the house through exhausts and prevents them from mixing with harmful gases or causing internal structural damage.
Though replacing a dryer vent pipe may appear complicated, it is relatively simple if you know what to do. Here are the steps from the perspective of a professional dryer vent cleaner that will help you install a dryer vent hose.
There are multiple types of dryer vent hoses in use and you may use the right one that suits your needs perfectly. Each dryer vent hose has its own special use and application.
To simplify the dryer vent hose installation process, we have included step-by-step methods for installing each hose type.
1. 5 Steps to Install Flexible Dryer Vent Hose
Flexible dryer vent hoses are among the most widely used across households. The flexibility it offers has been shown to cause its popularity to rise.
With more households looking for more portable dryer systems, flexible hoses have always been the go-to choice.
Let us now provide you with a step-by-step guide on how you can install a flexible hose for your dryer vent.
STEP 1: Measurements
Before you start any installation processes, it is crucial to take measurements of the area. Measure the length between the exhaust vent of the dryer and the cap of the vent hood with a tape measure.
Make a note of the measurement for further use.
STEP 2: Mark the area to be cut
Place vent hose on a flat surface and, if required, expand it. Then, with a measuring tape, determine a quantity of hose similar to your previous measurement, and apply a tiny amount of tape to the area.
STEP 3: Cut the Hose
Cut through the marked region using a pair of tin or aircraft snips until your hose is separated into two parts. When cutting, make sure you use thick working gloves for safety.
STEP 4: Connecting the hose
Place one side of your hose over the port of the exhaust. Using a foil tape piece or a clamp of the dryer tube, secure the hose in its place. Then, attach the other end over the vent hood’s cap extension with a foil tape or clamp of the tube.
- Cover the connecting seams adequately with wrapping tape to use foil tape.
- To utilize a tube clamp, loosen it by unscrewing it. Then it should be slipped onto the hose, lined up over the connecting seam, and then tightened again.
STEP 5: Securing the vent hose
Check for kinks and bends in the dryer exhaust pipe. Then, using screws and pipe straps, secure it to the wall. Use one pipe strap for every 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of the hose.
2.Semi-Rigid Dryer Vent Hose Installation Process
Semi-rigid dryer vent hose isn’t as flexible but their use has been popularized among experts.
Their structure gives very little bend and this is due to their interior which has to remain as smooth as possible.
This internal structure allows for the lowest amount of lint accumulation that prolongs the maintenance period. Let’s take a look at how you could install semi-rigid dryer vent hoses.
STEP 1: Measurements
Ascertain the distance between the dryer’s exhaust vent and the vent hood using a measuring tape. To account for any curves or bends, measure the route as though the hose was already constructed.
Make a note of the measurement for further use.
STEP 2: Flattening the Hose
Take a section of hose that hasn’t been joined yet, so it appears more like a sheet than a pipe. Next, place it on a flat surface, such as a wooden table.
Then, to make the hose simpler to operate, flatten it using your hands.
STEP 3: Identify the area to cut
Measure the same length of hose as the previous measure. Then, using a Sharpie or a piece of tape, mark the spot. Make multiple markings around the hose to make cutting simpler.
Mark the length you will require for the area you will cut if you assemble your vent with various components.
STEP 4: Cut the hose
Wear thick working gloves to keep yourself safe from the edges of the pipe and the blade before you start cutting. Then, carefully cut through the specified region on the hose with a pair of aircraft or tin snips.
STEP 5: Secure the connection
You can quickly assemble vent hoses since they have minimal seams at the edges. Simply squeeze the seams against one other until they snap together, then press down on the hose to lock them.
This should be done around the vent piece.
3. Installation of Rigid/Periscopic Dryer Vent Hose
Rigid dryer vent hoses allow for compact dryer installations. They are usually smaller and have no room for flexibility.
It is often seen in the form of rigid steel pipes or periscopic dryer vent hoses.
They need assembly before installation and are probably the best option for those who want to drastically reduce the amount of maintenance dryer vents usually need.
Let’s jump right into how you could install rigid/periscopic dryer vent hoses.
STEP 1: Assembly
Unless you are using a single vent tubing, you’ll have to put everything together, considering the fact that periscopic dryer vent hoses may need assembly. For proper assembly, refer to the instructions on the packaging before moving on.
Next, slide the crimped end of one elbow piece into the hose.
The transition hose between your dryer and the wall outlet should be made of aluminum. The glue will break over time if the dryer exhaust cannot withstand the heat, resulting in leakage.
If you’re connecting numerous hose segments, use an aluminum duct connection to link them.
The vent may also fall apart during future maintenance cleaning. Wrap foil tape around the connecting seams of the joint parts to keep them together.
STEP 2: Connect the Hose with The Dryer
If required, move your dryer out of the way and slip the hose’s bottom end, or the piece of the lower elbow, over the exhaust portion of the rear dryer. If the seam appears to be slack, use foil tape or a hose clamp to fix it.
- If you’re using foil tape, just wrap it around the connecting seam.
- If you’re using a tube clamp, unscrew it to loosen it up. Then, put it on the hose and tighten it after making sure it’s lined up with the connecting seam.
STEP 3: Attach vent hood and the hose
Slide the hose’s upper elbow piece, or the top of the hose, over the extension of the cap of the vent hood. To keep the seam from falling out, use (foil ) tape or a (hose) clamp to secure it.
STEP 4: Secure the vent hose
Ensure that foil tape is there on the seams and properly covered once the dryer vent pipe is joined. The dryer vent should then be pressed against the wall and secured with simple screws and pipe straps.
Use one pipe strap for each 6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 cm) of the hose for safety.
Final Thoughts
All three methods are professional solutions that can help you install your dryer vent hose perfectly and effectively. You can use these methods in installing either a flexible dryer vent hose or a rigid one.
However, you can choose any method according to the ease and nature of your dryer vent.
