Any recommendation on vent hose for dryer?
sarahwilliam
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
For some days my dryer’s ventilation system was not working properly so I did a check on the vent hose and found that hose is full of lint. It seems like it can’t be cleaned so I decided to replace it. Actually I am buying for the first time and have no idea about the best quality vent hose. So, I do what everyone does nowadays, taking the help of the internet and after reading some reviews over there I shortlisted these two: https://www.thereviewsinsider.com/best-dryer-vent-hose-for-tight-space/#2_Deflecto_Easy_Connecting_Dryer_Vent_For_a_Secure_Body and https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-in-x-8-ft-Flexible-Aluminum-Dryer-Vent-Duct-BTD48HD/203626496
Which one should last longer? Is there any other better option available?
Replies
Rigid duct is better, and really should be used, especially if you have a gas dryer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53VkkkWIqrQ
Make sure you examine the vent outlet. It needs to be clean. It might be time to replace it as well. pick one with a large free flow of air, and a flap to close the hole when the dryer is off.
You also can clean out the inside of the dryer while you have it away from the wall.
if the vent hose was clogged up, it is a good bet that the collection of lint is not limited to the hose.
Thank you so much for your help!
look at the back of the dryer drum inside, mine has small holes the air goes thru many were clogged. vacuum from the inside
Agreed with UncleMike, rigid ducting is better- smoother, so less flow resistance and somewhat less likely to collect lint AND much tougher, so resistant to damage when the time comes to clean it.
When installing the new ducting, try to design it for cleanability- take a look at a duct cleaning kit, so you'll know what you're dealing with. Keep in mind that code calls for a 4" duct and that you can't really stuff a 4" duct into a wall with 2x4 (actual 3-1/2") studs.
Consider using something like a DryerBox. Consider using 3 small duct screws on the joints- some say they'll collect lint, others (like me) think they'll hold the joints together under the stress of cleaning- a duct that comes apart inside a wall is a real problem.
I was looking at the Home Depot video, and one of the comments said that the duct should have cleanouts, another said that there were standards on how long a duct could be. I also saw an article on Family Handyman years ago which talked about putting in rigid duct for a dryer vent.
I'd like to replace my dryer flexible hose with rigid duct, but before I start I was wondering if there are instructions about cleanout openings and if there are any limitations on duct length.
https://www.nachi.org/dryer-vent-safety.htm
Or you can refer to a dryer installation manual (example below)
http://docs.alliancelaundry.com/tech_pdf/Production/D516902en.pdf see page 12
You always are better off if the dryer is against an outside wall and the dryer vents directly to the outside.
The length standards are important if your dryer is on an interior wall or in a basement, where you have to move the exhaust air a distance.
if the dryer is on the outside wall, it usually is a good idea to pull the dryer out, disconnect the vent and then clean it out. (and clean the dryer and perhaps the floor under it while you are at it)
I do not see any reference to installing pre-planned cleanout openings in literature. The goal is a smooth path of consistent diameter to an open exit.
If you have a very long run, it would likely be better to disconnect, clean, then put it back together. It is a good idea to consider how you will clean when planning the vent.
rigid ducting is by far the best! The straighter and less interference you have in air flow out is by far the best! I have been to way too many dryer causation of structure fires over the years! Off the subject matter! Please don't leave home with dryer running!
I agree w/the other postings on using smooth metal rigid venting to prevent dryer fires from lint accumulation.
Another fire safety comment is to not leave the clothes in the dryer after it shuts off or in a pile while still hot. If any of the clothing has been soiled with oils or grease, even with multiple washings, there is a combustible residue on the material. If the clothing is not separated to cool after drying, spontaneous combustion can occur and ignite the clothing.
as an example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXEXtcpGBHk
good luck & stay safe
Hmmm...if the dryer is working properly, the heating element(s) de-energizes some amount of time prior to the cycle end, to provide for cool down.
Glad to see another FF. I think we all work 2 jobs. My wife told me dryer sheets could cause fires so I stopped and thanks for the; not leaving clothes in dryer..i do laundry as my wife is still recovering from cancer surgery..so far so good!
Stay safe! I am at station today!
If hard pipe isn't an option, go with the heavier gauge semi-rigid flexible aluminum...