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Discussion Forum

How to hang dryer vent?

tab1 | Posted in General Discussion on December 2, 2008 04:55am

When running dryer vent horizontally between 2 floor joists do you simply hang it with some wire? Pull it tight to a joist and slope it a bit?

Thanks.

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Replies

  1. Dave45 | Dec 02, 2008 05:41pm | #1

    A little slope would probably be good - especially if the "flapper" at the wall is exposed to much rain or wind.

  2. BryanSayer | Dec 02, 2008 10:05pm | #2

    Just don't allow the slope to change more than once. Say you have to go up to get into the joist space, and then down slightly to get to the flap. That is ok. But don't go back up, you will create a 'trap' where moisture will collect.

    I use the plastic strapping that plumbers use.

    1. tab1 | Dec 03, 2008 10:21am | #3

      Will do.
      Thanks.

    2. User avater
      popawheelie | Dec 04, 2008 03:15am | #10

      I have a vent that I have to elevate in the middle. It has water in it. PVC pipe though.

      The HVAC guys let it sag in the middle.

  3. User avater
    JDRHI | Dec 03, 2008 05:34pm | #4

    From your descriptive question, it sounds to me as though you are considering using a flexible (vinyl?) duct to exhaust your dryer.

    I would recomend.....and if you are considering closing the ceiling, insist....that you use ridgid vent pipe with a slight pitch to the exterior.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

     

     

     


  4. User avater
    rjw | Dec 03, 2008 06:16pm | #5

    What JD said.

    Even if you aren't closing the ceiling - all of the ridges in any flexible vent will cause a lot of air turbulence and your dryer will have to run longer and cost more $$ than if you yous smooth wall.

    Minimize turns and length, as well. Rule of thumb - length less than 20', and each right angle = 5'


    "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

    Howard Thurman



    Edited 12/3/2008 10:17 am ET by rjw

  5. FastEddie | Dec 03, 2008 11:12pm | #6

    Strap it to some cheap fence boards.

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  6. JTC1 | Dec 04, 2008 01:01am | #7

    What BryanSayer said re: slope.

    Rigid aluminum pipe with aluminum HVAC tape at the joints. Seam in pipe sections goes on top and is also taped with same tape.  All joints face away from the dryer, i.e , for every section of pipe or fitting, the crimped end is on the end farthest from the dryer.

    I use that woven plastic webbing for heat ducts to secure. The stuff which is ~1-1/2" wide.

    You did not mention gas or electric dryer.  The installation which I described is legal here for either gas or electric.

    I would not even consider putting the flexible vent inside of a wall or enclosed ceiling.

    Jim

     

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
    1. tab1 | Dec 04, 2008 02:46am | #8

      I never considered using flexible duct, and had planned on sloping it, as suggested. Really, my only question was how to hang it--as the title suggested. <g> Mostly wondered if you tend to hang it from the ceiling or from the side of the joists, and what you typically use to do that. I've not seen the woven webbing. Will look for it.Thanks again.

      1. JTC1 | Dec 04, 2008 07:40am | #13

        The woven webbing looks like a heavier version of the stuff used for lawn chairs.

        Available locally at BB stores and HVAC supply houses.  Comes in a 50' or so roll for about $6 - 7 at BB store. Handy, you will find uses for any leftovers.

        JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

      2. VTNorm | Dec 04, 2008 03:32pm | #15

        I use the side of joists and the plastic strapping for hanging pipes, comes in rolls and can be found in the plumbing section of the big box or hardware stores.

        I've screwed to basement ceilings before and the last time I did it the 'too long' drywall screw went thru the extra thin subfloor in a 70's ranch, the layer of carpeting on top wasn't enough...HO found it with their bare foot. Always the side of joists now.

        -Norm

         

         

    2. rasconc | Dec 04, 2008 02:47am | #9

      Also no screws into pipe.  (not that you advocated it)For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

      1. JTC1 | Dec 04, 2008 07:41am | #14

        >> no screws <<

        Right you are!

        I talked about taping the joints but never mentioned that screws were a no-no.

        JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

  7. MSA1 | Dec 04, 2008 04:27am | #11

    Code around my area says, rigid pipe assembled with metal tape, no screws.

    The screws give lint a place to congregate.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

    1. User avater
      JDRHI | Dec 04, 2008 07:01am | #12

      The screws give lint a place to congregate.

      That explains much.

      Now to figure out how those screws got into my bellybutton.....and better yet....how to get 'em out.

      J. D. Reynolds

      Home Improvements

       

       

       

  8. User avater
    Matt | Dec 04, 2008 03:44pm | #16

    Here is a rule of thumb a mechanical inspector taught me:  Metal pipe = metal strapping.  Plastic flex pipe = plastic strapping.  BTW - dryer vent must be metal pipe, and I'm pretty sure wire wouldn't be acceptable as strapping.

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