FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Leak from a clothes dryer vent.

| Posted in General Discussion on August 13, 2000 06:22am

*
I live in a condo, the neighbors clothes dryer vent is routed through my garage (it is enclosed in a sheetrock ‘box’ about 1 1/2 foot square). It has recently stared dripping water, I assume from condensation, out of a nail hole. The paint covering the nail peeled away and the nail head is rusted, so the condensation has been effecting it for some time. How should I go about plugging this leak? Should I use some sort of caulking?

Reply

Replies

  1. Guest_ | Aug 06, 2000 12:53am | #1

    *
    The vent from a dryer has alot of moisture in it. That's the point of the dryer afterall.

    If the ductwork is cold, or if the air being vented is allowed to cool in this duct, it will lose some of it's moisture to condensation.

    I don't know what you can do to make the vent water tight. I'd opt for venting the dryer closer to the dryer and not running ductwork through your garage. If It must run there, maybe a lenght of Pipe instead of the typical duct would solve the problem. Water will still condense but at least it will have to leak out either outside or in your neighbor's house.

    Insulating this chase will also help to keep the vent temperature up and reduce condensation.

    Just brainstorming.

    1. Guest_ | Aug 06, 2000 01:15am | #2

      *Why bother trying to understand a problem caused by a neighbour's dryer vent when you live in a condo?Don't you have a condo association?That's why you pay condo fees, isn't it?Call them and tell them they have a problem and it's dripping in your garage and let them fix it at their expense.As Ryan has indicated, condensation is the culprit and because of poor installation, the exhaust pipe is probably level or more likely, sagging and water from the condensation is laying there seeping into your garage.So, let your fingers do the walking and pass the problem onto the proper channels.Gabe

      1. Guest_ | Aug 06, 2000 03:16am | #3

        *Sounds like maybe the nail has pierced the dryer duct. Either way, some Sheetrock tear-out and other repairs are in order for a real fix. If your condo-assoc. doesn't cover it, go hire someone.Or, pull the nail, and caulk it if you like, but generally yor're in the wrong place for recommendations for bubble-gum and duct tape fixes.

        1. Guest_ | Aug 07, 2000 03:31am | #4

          *If your neighbour's dryer is venting through your garage, just how long is that pipe anyway?? It's gotta be 15 - 20 ft, plus a couple of right angles. Manufacturers suggest that you keep dryer length to an absolute minimum, with fewest angles possible. (Even more crucial if it's a gas dryer). I'd be asking for someone to re-route it. Do they clean their dryer regularly. If they don't, and there's a dryer fire, well, seems to me it's gonna come your direction. Plus your neighbour is paying extra charges, as that long an exhaust pipe is really inefficient. Ask them how long it's taking to dry a load of clothes -- more than an hour, I'll bet. Half an hour is ideal.

  2. Stray_ | Aug 11, 2000 03:25pm | #5

    *
    curious as to why it would be more crucial with a gas dryer to keep venting distance shorter (I'm about ready to vent my new gas dryer this weekend, but it won't be going more that 6'). Is this to insure exhaust of combusted fuel vapors?

  3. bob_anderson | Aug 13, 2000 06:22am | #6

    *
    I live in a condo, the neighbors clothes dryer vent is routed through my garage (it is enclosed in a sheetrock 'box' about 1 1/2 foot square). It has recently stared dripping water, I assume from condensation, out of a nail hole. The paint covering the nail peeled away and the nail head is rusted, so the condensation has been effecting it for some time. How should I go about plugging this leak? Should I use some sort of caulking?

  4. Guest_ | Aug 13, 2000 06:22am | #7

    *
    I'm just an amateur who reads a lot, but, yes, your pipe is exhausting combustion products. We just installed gas dryer, love it, but we changed the run to shorten it (a 45 angle instead of two 90s) and also sealed the joints with tape.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in