How to Fix a Dryer Vent in the Middle of the House

Identify the shortest route from the rear of your dryer to the outside air. In some cases, the shortest route will lead to an exterior wall. In others, it may lead to the roof. Map out the route so that the vent has a clear path and contains as few turns as possible. Use your tape measure to calculate the distance covered by the route you have chosen, and add 5 feet of length for each elbow you install. This is the approximate effect of turns on the efficiency of the vent.

Install a 4-inch diameter metal duct elbow onto the vent fitting at the back of your dryer. Slip a large hose clamp over the elbow and use your screwdriver to fasten it and the elbow in place. Wrap the joint with two layers of duct tape to seal it.

Build your dryer venting system out of 4-inch-diameter metal ducts and elbows. Lay out the path of your vent without making all the attachments first, then once it is clear that the route works, fasten everything together. Insert one piece into the next and seal every joint with duct tape. Use your metal snips to cut and fit each piece as needed.

Fasten the vent to the wall, floor and ceiling as needed with strips of metal pipe strap. Cut the strips to the appropriate length with your metal snips, make a pilot hole with your power drill, and use your screwdriver to fasten the strip and the duct to the surface.

Make a hole in the wall or roof for your dryer vent to pass through. Use a power drill to make a pilot hole through the wall or roof in the location where your vent cap will stand. Move to the outside of the wall and change to a 4 1/4-inch hole cutter bit. Line the center of the bit up with the pilot hole and cut. If you are venting through a wall, slide the vent cap into the hole. If you are venting through the roof, slide a special roof vent cap into the hole.

Screw the vent cap to outside of the wall. Apply silicone sealer around the flashing attached to your roof vent cap on both the inside and outside of the opening. Attach the dryer vent to the vent cap on the inside of the wall. Use a hose clamp and duct tape to seal the joint. Test the dryer.