Home Garden

DIY Dryer Vent Duct

When you purchase a dryer, it is important that you install the proper venting system. Venting the dryer so that the exhaust exits the house carries the lint out. Otherwise, you will have lint all over everything in close proximity to the dryer. Failing to install a proper vent for your dryer can also pose a fire hazard. An added benefit to venting the dryer properly is that it helps your clothing dry faster. The average do-it-yourselfer can complete the job in two hours or less depending on the type of wall you have to go through for the installation.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety glasses
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Drill bit set
  • 4-1/4-inch hole saw
  • Chisel (concrete walls)
  • Hammer (concrete walls)
  • Tin snips
  • Gloves
  • 4-inch duct pipe
  • 4-inch duct cap
  • 4-inch flexible duct tubing
  • Drywall screws
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Caulk
  • Caulk gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length from the vent opening on the back of the dryer to the point where it will exit the house using a tape measure. This will determine the length of the tubing needed to connect to the exit duct.

    • 2

      Drill a test hole at the point where the duct will exit the home using a drill and a 1/4-inch bit. Use a masonry bit if you are going through concrete and make sure the bit is long enough to go through the entire thickness of the wall.

    • 3

      Locate the hole you drilled on the outside and make sure there are no obstructions. Clear away anything that might get in the way of the vent.

    • 4

      Cut a hole through the wall using the drill and a 4 1/4-inch hole saw once you know the area is clear. If you are going through concrete or brick, you will have to drill a series of holes and then cut out the opening using a hammer and chisel.

    • 5

      Measure the length of the hole through the wall with a tape measure to determine how long the exit pipe must be. Measure the exit duct using the tape measure and cut it to the proper length using the tin snips. Insert the exit duct into the wall from the outside. Install the vent cap onto the exit duct and secure it using drywall screws and a Phillips screwdriver. Caulk around the duct opening on the outside using a caulking gun to seal off any openings around the pipe.

    • 6

      Connect the duct pipe to the vent on the inside of the house. Secure the pipe to the vent using drywall screws and a Phillips screwdriver. Connect the other end of the duct pipe to the dryer and secure it using drywall screws and a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the dryer power cord into the electrical outlet.