How to Install Venting for the Laundry

Map a route for the laundry vent from the dryer to the outside. The route should have the fewest turns possible for optimal operation. Measure the total length of the route to help determine the amount of pipe to purchase. Wear gloves while installing the pipe to avoid cuts.

Locate the position of the vent adapter to the outside. Cut a 3-inch hole through the wall and the siding. Insert the pipe on the vent adapter into the hole from the outside. Screw the vent adapter to the siding with galvanized, round head screws. Caulk around the vent adapter to close any openings between the vent adapter and the siding.

Install a 90 degree fitting on the dryer's vent opening. The crimps on pipes and fittings always point away from the dryer. Turn the fitting so the open end points in the direction of the planned vent route. Add sheet metal pipe and fittings to fill the route to the vent adapter.

Support pipes and fittings where necessary with metal strapping screwed to joists or wall studs. Cut sheet metal strapping to the length required with the sheet metal snips, screw one end to a joist, go around the pipe and screw the other end to the joist.

Cut pipes to length using the snips after measuring from the crimped end. Any pipe you cut off, becomes useless because it won't have a crimp in it. If you have a lot of pipe to run, you can buy a crimping tool to reduce waste.

Insert the last pipe into the vent adapter. Make any adjustments to the pipe run to make it as straight as possible. Seal all the joints with several wraps of foil duct tape.