How to Hook Up a Dryer Vent

The best dryer in the world won't dry your clothes well if it isn't properly vented. Venting the dryer expels the warm, moist air outdoors, keeping it moving through the tumbling clothes and preventing lint buildup inside your laundry room. In many cases, you can vent the dryer yourself; however, if you have brick construction or a layout that requires a roof vent, you're better off to call a professional.

Dryer vent hose with metal clamp belt
External vent cap with duct attachment
Electronic stud finder
Drill
1/4-inch bit
Hole saw
Screwdriver
Duct tape
Caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug your dryer. Slide the metal belt clamp onto the dryer. Slide one end of the vent hose around the round vent duct coming off the dryer. Secure it with the belt clamp by turning the screw that tightens the clamp.
- 2
  Determine where you want to vent the dryer on the wall. If you're in a basement or utility room with unfinished walls, place it between two visible studs. If not, use a stud finder to find two studs, and mark between them. Either way, drill a hole through the wall to the exterior of the house.
- 3
  Outside, set the center bit from a hole saw into the drilled hole and bore out a bigger hole. Go all the way through the wall.
- 4
  Thread the duct extension of your vent cap through the hole. Push the vent cap flush against against the siding in the correct position (hole down, sealed-end up). Screw it to the siding with 1-inch screws. Caulk around the extension to seal it to the siding.
- 5
  Go back inside and thread the free end of the vent hose from your dryer into, or around, the outside of the duct extension from the vent cap (whichever way it fits). Secure it with duct tape. Caulk around the edge of the hole where the duct comes into the house.

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