Home Improvement

How to Install a Tumble Dryer Vent Yourself – Step-by-Step Guide

Fantastic Team
Published: Nov 30/2020
Last update: Jun 10/2024
6min read
Views: 8,044

If you are the happy owner of a vented tumble dryer, you probably know that it requires an outside vent. This tube-like attachment on the back of the dryer allows the appliance to expel the warm and moist air out of your house to the great outdoors. Once set up and maintained, the attachment should serve you well.

But do you know how to install a tumble dryer vent in the first place? Usually, we recommend that our clients seek professional help because the process is quite complicated and involves certain damage risks. However, if you are brave enough, we have prepared step-by-step dryer vent installation instructions.

Table of Contents:

Things to consider when installing a tumble dryer vent
Materials needed
How to install a tumble dryer vent through a wall

So, if you are:

A DIY enthusiast;
Wondering how to vent a tumble dryer through a wall;
Seeking a detailed installation guide.

Then this is your stop! Keep on reading.

Things to consider when installing a tumble dryer vent

#1. The location of your tumble dryer

When you choose a spot for your tumble dryer, you have to bear in mind that the air that is dragged from the dryer is warm and moist. If the excess air stays in the room, then it can contribute to mould growth. Or even worse, fire hazards. To identify the location properly, you need to remember the following things:

Choose an installation place that has an exterior wall and no prohibitions to drill a 10 cm hole;
Remember that the vent should be lifted at least 30 cm from the ground;
The ideal solution is to install the vent right behind your tumble dryer, so the hose will not fold or have any bends;
If you plan to install your tumble dryer in the basement, you can lift the vent up to the exterior wall and run it out the rim joist.

#2. The length of ducting

The length of the ducting will entirely depend on the location of your tumble dryer. It is recommended to think of the shortest possible route from the appliance to the outdoors. If the circumstances allow, choose a room where you won’t need to create a long path for the tubes to go outside.

When you plan the route of the duct, keep in mind all the twists and turns it has to take in order to reach the vent.

Don’t create a route more than 7 m long. If the ducting is too long, the excess air won’t leave the tubes as it should, creating condensation;
The ducting diameter shouldn’t be less than 10 cm, since it can influence the efficiency of your appliance;
To calculate the ducting length, simply measure the distance between the exhaust port of your tumble dryer and the vent exit hole;
For every 45° turn, subtract around 75 cm from the total length;
For every 90° turn, subtract 150 cm respectively.

#3. The material of the ducting

Because some of the materials, like plastic and vinyl, are flammable, it is recommended for the transition between the dryer and the wall vent to be an aluminium or foil type hose.

Keep in mind that most ducts made out of the soft materials are designed only for the transition ducting. This means that the invisible portion of the ducting that goes through the wall should be made from a rigid material.

Typically, these two parts are connected with metal clamps or aluminium foil tape. Don’t use rivets or screws to connect the joints, as they will encourage lint forming around them!

Materials needed

First things first, check if you have everything that you need for this small project. Here is a checklist of what you will need to install a tumble dryer vent.

Plastic to protect the area from the mess;
Marker;
Tape measure;
Level;
Drill with masonry drill bits or a holesaw;
Chisel and hammer;

Screws;
Dryer vent cover;
Transitional pipe between the duct and the vent cover;
Duct;
Hose clamps;
Sealant.

How to install a tumble dryer vent through a wall

Before you start working on the project, disconnect the appliance from the electricity supply!

Locate the area where you want to drill the exit hole from the inside. Here, you want to identify a spot, that will be:

at least 30 cm above the ground;
have access to the exterior;
doesn’t have any pipes or wires in the wall.

Remember to mirror the measurements on the outside, to be sure that the locations match from both sides.

Mark the area. Place the vent cover or duct on the wall and, with a help of the marker, draw a circle around the cover/duct. The circle should be 10 cm in diameter. Draw a centre mark.

Drill the centre of the marked area. Take your drill and drill through the wall, so you can locate the centre of the vent on the outside. Hold the drill steady when drilling, don’t lean on it.

Draw the vent exit hole on the outside. Once you drill through the wall, you will see a hole from the bit on the outside. Use it as a central point to draw another 10 cm circle.

Drill the holes along the diameter. Take your drill and, following the area that you have recently circled, make small holes. If you have a holesaw, then simply place it on the wall and start drilling.

Remove the core. If you use a holesaw bid, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just pull the drill out and the core will come with it. If you drilled the wall with a masonry bit then take the chisel and the hammer and knock the rest of the hole out. Clear out the hole afterwards.

Insert the vent. Connect the transitional pipe with the vent cover, and stick it to the wall. If the area seems too tight, clear it up additionally with the chisel.

Fix the vent with screws. Depending on your vent cover, you might find the screw holes on the corners or the sides of the cover. Using your drill, screw the cover to the wall. Don’t forget to use the level to screw it evenly.

Seal the vent. Going around the edges, seal the vent thoroughly. That way you prevent water from coming in or pests crawling inside your house.

Attach the hose to the tumble dryer. Following the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, install the hose.

Connect the duct to the transitional pipe. Slip the hose on the pipe. Using hose clamps, fix the tube tightly. Remember, the hose itself shouldn’t go inside the vent.

And, you are done!

But what if I hesitate to install the dryer vent myself?

In theory, tumble dryer vent installation sounds like a bearable DIY project that anyone can do. However, it can be far trickier than you think. If you don’t know the specifics of the procedure, you might stumble upon problems such as broken bricks, poor insulation, or even pests.

If you are hesitating to install the vent yourself, trust this puzzling procedure to professionals from Fantastic Services! The experienced handymen will not only install your tumble dryer vent with exceptional attention to detail, but will leave the premises as clean as if they had never been there. What are you waiting for? Get your tumble dryer installation now!

Need professional appliance installation help?

Check for available slots in your area.

Takeaways

When you choose a place for your vented tumble dryer, always remember that it requires an outside vent;
The vent is usually installed through a wall;
The hose shouldn’t be longer than 7 m;
Bends and folds in the hose can prevent the air from going out, resulting in condensation;
Do not use ducts made out of plastic materials, as often they become a reason for fires;
When working, always disconnect your appliance from the electricity source.

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Image source: Shutterstock / Prapat Aowsakorn