Topic 'How do I extend the dryer vent outside?' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:06:09 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

Is this the same room and "furace" as in your other posting? You have a drop ceiling below your sump pump?

»Any of this look like mold???

Well, anyways, you got it fixed.

Close to it but other side of wall.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:28:26 EDT

jrs8084 posted : Is this the same room and "furace" as in your other posting? You have a drop ceiling below your sump pump?

»Any of this look like mold???

Well, anyways, you got it fixed.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:42:49 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by Hall:

I wonder how much dryer lint is inside that wall !

Same here, Should I worry about that? Since the tubes were split should I worry about mold? The tube was about 6 feet.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 11:24:18 EDT

Hall posted : I wonder how much dryer lint is inside that wall !

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:42:15 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : Everything is fixed now. What a mess it was, there was a break inside the wall with 2 tubes. It must of been like that for years. And luckily, there was drop ceiling where the break was but still wasn't easy to get to. Anyway after fixing the break we got a longer tube and extended it 3in and everything is great now
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 01:22:07 EDT

robbin posted : Totally agree -- maybe the OP can try to be more forthcoming with info.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:57:03 EDT

hortnut posted : I agree with you. The concern I have, that another brought up, conjured up thoughts from my past, involving safety. For some reason, as I recall, most of the fires occurred in the Fall or Winter.

The OP has not been really clear in what they are trying to accomplish by the subsequent posts, the diagram and pictures. And I have seen some real "hack" jobs or "there, I fixed it" solutions over the years.

And this thread results in a lot of guessing/assuming by all that try to post solutions to help.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:53:45 EDT

robbin posted : I fail to see a problem if the installation is as diagrammed. Straight metal duct from outside going 8 to 10 feet inside the wall to a 90 and through the wall to the utility room. That would be a proper install. What I don't understand why it is now short. I still don't think the OP has really given us all of the details. Would still like to see a better pic from the outside and also one behind the dryer.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:35:34 EDT

hortnut posted : I am with jabarnut , not sure what is going on and confused by your diagram, pictures and description. Been following this thread the last couple of days

But I heartily agree with him, that if it is running as is interpreted, then you need to shorten the run and make sure the inside of the vent can be easily cleaned. Avoid as many joints and 90 degree turns as possible. All the way from the underside of the Dryer to the very tip of the outside vent. So it can be cleaned easily.

At one time, I specialized in Commercial Insurance Adjusting. I worked many fires that were caused by improperly cleaned dryers and vents. I mainly represented the Third Parties that had installed, manufactured, sold, designed, or had some involvement with the venting or even the manufacturing of the Dryer. It was usually the Homeowner's Insurance looking to be reimbursed from these various entities.

Usually the Damage [read cost] was substantial. I therefore could justify digging deep with my investigations [was working on the billable hour, plus mileage and expenses]. After an "event", all kinds of records are created and many "eyes" have looked at the original install and possible "causes". The trick was to find those "eyes" and associated reports. Cannot recall paying for any of them, as it was always determined to be the fault of the Homeowner for not properly maintaining and cleaning the system.

hth

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:49:05 EDT

jabarnut posted : Wow...what a confusing thread. If I'm reading it correctly (and it's entirely possible I'm not), the dryer vent runs inside the wall, and it's nearly impossible to get to or replace?
If so (the original problem aside), that doesn't seem to be such a great setup.
Mainly because those dryer vents should be cleaned or replaced occasionally. I just replaced mine (long over due), and it was so loaded with lint, it was for all practical purposes about half of the original diameter.
Not only is that a fire hazard, but with a new vent, my dryer dries in half the time now.
Ok, back to your (our), regularly scheduled confusion. ;)
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:56:52 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by SuperNet9:

Yes, but I can easily get to the "gap" if I take the vent tube out and make it longer.. and then there won't be a 5" gap.

Yes.
Take out the tube
Why do you think you need to open up the wall for that?
1. Remove the dryer's flex tube
2. Grab the "in side" tube
3. Pull it out

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:39:03 EDT

robbin posted : I would cut the drywall out behind the dryer. Disconnect the 90 where you have the "dryer tube" label pointing from the straight run going outside. Then take out the entire straight run and rebuild it to the correct length. Tape all joints with aluminum tape, but do not use any screws to hold it together. Slide the new, 5 inch longer tube back into the wall from the outside and then reconnect the 90. Repair drywall and you are done.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:30:01 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by C_Chipperson:

said by SuperNet9:

said by alkizmo:

Where, in your kid's drawing, is the 5" gap?

The dryer tube connecting to the outside vent..
The Dryer tube just barley touches the out side vent tube..

So is there a 5" gap inside the wall, where your kid wrote "IN SIDE" ?

Yes, but I can easily get to the "gap" if I take the vent tube out and make it longer.. and then there won't be a 5" gap.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:22:31 EDT

C_Chipperson posted :

said by SuperNet9:

said by alkizmo:

Where, in your kid's drawing, is the 5" gap?

The dryer tube connecting to the outside vent..
The Dryer tube just barley touches the out side vent tube..

So is there a 5" gap inside the wall, where your kid wrote "IN SIDE" ?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:18:28 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by alkizmo:

Where, in your kid's drawing, is the 5" gap?

The dryer tube connecting to the outside vent..
The Dryer tube just barley touches the out side vent tube..
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:00:32 EDT

alkizmo posted : Where, in your kid's drawing, is the 5" gap?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:58:09 EDT

scooper posted : You're going to HAVE to cut some drywall / repair, since that's about the only way to get the ends of pipes to match up. Then repair the drywall.

The best way would be to move the washer / dryer out of the way and do your drywall cutting behind them, do what ever it takes to connect the pipes together so you have a continous pipe to the vent outside.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:49:56 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : The Dryer tube is too short to connect to the outside vent.. it is about 5in" to short..

The "inside" is inside the wall i would have to cut the drywall to get to the dryer tube witch is near impossible since i would need to take out the ac/furnace or the shower on the other side
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:49:15 EDT

alkizmo posted : Ok I get it.

His pipe going from the outside to the dryer isn't continuous.
It's actually two pipes, but they don't meet in the middle.

The easiest solution would be to remove the pipe of either the dryer side, or vent side, and insert a longer one that would reach the other pipe.

I don't know if in his case it's a straight line from the vent to the dryer. If that's the case, it should be pretty easy.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:42:44 EDT

robbin posted : What is barely touching what? How long is the tube from the vent cover to the end where the dryer flex hose hooks up to it?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:38:31 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : The dryer hookup to the wall is fine..

There is a dryer tube coming from the dryer hose, inside the wall, out to the vent outside the house(the pic i took)..

It is too short from the picture i posted on the org post i did, from the tube inside the wall...

it is barley touching each other.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:47:17 EDT

robbin posted : Can you make a drawing like a floor plan of the area showing us walls, furnace, the exhaust tube and the vent and dryer locations?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:40:29 EDT

alkizmo posted : Ok then I don't understand WHERE it is too short.
Is it too short on the dryer side, meaning you can't hook up the dryer's flexible tube to it? If that's the case, insert your extension from the opening behind the dryer.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:21:52 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : What I wanted to do is, The tube with the vent hooked up is make that longer and then slide the dryer vent into that tube...

The dryer vent tube, i can't get access since it is inside the wall, unless I take out the Furance/AC but that isn't going to happen.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:13:50 EDT

primeomega posted :

said by alkizmo:

said by SuperNet9:

Thanks, the question is... how do i take off the old one?

Unscrew the vent grille, then simply pull on the tube.
It shouldn't be glued or nailed down.

If it can't move, then buy a shorter piece of the tube and add it to the side where it's too short, and try to get some aluminum tape where the new tube meets the old tube.

And make sure you wear gloves.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:11:18 EDT

robbin posted : You need to give us a better description of where the tube goes. Normally they go through the wall. It sounds like yours stays in the wall for a distance. If so and you need to replace the tube so it is longer then you are going to have to cut the drywall so you have access.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:10:11 EDT

mattmag posted :

Cut the drywall? Where does the dryer vent tube run now after it leaves the dryer? And if you can't access the tube now, how do you know it is too short?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:09:00 EDT

Jtmo posted :
Thanks, how should I hold up the other tube so it doesn't fall into the wall?

Two people one inside and one outside. You will have to open the inside wall or ceiling to make the connection and seal it up with Vent tape. The fact that you did not post an inside picture suggests you do not have access to the inside yet.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:06:53 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by robbin:

The tube should go through the wall. Can you post a pic from the inside and a larger pic from outside (so we can see not only vent, but wall around it.

Can't show inside wall since I can't get access to it from inside the wall.. i would have to cut the dry wall
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:03:28 EDT

robbin posted : The tube should go through the wall. Can you post a pic from the inside and a larger pic from outside (so we can see not only vent, but wall around it.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:44:43 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by alkizmo:

said by SuperNet9:

Thanks, the question is... how do i take off the old one?

Thanks, how should I hold up the other tube so it doesn't fall into the wall?
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:29:55 EDT

MaynardKrebs posted : I'm beginning to think there ought to be some sort of basic intelligence test one must pass before people are allowed to buy homes. :huh:

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:10:16 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by SuperNet9:

Thanks, the question is... how do i take off the old one?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:03:49 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : Thanks, the question is... how do i take off the old one?
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:55:40 EDT

alkizmo posted : Yes, makes sense. The answer is to go to the HVAC ducting aisle in home depot and buy a longer one. They cost like 5$-10$.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:39:16 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : That is what I am talking about.. The vent pipe isn't long enough to hold both pipes.. does that make sense?
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:39:18 EDT

cdru posted :

said by SuperNet9:

The circle extender is slightly too short that is attached to the plastic part.. I need to extend that.

Is this a new installation or repairing an old? If the plastic part just fell off, I'd try to pull the pipe out. It may have just slipped back into the wall. If that doesn't work, you may need to get a new vent, slip it into or over the old pipe and tape from the inside.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:29:18 EDT

tschmidt posted : If I understand correctly just get a section of 4" duct and use aluminum tape to seal the joints.

/tom

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:54:46 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by robbin:

What exactly is it too short for?

Satisfaction

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:52:30 EDT

robbin posted : What exactly is it too short for?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:48:19 EDT

alkizmo posted : I've seen longer ones sold at home depot. Look in the HVAC ducting section, you'll have all the lenght and diameters available.

How do you know it's too short anyway?

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:39:12 EDT

Snakeoil posted : Are you talking about the part that goes through the wall?
Not the actual vent pipe from the dryer to the vent?

If so, I'd call around to an HVAC company, see if they sell a longer pipe. You don't want to use PVC or vinyl.

Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:30:12 EDT

SuperNet9 posted :

said by pike:

I'm not quite understanding your question. What's too short? The duct that goes from the dryer to the vent? Just replace it with a longer one, they are very inexpensive.. I've seen the aluminum ones in 20 foot length for less than $20. Don't forgot the hose clamps if they're not already there.

The circle extender is slightly too short that is attached to the plastic part.. I need to extend that.
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Re: How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:16:39 EDT

pike posted : I'm not quite understanding your question. What's too short? The duct that goes from the dryer to the vent? Just replace it with a longer one, they are very inexpensive.. I've seen the aluminum ones in 20 foot length for less than $20. Don't forgot the hose clamps if they're not already there.

How do I extend the dryer vent outside?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:06:34 EDT

SuperNet9 posted : I have almost the same thing outside the house..
The vent for the dryer goes into it and it slighty to short..

How should I extend it?
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