Dryer venting- How long of a vent hose is OK?

Question

Hi,
I need to vent my dryer to the outside. I have a crawl space under my house that I would like to run the vent hose. The ideal location is about 15 feet away. Is it ok for the run to be this long?? Thanks for your time....

pb4sc

Answer 1

The overall length of a dryer vent cannot be more then the equivalent of 30'. Every 2' of flex tubing = 3' Every 90 degree bend = 3' The hood assembly that goes through the wall = 3'. I have seen vents that were only a few feet long way over the equivalent of 30' because of excessive bends and bunched up flex venting.

It is always best to use rigid metal tubing aluminum or steel and hold them together with duct tape or foil duct tape(one layer only). If you use screws it will not only complicate the dismantling for clean out but help to collect lint that will block air flow.

It is better to use two 45 degree bends than two 90 degree bends as that will help keep the length down by possibly 5' or more.

Answer 2

When venting a dryer, you want to use the vent duct with the minmum amount of restrictions, especially for any long runs. This means avoiding unnecessary bends (especially up and downs) and avoiding long runs of corregated flex ducting. The moist lint can be trapped and build up over time, and create a fire hazard, as well as possibly doing damage to the dryer. I would use as long of a piece of 4" diameter sheet metal duct (it usually comes in 2', 5' and 10' lengths) and metal elbows where possible. You can use (metallic...NOT plastic) flexible ducting to make transitions where needed, but try to keep the length to a minimum. Use short sheet metal screws(no longer than 1/4") and duct tape to fasten metal duct joints, and hose clamps or zip ties, and duct tape for fastening the flex joints. If you do this, you should not have a problem with a 15' length of run. I hope this helps you. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem. As long as you don't have any kinks in the vent hose. I would recommend that you use the aluminum style (or metallic) vent hose instead of the vinyl. It's a little more expensive, but it'll last a lot longer than the vinyl vent hose. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

listen to the appliance guy and go with aluminum pipe. i would just use duct tape to hold them together and make a hanger system to keep the pipe from sagging. straightest, shortest route is the best, and since it is such a long run, make sure you clean the lint filter after every load. also in a year check the pipe and see how the insides are doing. good luck.

Answer 5

you can go up to 15 feet but it has to stay very clean, a clogged vent is very hard on a dryer, and electric, and straight as possible

Answer 6

it's ok. try to avoid 90's stay with 45's if you can, as they offer less resistance to the fan motor.
Check frequently for lint buildup. Insulate it if you can, because when it condensates, the lint will get wet and start to clump.
Avoid the flex type and consider type B pipe. Use aluminum tape, no screws.

Answer 7

15 is just fine. light aluminum pipe is best and remember, only tape the joints, no screws, or flex vent is ok as long as you strap it alright. have fun in that crawlspace :0)

Answer 8

just has to make it outside give a alil slack tac a string up and make belive thats the drier hose then messure that and add a foot there ya go you have the lengh you need

Answer 9

no less then 2 foot of hose no more then 6 foot.......
a dryer with less then 2 foot of hose can get to hot and the lint will catch fire quicker....
a dryer with more then 6 foot of hose will not get all lint out of hose and clog and get drum to hot and melt cloths.......


hope this help you..........