What is max length to vent a dryer?

Question

When we rebuilt our home after a fire, the contractors said they couldn't vent our new dryer as it was before. It went up 10' then horizontal another 15' to outside. They discovered they hadn't vented it until after it became a hassle to install. They told me it was out of spec and the dryer was too far from an outside wall! THEY have also lied to me in the past about 3-4 how or how not something can be done. Instead, they have installed this 6" x 12" x 6" box thing that the vent goes into. It supposed to grab the lint. BUT you have to clean it out and add water about every 5th load and they have it sitting way in the back. You also need a strainer to seperate the lint & water. It also makes the upstairs about 80 degrees and extremely humid. The windows even water up sometimes! SO... should I be asking for the old type of venting back or live with what I've got???? Remember it was a fire so we should be getting the same house as before. Thanks again, jaime

Answer 1

Per the new International Residential Code, 25 feet is the max length for a dryer vent. Deduct five feet for each 90 degree elbow. However, I don't know if your situation falls under the code due to remodeling. Your local building / code inspector should be able to tell you. If you are having a lot of trouble due to not venting it to the outside, then vent it to the outside, using minimum 4" metal duct, and as few bends as possible.

Answer 2

I have seen dryer vents 20 feet long. Their mistake. Make them remedy it.
An old contractor and Home Inspector.
Hisemiester