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dryer vent hose...? I got a new dryer, and I went to get a vent hose for it, and all they had was a 4" diameter. It fits well on the dryer, but the hole in the wall where it vents is too large for the hose. How can I fix this problem??
I'm in an apartment...the exhaust is going outside. gr8rt1 replied: "buy a piece of plywood big enough to cover the hole in the wall and cut a hole in it as big as the hose diameter."
Larry E replied: "It should have a vent through the wall that the hose goes on that has a 4 inch pipe. If it is larger you will need a reducer."
just a gorilla replied: "get a square piece of drywall or a board that is a couple of inches bigger than the hole and attach it over the larger hole. in this "patch" cut a 4 inch hole to accomodate the vent hose. there is piece that the hose connects to that mounts at the wall...does it make up for the difference in hole and hose size?"
E. Brooklyn replied: "The vent hose should get the exhaust hot air to the outside, to prevent a possible fire. You don't say if the wall you are talking about is in or out of the house. If it is inside, you will need to have further venting extend to an exterior wall. If it is already sending the hot exhaust to the outside, you will need to "cuff" the point where it goes out and angle the heat away from the building. Hardware stores sell these exterior angled vents. Do NOT permit this exhaust to simply go into another part of your home or attic as this could be very dangerous. Good luck."
tipstir replied: "Measure the hole and go to Home Depot and get attachments that will fit onto your vent hose then to your vent outlet. Remember these items can be bent to fit and then you use metal tape use for duck work to wrap around the connections."
Rob replied: "What you are missing is a small kit that contains the outdoor plastic vent and a 4" pipe that hooks into it, make sure that this piece of pipe is long enough to connect to your dryer hose with a plastic or a metal clamp, that are generally adjustable. If the hole through the wall is too big it can be masked on the outside with a suitable cover plate and some exterior grade caulking. On the inside you can always fill the extra space around the pipe with proper non-combustible insulation.
Any hardware store, home depot etc. can fill you in with the necessary details." Do they still make vinyl dryer vent hose? We're installing a new dryer vent hose in our new house. I tried the expandable metal hose, but I don't know what I'm doing and it crushed on me and was very frustrating to work with. Would vinyl be easier to work with? Do they still make it? My mom thought they stopped making it because it was dangerous for some reason. William B replied: "yep you can get it at Lowes, home deopt, a hardware store,"
shawnd518 replied: "You should not use the vinyl if your dryer is gas. You can use it on electric, and they still are available." Anyone know how to repair a dryer vent hose? The hose that is connected to the dryer that allows the hot air to flow out, well, my cat has gotten back there and stepped on it. So now it is split on the hose, right at the wall entrance. It looks like its something really simple to repair. But I have never done it before, but I will!!!!!! So, can anyone walk me through the process of repairing it? I have all the tools. I just want to make sure that I am doing it right?
And, is there another way that I can prevent this from happening again? I cant get rid of my cats.....def, not an option.
Ok, what type of duck tape? Is it a specific kind for metal and hot temps? Can I get it at Walmart or Target or Home Depot? pathfinder replied: "You can always wrap duct tape around it. This is the cheapest method. I would just buy a new one."
pcc122 replied: "hi
duck-tape works fine
get the grey one not the metal color one
it's for the metal duck work"
justpoor replied: "If it's a flexible hose, there should be a band clamp around it, just un-loosen the screw, and re place hose. What about building a three sided box to put over the hose."
Lowell R replied: "cut the wire behind the damage with pliers or wire cutters. scissor the plastic off and slide it back on the sleeve and re clamp it.
Cover the hose area with a part of a cardboard box.Make some space between box and hose,so that there wont be a heat problem.Better yet block off the area behind completely so the kitty cant get back there>"
jim c replied: "Good Day
Is the hose metal or plastic.? By our code metal is the proper one to use. So if yours is plastic get the metal and replace it. Get the best metal hose. There's one that's hard to put on and cut to length."
KirksWorld replied: "Generally the hose is not expensive and could be replaced. If the cat damaged a plastic one, go for a flexible aluminum one.
Hardware stores have U/L Listed aluminum tape that is rated for higher temperature work like furnace ducting. Plus it will hold up better to cat attacks! I'd choose this over duct tape for the temps and the tabby if you opt for repair!"
rangedog replied: "For what little they cost, just replace it."
Bonno replied: "go get a new one you need a screw driver & plyers
don't get the foil one, get the one that is mylar plastic that looks like foil!
duct tape will soon fail!"
tom thumb replied: "If your vent was installed on your electric dryer correctly should be a metal band clamp that afiixes the hose to the vent pipe that leads to the outside. Generally they can be loosened with a screwdriver. The hose should be able to be slid down further on the the vent pipe move the clamp back on the undisturbed portion of the hose (just in back of the slit) and retighten the clamp.
If the hose is not round anymore, you're far better off buying a new hose and follow the instruction on the package.
Go to the hardware store and you'll be able to buy as little or as much as you need. From buying indivdual parts to complete kits.
One thing before you go though. Measure the diameter of the pipe that is required for your dryer. The size can vary. There's nothing worse than getting to the store only to discover that you don't have all the information you need to make the right purchase.
The problem with trying to repair the old hose would be if its not round. When repairing it you have to make sure it gets round.
When the hose is not round it confines the air flow. You may not notice much of a difference but the heat element in the dryer does. Being confined, makes the element overheat. which in turn can reduce the life of the dryer or even cause a fire.
However, if you are intent on fixing the old hose I would try getting a jar the same size as the inside diameter of the hose and run the tapered end of the jar through the hose first but of course the hose has to be completely removed from the dryer. Because the material used in these hoses are very thin you must be extremely careful not to tear it. You may think this is just a lot of hot air but wait til you get it fixed...Now that's hot air!"
luther replied: "Get some GOOD duct tape, not the cheap stuff. Repair the split , but if you want an exceptional job and one the cat won't destroy again wrap the entire duct with several layers of the tape." Is it okay that I repaired my dryer vent hose with electrical tape? I noticed that my vent hose connected to my dryer was torn.
I'd been having problems with lint blowing all over my laundry room and I have to dry most of my clothes twice for them to get dry. I was expecting just a back up of old lint and did manage to get most of the lint out from around my filter.
When I decided to go in from the back of the dryer, I saw the rip in the hose. I wrapped it (and wrapped it and wrapped it some more) with black electrical tape. Now I'm freaking out about using my dryer.
Does anyone see this at being a problem?
I don't know how to work this whole answer thing....
Y'all mention replacing the hose altogether. I'm in an older apartment and the hose connects to the ceiling...I didn't see any obvious hardware holding the hose in place. Do you think it would be easy for a (Lord forgive me) girl to replace? I hate to call the landlord if it's something simple and cheap.
And I'm hardly 'anyone'...= ) wizjp replied: "Replace it; they are cheap enough or at least use duct tape.
Safer in the heated air.
Usually one clamp holding the hose to the dryer; a spring clamp if new, a single screw if it's old.
Ditto to the exaust. Look close. Even the landlord should be able to fix fast and free if you pay for the cheap hose."
stevetower replied: "It is okay for temporary use, but I would use foil duct tape for long term fix or better yet get a new flexible metal vent duct."
Josh D replied: "While it will probably work without any problems, it does not make sense to gamble with anything that has to do with heat and lint. Lint is something that can easily catch fire especially if it is blowing around the back of your dryer near the heating element. Over a period of time the electrical tape will lose its sticking properties because of constant heating and cooling from regular use of the dryer. Replacing the vent hose is as simple as turning a screw driver and only a few bucks.
Anyone can take short cuts, dont be 'anyone'."
savhomer replied: "you really just need to replace it, no matter how old your place is.. i lived in a 1903 victorian, and still had to replace my dryer vent hose. if its ripped, you will be wasting energy by drying twice. electrical tape will eventually fall off. a new hose is about $10, and it will come with the correct clamps.."
baymast13 replied: "I doubt the electrical tape will catch fire or anything, but you'd be better off using duct tape. What might catch fire is a build-up of lint in this old duct. Very common cause of house fires. I think your landlord would be happy to send his maintenance person over to make this quick and easy repair for you. Those dryer ducts are super cheap and only take a few minutes to change. Unless you vacuum the lint build-up out of the duct every so often, it's a good idea to change them periodically, anyway. Good luck!"
Greg A replied: "If your vent duct is vinyl with a wire inside to support it open, the electrical tape shouldn't be a problem. If the duct is metal flex then it isn't a problem with the tape being there, it is the tape staying there. If the duct is rigid tubing, then call the landlord."
mountainriley replied: "Replace it with the foil type tube. The plastic is obsolete, and can no longer be sold. It's flammable. The foil type is just as flexable as the plastic but is UL approved. The bendable metal is UL certified but is a real pain to work with. Your tempory repair with electrical tape can't handle the heat and is probably already off." How often should the dryer vent hose be changed? I've had the dryer for about a year, but it seems to be "clogged" up and always leaving the little fuzzies on my clothes.
Is it supposed to be changed like every few months? year? pomohud replied: "they never need changing,unless they get a hole in them,all of them get clogged once in awhile, just clean them out when needed,hope this helps."
? replied: "I've never changed my hose, however the vent probably needs cleaned out. Also if you use dryer sheets you need to wash your lint catcher out with soap and water cause the stuff from the sheets leaves a residue that doesn't allow for good air flow. Pull your lint catcher out and run it under the faucet. If it holds water, as it probably will, wash it real good"
dirt_j00 replied: "If you clean your lint trap regularly, you have no need to clean your dryer hose."
googie replied: "All dryers should have a lint screen between the dryer and the exhaust pipe. This is cleaned every time after you use the dryer.If this is done regularly there is no need ever to replace the hose."
a/c tech replied: "Yes you are right, type dryer fires in the net and find out how many happen a year because people think you do not have to check!"
Thor replied: "Most often people lean on or push on the dryer pushing it against the wall crushing the vent closed.
I tell people to put a block of wood behind the dryer to prevent it being pushed tight to the wall.
Second, the louvers or vent hood get plugged up with lint and is not opening. Find it and clean that out.
It does sound like you might be not moving much air. The best indication is how long it takes to dry.
Also, overloading the washer and or the dryer cause the clothes to be rubbing against each other more and creates more lint.
Other than that you might have a clog in the venting if it has a longer run to it.
Good Luck." What can I use to attach the dryer vent hose better? The part that it is attached to is s0ooo short, the vibration keeps "walking" the foil hose off. I tried duck tape, but that comes off too.
What can I use? captnron1950 replied: "get a big hose clamp"
*havin fun in the sun* replied: "have you tried those plastic ties...? string a couple together and tighten that might work"
mike g replied: "THE BIG HOSE CLAMP THAT SHOULD OF CAME WITH IT. GO TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND BUY A HOSE CLAMP,OR MAYBE WAL-MART WONT NEVER COME OFF"
steveko777 replied: "Yeah-a real clamp-that you can tighten--and not one of the crappy plastic ones that comes with the vent kit"
MaintenanceMan replied: "Level the dryer, legs are adjustable and once you have it level it will not "walk"."
happymeal replied: "drill a couple of small holes and screw in sheet metal screws that'll keep the hose on"
Fittings Doc replied: "One of the reasons for using a vent hose coming off the dryer is so that the hose acts as a vibration dampener and isolates both ends of the rigid piping (dryer, vent line).
If the Vent hose is too short to absorb the movements without transferring that energy to the connecting point on the vent line then the movement can make the connection come loose. (as you have seen)
Get your service man to install a vent hose of sufficient length and it should eliminate the the twist or vibration working the hose off the vent line.
A metal clamp might hold better than the duct tape since it would not be sensitive to the heat coming from the dryer, which might be causing the adhesive on the tape to soften and loose its grip.
Usually Worm Drive Clamps are used with the ducting used on vent lines. They are available from most harware stores, though you might find them through the same service man who installs the longer duct hose." How do I clean out dryer vent hose? I would like to see if I can do it myself before I call someone to come out to fix it. Bert C replied: "Try running the hose from your vacuum if you have one in from the outside. If it is fairly straight you should be able to get it in to where the clog is and remove it. If that fails or you don't have a hose for your vacuum you will need to pull out the dryer and remove the hose to clear it.
Bert"
NakedHike replied: "They make long brushes you can stick down the exhaust pipe and you can also stick a vacuum hose down there to suck up the lint"
bobo replied: "I use my electric leaf blower every 2 months." How to clean out Dryer vent hose? I would like to see if I can do it myself before having someone come out to fix it.Thnx! UncleBen replied: "Try using a leaf blower, I never tried it, but I heard some people talking just the other day and they say it works just fine."
bob b replied: "unscrew it from the back of your dryer and pull out all and any lint reattach to dryer"
Bob S replied: "stick your hand in it and pull all the junck out of it. you'll need to disconnect it from one side of the other. I would just go and buy another one"
Butterfly Lover replied: "There are kits you can buy and brushes. They range from about $10-100
"
wiemercats replied: "It's just a big flexible tube. Use a duster on an extension like for cleaning the corners and the ceiling for cobwebs. Then vacuum it out as best you can. It should only be attached to the dryer by friction or maybe a big hose clamp. Those just require a screwdriver to loosen and take off the duct. Unless in is super long or completely blocked, that should be fine to keep maximum air flow and reduce fire hazard."
hispanna replied: "My husband has used a stick with a rag and takes all the lint out.
It's a GREAT idea to do it because you will save on your gas bill and your clothes will dry alot faster.
GOOD LUCK!"
jlo003 replied: "Pull the dryer out form the wall. what usually holds the hose in the wall is just a simple clamp that uses a slot head screw to tighten and loosen so you will need a slot(flat) head screw driver. Once you loosen the screw the hose should just pull off. The clog will probably be rtigh in the front fo the hose or in the dryerand you should be able to just pull it out. do you have a shop vac? If you do, you might try putting it in reverse and putting it up to the toob and blow it out the vent if it is not. Then try cleaning everything before you put the toob back on.
If not can you remove the hose from the wall and run water throught it.
Make sure you tighten the screw back up to where it wont come off before you put the dryer back.
Good luck"
ericklemus@sbcglobal.net replied: "wherever possible disconnect behind dryer stick a vacuum cleaner hose into the dryer hose see if anything comes out ,after you can go outside and see if you can unscrew vent cover repeat with vacuum but most important always clean the screen of lint before starting a dry,also never leave your home with dryer on possibility of fire is always there,as far as your washer always shut the water hose after use do not let pressure in hose they could rupture and cause a lot of water damage think ahead do i have insurance for water or fire ."
spraynwalls replied: "IT'S tedious, not too complicated.
you'll need a screwdriver or nut driver (for the clamp(s));
a long stick or yardstick;
and, if you have one, a vacuum cleaner or shop vacuum with a long flexible hose.
If your connection is one of the flexible tubing type, pull out the dryer away from the wall. Loosen the clamps and remove the flexible vent tube. Take it outside and shake it out, or use a vacuum to clean it up.
Check the rigid dryer vent tube, and clean out the lint using a vacuum.
The same for the wall connector.
some lint can get caught in the pipe leading out of the house, so stick the vacuum hose up it to clean out plugs (if any).
Vacuum under the dryer drum where lint can collect also, as well as behind the dryer.
Depending on where the vent vents to the outside, you may want to undo the cover and clean the outlet too (easier with a leaf blower, and someone with a trash bag over the interior outlet). Re-attach vent cover.
re-attach flexible vent hose to both dryer and outlet (major PITA).
push back dryer, taking care not to kink the flexible vent hose. The idea is to have as little bends as possible, and have the most open space for the lint and dryer vapors to vent out. This is where the long stick can help, as you'll be leaning over the back of the dryer, in a cramped space, and can use the stick to keep things aligned or lessen the kinks
Might not hurt to have a beer or two before starting the project- keeps the blood pressure and screaming to a minimum." torn dryer vent hose? Is it possible for a perfectly fine dryer vent hose to tear on its own accord or does some sort of damage have to happen (ex: poking and proding or small rip occurring during service, etc.)? lucky m replied: "well anything is possible...but would have to say that something caused it to rip..the metal rib inside of the hose could have done it..might have been a sharp edge or broken and you didn't know it..so when air was going through it the movement caused it to rip...."
dwn8tureboy replied: "Very doubtful that a new or even somewhat new hose would "tear" on its own. More than likely it was torn/cut during service/install. The heat may have have exacerbated the damage to point you finally noticed it. You could have also gotten a tube with a flaw, either way it should not tear." |
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