If the hose behind your dryer is white vinyl or flimsy foil, unplug the dryer, pull it out, and replace the dryer vent hose with a semi-rigid or rigid metal duct secured with clamps or foil tape at both ends. Do the same for any hose that's crushed, torn or packed with lint, because many dryer manufacturers' instructions call for metal ducting and warn against plastic or vinyl.
Time: about 45 minutes · Difficulty: Easy · You'll need: a semi-rigid aluminum transition duct (4-inch diameter fits most home dryers), two duct clamps, aluminum foil tape, a screwdriver or nut driver, a tape measure, a vacuum, gloves
Before you start
- •Unplug the dryer before you move it.
- •For a gas dryer, move it gently and leave the gas connection alone. If the gas connector is kinked, damaged or you smell gas, stop, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- •Check your dryer's installation manual for the duct types and the maximum duct length it allows.
- •Use foil tape, not standard cloth duct tape, and avoid screws through the duct, since they can catch lint.
Steps
Step 1 — Pull out the dryer
Slide the dryer forward enough to work behind it comfortably, watching the cord and any gas connector.
Step 2 — Remove the old hose
Loosen the clamps or cut the tape at both ends and pull off the old hose. Bag it carefully, since it's full of lint.
Step 3 — Clean both openings
Vacuum the dryer's exhaust outlet and the wall duct opening. If the wall duct is heavily packed, see how to clean a dryer vent from the inside before installing the new piece.
Step 4 — Measure the gap
Measure the distance between the dryer outlet and the wall duct with the dryer in its final position, and choose a duct length that reaches without stretching or crushing.
Step 5 — Attach the dryer end
Slide one end of the duct over the dryer's outlet, tighten a clamp around it, and add a wrap of foil tape for a sealed joint.
Step 6 — Attach the wall end
Connect the other end to the wall duct the same way. Keep the duct as short and straight as you can with gentle bends.
Step 7 — Push back and check
Slide the dryer back slowly, checking from the side that the duct isn't crushed or folded. Run the dryer and confirm strong airflow at the outside hood.
Didn't fix it?
If airflow is still weak with a new transition duct, the blockage is in the wall duct or exterior hood. Tight laundry closets sometimes need a low-profile duct or periscope-style connector, which can be fitted on a service call. A dryer that overheats or won't heat even with good airflow needs our dryer repair technicians.
How often to do this
A metal transition duct doesn't wear out often, but check it every time you clean the vent, and replace it if it's crushed, torn or disconnected.
From Kevin: A vinyl hose squashed flat against the wall is one of the most common problems I find behind dryers. A short metal duct that sits in a gentle curve is an easy upgrade.
Want it done for you? Call ProFix NJ at (973) 718-9373.