How To Hook Up A Dryer Vent In A Tight Space (Step-by-Step Guide)

According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, 92% of home structure fires involve clothes dryers. For people trying to install a dryer vent in a tight space, this statistic can be incredibly concerning. This guide will help you avoid many potential fire hazards.

When hooking up a dryer vent in a small space, you will want to pick slip or periscope vent ducts. The periscope vents are adjustable enough to fit into small spaces. Install the slim venting to the wall first and slide the dryer into place after a firm fit. Seal off gaps with foil tape.

Below, we will expand upon these steps in a more detailed guide. We will also go through some additional potential issues you should keep an eye out for in these cases.

The best hose for putting your dryer in a tight space is a periscope dryer vent. These are also known as offset vents.

Whatever you call them, they allow you to install your dryer closer to the wall. You do this with a 90-degree elbow directly on the discharge vent. These are also known as flat dryer vents.

Without this type of vent, you run the risk of placing kinks in your standard hose. Full vent kits with periscopes should come with additional clamps. If they don’t, you will need to measure out the width you need to purchase separate clamps.

If you are uncertain about the length you need for your dryer vent, you should buy an adjustable periscope vent. This purchase takes the guesswork out of finding the right sized vent for you.

Remove the dryer and the old ventilation setup from the wall. This point is where you are most likely to need that dust mask.

Once you remove and unplug the dryer, take the opportunity to clean out areas behind the dryer and current ventilation. You should make this part of your regular cleaning schedule, as this is another way to prevent fires.

If you have a gas line, be sure that the gas is off before you remove it. There should be a shut-off valve on the pipe. Your adjustable wrench will be able to turn this off. The valve should not be facing the same direction if it is correct, meaning that it should be crosswise.

If you are uncertain about where this may be, contact a friend before proceeding.

Your last step is to hook up the plugs and gas line (if you have one) to ensure that you can use your dryer again. This point is where you can use foil tape to fill in any potential gaps in your build.

If you need to undo any of your work, don’t be afraid to peel off the tape. While you cannot reuse it, foil tape is relatively inexpensive. It is much better to have strong tape in this instance, as you do not want your dryer hose to fall off.

Related Questions

What If My Dryer Vent Hose Keeps Falling Off?

If your dryer vent hose keeps falling off, it is likely from a lack of firmness on your clamp. Check your clamp t be sure it can be snug.If your clamp cannot be snug regardless of the amount of force you apply, you may need to buy a new clamp or a new dryer vent kit.While you may want to buy more tape, it is not for holding down a vent hose. Foil tape is typically only meant to fill in any potential gaps.

How Do You Install A Space Saver Dryer Vent?

Space saver dryer vents have pretty generic terminology, but they are typically the same thing as periscope dryer vents. As a result, many of the same steps listed above will help you out.

How Much Space Do You Need Behind A Dryer?

Typically, you need a minimum of six inches behind your washer and dryer as space. If this seems impossible, periscope dryer vents can help you make up that additional space.

Can I Use A Magnetic Dryer Vent?

Some magnetic dryer vents allow for 90 degree turns in their ventilation system. In a way, this combines the usefulness of magnetic vents with the space savings of periscope vents.If you can find a magnetic dryer vent that meets your space-saving needs, be 100% certain that you seal all available gaps. Foil tape is useful in this situation.

Can I Use A Flexible Hose For My Dryer Vent?

Flexible hoses are great for saving a great deal of space. They can curve and meet the most dimensional requirements behind dryers. Many times, this type of hose is what you need for dryers that have the area to fit them.But the risk you run with a flexible hose if the space is too tight is too significant. Kinks in these flexible hoses are high potential fire zones. Built-up dryer lint is a major issue in those house fires mentioned earlier.Don’t ever feel like you need to force a flexible hose in the back. If you feel like it is too snug, you will want to pursue other options.