Replies

1. 
   darrel1 | Jun 05, 2001 05:14am | #1

   *
   I'm NOT a vent expert, but my understanding is that the flex is less appealing due to the fact that it is has ridges that trap lint easier. I know that I need to detach our flex dryer vent once a year or so and knock out all of the collected lint. Because of that, I probably wouldn't hide flex in a wall.

   As for venting it outside, I think that is merely a moisture issue...just as you vent your bath.

   FYI, I just came across this today:

   http://www.quietline.com/

   It's a single unit that both washes and dries your clothes and does not need a vent. Interesting machine. Probably not for everyone, though.

1. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Jun 05, 2001 05:44am | #2

   *Smooth wall ducting would be more efficient than flex for exhausting dryers. It would also be easier to clean than flex since the lint that WILL get past the screen will be trapped in the corrugations. It will also stand up to a more vigrous cleaning without deforming or puncturing. If you must use flex, use only the metal kind. New dryers and add on kits often come with plastic flex which can pose a fire hazard.Be sure to clean your duct. Maybe not monthly but at least annually. You will be surprised at the amount of lint that will build up and stick to the inside of the tube, especially the longer runs. One method would be to snake a flexible wire down to the beginning, tie a wad of cloth to the end and pull it back through.

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Jun 05, 2001 05:54am | #3

   *"For what it's worth, it's a gas dryer and I find it odd that the by-product of the gas combustion need not be vented to the outside in the same way a gas water heater or furnace does. Anybody got an explanation?"Yep. Stupidity and/or political influence.Same answer as for gas stoves.

1. 
   Karl_Isacson | Jun 05, 2001 06:11am | #4

   *Gas dryers are vented. The combustion by products go out the 4" vent with the moisture laden air.

1. 
   FredB | Jun 05, 2001 06:31am | #5

   *No question: For both safety and efficiency use rigid ducting. Seal the joints with mastic or aluminum foil tape.DO NOT USE flexible of any kind except for a short joint. Not only will it trap lint(yes there will be lint in the pipe) creating a fire hazard it will make the dryer less efficient. Now I know you are only talking about 5 feet. But when it is so easy to do it right, why do it wrong?As for putting dryer vents inside a finished chase. Well I'd check the local fire code. If sealed correctly rigid pipe should be ok. But I don't know off the top of my head what the fire people say. Personally my first choice would be to put it where I could get at it easily.

2. 
   Tim_Kline | Jun 06, 2001 01:58am | #6

   *b WBA At Your ServiceRigidRigidRigid

2. 
   Jim_Klockow | Jun 06, 2001 01:58am | #7

   *
   I'm about to install a dryer vent (and dryer) in my century old house. It'll be a first for both of us.

   I'm able to hide a 4-inch duct behind a furred out wall in the basement and then tuck it into the pony wall before venting to the outside. Flexible metal will do the job for what will be a nearly straight, vertical run of less than 5 feet. Two questions for anyone who has an opinion. 1. Is it stupid to flex or any other type of dryer ductwork behind what will eventually be a finished surface? I'm wondering about both maintenance and fire hazard. 2. Is rigid duct that much superior to flex and should I use that, even if it's a slightly more complicated installation?

   For what it's worth, it's a gas dryer and I find it odd that the by-product of the gas combustion need not be vented to the outside in the same way a gas water heater or furnace does. Anybody got an explanation?

   Thanks to anyone with the wisdom and time to help.