The other day when I was cleaning out my dryer vent (which has a 16foot run, which is the shortest that it can be!) I was wondering if anyone has use 4inch PVC for a dryer vent. My thinking is that the inside of the metal duct is rough and catches lint and has seams that catch the lint too. I have no idea if the PVC would hold up to the heat or if it would catch just as much lint too. Currently I have to clean out the duct once a year (regardless how good I am about cleaning the lint trap in the dryer). Figured maybe since PVC is used for high effciency furnaces that it would stand up to the heat.
BTW my dryer is electric so I assume that it runs cooler than a gas, but not sure. Just wondering if anyone has done this or if it would work with out being a hazard (which I kind of think it may be, LOL).
Thanks
J-
Replies
The/A (theoretical?) concern is static buildup and catching the lint on fire.
Temp is also a concern. The flue gas temps on a 90+ furnace or side vent water heater is only about 100 - 120 degrees - an electric dryer will run much hotter than that, I believe, towards the end of the cycle (when the clothes are dry but the cool down hasn't started.
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http://rjw-progressive.blogspot.com/
thats what I figured, thanks
J-
I'm sure I saw PVC used as ducting for a bathroom fan some time ago in FHB. Neither it or the flexible plastic stuff are code compliant here for dryers.
How about rigid 4" ductwork, just as smooth as PVC, no?
I use it any time I'm over about 8'
Chuck
How about rigid 4" ductwork, just as smooth as PVC, no? I use it any time I'm over about 8'
I use it any time I possibly can. Just makes for a better quality installation. ~ Ted W ~
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RJW is right on all accounts. Well... hypothetically speaking =)
How old is the duct? And is it aluminum or galvanized? An old aluminum duct will be a little rough on the surface from oxidation, while a galvanized duct will remain smooth much longer. So if the duct is old maybe it's time to replace it, and upgrade to galvanized if it's aluminum.
Make sure the seams are going in the direction of the flow. I've seen where the seam is reversed, causing the inside edge to catch lint. Another thing I've seen a lot is screws holding the seams together. I guess I don't have to point out the problem there. Aluminum foil tape is the best thing to use. Duct tape dries out over time. Well... hypothetically speaking.
Don't you wish we could edit thread titles? =D
~ Ted W ~
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I think that it is galvinized ( has what I consider the Galvinized look), it is rigid duct, all seams are the correct direction, no screws, aluminum tape at the seams, straps at/close to the seams to keep it from sagging etc.
I think that my problems are just the length of run.
J-
Edited 4/19/2009 8:59 pm ET by jjc155
i get 4" round metal (galv) downspout from my supplier... it comes already very tightly seamed and comes 10ft long... makes for a much smoother easier to install run... and is cheaper per ft than what i get in 5ft from my hvac supply house
p
whats the drill to clean out the lint from a 4" gal vent???
Bud
this is what I have come up with (granted I have access from the basement to the entire run).
I made up a system using a 4inch diameter round nylon brush. I mounted the brush on the end of some all thread rod and made up a couple of extra lengths. I chuck this up into a drill and run it through the duct like I was sweeping a chimmney. When done I run the dryer on air "fluff" only to blow out the lint through the vent. Currently I have to split the duct into 2, 8 foot sections but plan on making up a couple of more extensions so I can just pull an elbow on the duct and run the brush through while the duct is still up and intact (when the basement is finished it will have to work this way).
J-
My Fein vac has ~2" dia hose - just start pushing & sucking - works great! Also is flexible enough to get around the flappy door thing.
I have a side vent unit in a closet that is 3 ft. down to the crawl space and then 12 or 14 ft to the outside ...with one 90 elbow.
I was thinking the outlet of the big shop vac from the dryer outlet , or, run an airhose from the compressor out to the outside vent and pull it back out whilst blowing air...However I Probably otta get a light and look at it to see if I even have a problem before I go thru That brain damage...Just tryin to get an idea.....Tnx Guys..
Bud
i get 4" round metal (galv) downspout from my supplier...
Wow, I like that idea. Sorry, but I think I'm gonna have to steal it. ;)~ Ted W ~
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