| The dryer vent pipe is an often overlooked fire | | | | - be made of solid metal pipe |
| hazard and energy eater. Moisture and lint can | | | | - not have more than two 90 degree elbows |
| gather in the folds causing a potential fire hazard | | | | - not be more than 12 feet long (check local |
| and restricting air flow making your dryer run | | | | building codes at your city building inspection |
| longer consuming more natural gas and electricity. | | | | department) |
| I see over 200 houses every year and one of | | | | - use metal tape to seal and secure all joints |
| the most common and potentially dangerous | | | | All the supplies and tools can be bought at the |
| problems are incorrect dryer vents. | | | | local hardware store. Aluminum pipe is much |
| You need to replace your dryer vent pipe if it | | | | easier to work with. It comes flat for cutting and |
| - is made of flexible plastic or foil | | | | then is rolled so one edge can be inserted into the |
| - has more than two 90 degree elbows | | | | other crimped edge. Pre-made elbows are used. |
| - is more than 12 feet long | | | | The pipe and elbows both have one end crimped |
| - uses metal screws | | | | so you can fit the smaller crimped end into the |
| - the laundry area is moist, humid and covered in | | | | larger non-crimped end. |
| lint | | | | The metal tape has a backing that peels off and |
| Flexible foil or plastic vent pipe looks like the arms | | | | sticks to the pipe holding it securely. You will need |
| on the robot from the TV show Lost In Space. | | | | to buy tin snips or aviation side-cutters (this type |
| People use these because they are so easy to | | | | looks like it has a 45 degree bend and will keep |
| install. Every turn or elbow will slow the exhaust | | | | your hands above the material) and a crimping |
| air. Longer lengths will cause moisture in the air to | | | | tool to reduce the diameter of cut edges. |
| condense giving lint a chance to catch and build up | | | | Remember to fit the small end of the pipe into |
| in the pipe. The longer length will also make your | | | | the large end so the edges do not block air flow |
| dryer work harder. The sharp point of metal | | | | and catch lint inside the pipe! |
| screws in the pipe will catch lint. If there are leaks | | | | I once saw a condominium with a vent pipe that |
| in the pipe the added humidity will provide a | | | | was over 30 feet in length. You may have to |
| perfect environment for mold and mildew growth | | | | move the dryer across the basement near an |
| and Carbon Monoxide will also be pumped into | | | | outside wall which would mean the gas and |
| your house if you have a gas dryer. Asthma and | | | | electric supplies will have to be altered by a |
| allergy sufferers should pay special attention to | | | | licensed contractor. Homes with first or second |
| the dryer vent pipe. | | | | floor laundries may need special attention. And |
| A proper dryer vent will | | | | never exhaust the dryer into a garage or attic! |