How to Replace a Dryer Vent Hose

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Fleet Appliance
May 4, 2022
Dryer Repair

Having a dryer can be a lifesaver during the cold winter months when nothing seems to want to dry. We have come to rely so heavily on them that it can be a major problem when anything goes wrong. For that reason, you want to ensure you are doing regular maintenance, such as replacing the dryer vent hose when needed. 

The hose itself is relatively inexpensive and easy to find, which makes it a great job to do yourself. Over time, the hose can clog with pieces of lint, which restrict airflow. A clogged dryer vent is a fire risk, so it is important to ensure it is checked on a regular basis. 

What is the best dryer vent hose to use?

A correctly installed replacement dryer hose can improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate the risk of fire for your dryer. While there are a few options for a dryer vent hose, a rigid-metal pipe is the best option. 

The smooth interior creates very little air resistance, which makes the dryer more efficient, and discourages lint buildup. If you have more than 10 centimeters between your dryer and the vent ducting that goes outside, you may need to use some flex hose to cover the extra distance. 

How to replace your dryer vent hose without using a flex hose

1. Pull the dryer away from the wall

  • Always start a DIY project by disconnecting your appliance from its power source.
  • Next, move your dryer away from the wall, and ensure you give yourself enough room to work comfortably. 
  • Loosen the band clamp and secure the plastic vent to the exhaust outlet using a screwdriver or nut driver.
  • Gently pull the vent off the outlet. Make sure you vacuum away any lint from inside the dryer as it can become a fire hazard. 
  • Next, disconnect the other end of the vent from the ducting that goes outside and vacuum up any lint. 

2. Tighten the clamp

  • Ensure your periscope box is close by.
  • Start by slipping a metal band clamp over the lower end of the periscope box vent and press it onto the exhaust outlet.
  • You may need another pair of hands to hold the vent steady while you tighten the clamp with a screwdriver. Make sure it is done up tightly. 

3. Attach the periscope

  • To attach the periscope box, you will need to grab the upper section of the periscope and lift it. It should be sitting a couple of inches above the back of the dryer.
  • You should reconnect the power at this point. 

4. Connect the box vent to the duct

  • Now you need to connect the box vent to the overhead duct. 
  • You will want to start by attaching the lower flex vent to the periscope box vent and securing the elbow with another band clamp. Make sure it is done tightly. 
  • Then you need to slip a band clamp onto the overhead duct. Insert the male end of the 90-degree elbow into the duct, then tighten the clamp so it is snug.

5. Finish by connecting the two ends

To finish, pull the two ends so they meet in the middle. They have specially designed quick-lock fittings that snap together, which is great as you won’t need a band clamp. 

Once you have finished connecting it and checked the clamps are snug, you can run a test cycle. It is best to run the shortest cycle you have and to keep an eye on it. 

How to replace your dryer vent hose with a flex hose

1. Disconnect the hose

The first part of the process is to disconnect the old dryer hose from your dryer. 

  • Ensure your dryer is disconnected from its power source. 
  • Pull the dryer out from the wall.
  • Use your screwdriver to loosen the band clamp that secures the hose to the exhaust outlet.
  • Gently pull the hose off the outlet.
  • Vacuum up any lint you find inside the dryer.
  • Finally, disconnect the other end of the hose from the dryer and vacuum up any remaining lint. 

2. Connect the first end of the new hose 

This part can get tricky depending on how much space you have to work in.  

  • Start by sliding the end of the hose over the dryer flange. 
  • Place the clamp over the hose on the flange and tighten it.
  • If your hose has a pinch and releases feature, you can use this to tighten it. 
  • Ensure you do not insert a screw into the flexible hose or the dryer flange as they can trap lint, causing a fire hazard. 
  • You can use foil duct tape around the end of the flexible hose where it connects to the flange to ensure an airtight seal.

3. Connect the other end 

  • To connect the other end, bend the hose to reach the exterior dryer vent.
  • Place the end over the vent pipe so that it overlaps by roughly two inches.
  • Cut off the excess pipe and ensure you leave enough to secure it onto the vent pipe. 
  • Clamp the end of the flexible hose and secure it where it overlaps the outside vent pipe. 
  • Ensure you do not insert a screw into the flexible hose or the dryer flange as they can trap lint, causing a fire hazard. 
  • This step is optional, but you can choose to wrap the end of the hose with foil duct tape where it joins the vent pipe. This will ensure an airtight connection.

Move your dryer back into position and test it by running the shortest cycle. You should keep an eye on it during the cycle.

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