How to Install a Gas Dryer Vent

It really doesn’t matter if you’ve got a gas or electric dryer; installing a gas dryer vent is the same as installing one for an electric dryer. However, it is a necessity, because it keeps possibly unsafe gases and fibers from entering your house. It vents them out where they belong so that you aren’t left with respiratory problems or messy lint. To do the job, you’ll need a few tools and a little time.

Step 1 - Choose Your Pipe

A flexible plastic hose is very commonly used in homes but it tends to sag. In the low spots, lint gathers and creates what could become a fire hazard. You can use a rigid sheet metal pipe to avoid sagging. At this point, you should also choose your hardware and drilling tools based on whether you are drilling into wood, metal, or brick.

Step 2 - Pick a Location

Decide where you want your dryer vent to be located. Then check outside to make sure that the location you’ve chosen isn’t blocked by bushes or fencing, as you’ll be drilling right through the wall. You can determine where the spot is by measuring from the corner of the foundation or even a window inside and then going outside and using the same marker to relocate the spot.

Step 3 - Drill

Drill a small guide hole inside the house where the dryer vent will be. If it’s in the basement, you’ll have to find the wood sill plate, which is placed at the top of the foundation and drill through it. If you’re on the main floor, just be sure there’s nothing in the wall you’re going to run into when you drill through.

Step 4 - Cut a Hole

Outside, cut a larger hole where the vent will be coming through using a hole saw. The guide hole you cut earlier should be in the very center of the large 4-inch hole.

Step 5 - Attach the Vent Hood

Install the vent hood on the side of the house using wood screws and then caulk around the shroud and pipe (the vent hood should have a 12-inch piece of pipe pre-attached to it). This will keep both drafts and rodents out.

Step 6 - Add the Elbow

You need to go inside the house to complete the job at this time. Using hose clamps, fasten a 90-degree elbow to the end of the vent pipe that is already in place. Then run the vent pipe back to the dryer, where you’ll need to install another elbow at the point where the exhaust comes out of the dryer. Then hook up the vent pipe you ran to that elbow. To seal the joints connecting the pipe segments, use foil tape.

Step 7 - Put the Dryer Back

Since you’ve likely moved it to do your work, put your dryer back into place. You’ll have to make adjustments to make certain it is level. Also, make sure you don’t kink the vent piping while putting the dryer back into place.