How to Install a Dryer Vent

Choose the one which describes your dryer vent

Dryer Vent Through Floor - End Vent

Dryer Vent Through Wall - Side Vent

Dryer Vent Through Ceiling - End Vent

New Construction Dryer Vent Installation - End Vent or Side Vent

NOTE: In some situations, it may be necessary to have the electrical receptacle for the dryer or gas lines for gas dryers relocated. Existing 4" round holes in floors can be utilized in some cases, while other situations may require plugging the hole and having a new rectangular hole made.

The Basics of Periscope Dryer Vent Installation

The exhaust pipe extender is installed on the dryer. The periscope and receiver are positioned and installed directly behind the dryer. The dryer is moved back into place, such that the exhaust pipe extender slides tightly into the receiver.

Avoid frustration - Read through the entire Periscope Dryer Vent Installation Procedure before beginning.

Tools Needed

Pencil
Screwdriver
Tape Measure
Tin Snips
Drill
Reciprocating Saw (if it is necessary to cut floor)

Other Items That You May Need: (available at most hardware stores)

adjustable elbows
4" aluminum piping
additional metal foil tape

Tips for Installing the Periscope Dryer Vent

If the periscope is too long, it can be pulled apart and shortened by cutting the ends back using tin snips. Be sure to allow for some overlap when you reassemble the pieces and file rough edges so they will not catch lint. Don't substitute a hacksaw for tin snips. It will not work well.
Use metal foil tape on the ends of the periscope to seal any cracks. Air leakage in the dryer vent disrupts the efficient flow of air and can allow lint buildup.
Never use screws to fasten pieces together. Screws or rivets project into the airway and will catch lint, making your dryer vent a fire hazard.
We recommend two layers of metal tape on all joints. Always use metal foil tape when installing your dryer vent. Duct tape will deteriorate with time.
Minimize 90-degree turns. Sharp turns cause more back pressure and create resistance to air flow. Two 45-degree bends are more efficient than one 90-degree.
Always support hanging dryer ducts at each joint with strapping. Secure ductwork.

Exterior wall dampers should have a hood or flaps that keep out the weather. No hardware cloth or screen wire of any type should be in the exit airport. It will collect lint and block the air flow. A proper dryer vent cover will prevent birds and critters from inhabiting your vent pipe, avoiding premature dryer vent damage or breakage.

How to Prepare: Periscope Dryer Vent Installation

Installation of the Almetal ® Dryer Vent typically does not require any special experience. It can usually be installed in a few hours with standard construction tools. However, due to the wide variety of venting configurations found in homes, there may be some situations where it would be advisable to hire a contractor or carpenter to assist in installation of the Almetal™ Dryer Vent. The Almetal ® Dryer Vent is available with either an end vent or a side vent.

Refer to the following illustrations to determine which best suits your particular installation. These illustrations will help you determine the best way to install your Almetal™ Dryer Vent, what parts will be needed, and the complexity of your periscope dryer vent installation.

Periscope Dryer Vent Installation Procedure

PART I: SETUP / MEASUREMENTS

Measure carefully - position of the Almetal ® Dryer Vent receiver is very important. The receiver must be positioned directly behind the dryer exhaust pipe for the dryer to slide into place properly. The diagram to the right shows the washer being used as the reference point.

a) Before beginning the Periscope dryer vent installation, turn on the dryer and check air flow at the exterior damper for comparison after install.

b) Note the location of the dryer relative to a suitable reference point. If the washer does not need to be moved to access back of dryer and the path to the outside vent, use it. Otherwise, a wall, masking tape on the floor, or a small pencil mark will work
My reference point is: ____________________________________

c) Prior to moving or disconnecting the dryer, measure from your reference point to the dryer. If you wish to relocate the dryer from its old position, do so before making this measurement. Be sure to leave at least 1/2" - 1" between the washer and dryer to allow for washer shift during the spin cycle.
Left/right distance from dryer to reference point: (A) _____________________

d) Remove the dryer from its location to access the work area. e) Unplug electrical cord or, in case of gas dryer, shut off gas. Remove all existing hoses and vent parts.

f) If installing a new dryer, adjust the dryer height to match the washing machine

height.

g) Assemble the exhaust pipe extender by bending it to form a cylinder and fitting together the crimped ends. Install the exhaust pipe extender on the dryer exhaust pipe. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the exhaust pipe extender.
Distance from exhaust pipe extender to floor: (B) ________________________

h) Remove the exhaust pipe extender. Measure the left to right distance from the the 4" dryer exhaust pipe on the back of the dryer to the side of the dryer closest to your reference point.
Distance from side of dryer to the dryer exhaust pipe: (C) _________________________

PART II: RECEIVER INSTALLATION

This is the hardest part of the dryer vent installation. It may be relatively easy, taking only about a half hour in the simplest installations. Or, it can be quite involved, requiring many hours to complete, as well as some additional tools and carpentry skills. Before beginning, plan well and carefully determine the complexity of your vent installation. You may need to purchase additional 4" piping and/or elbows. If the path from your dryer exhaust vent to the outside vent is a long or complex one, you may want to consider hiring a carpenter or contractor to complete installation for you.

a) If you have not already done so, refer to Preparing for Installation and determine how the periscope will be attached to the outside vent. Obtain any additional piping, elbows, tape, etc. necessary. If needed, periscope extensions in lengths of 4' can be ordered from Almetal™ Dryer Vent.

b) Adjust the periscope to the length you need for your vent In most cases, the periscope will need to be pulled apart, cut with tin snips, and reassembled to achieve the correct length.

c) Insert the exhaust pipe extender into the receiver on the periscope. Attach the periscope to the outside vent, using additional piping if necessary, and position the periscope on the wall so that the the receiver and exhaust pipe extender line up with where the dryer's exhaust vent will be. Use the measurements made in Part I to locate the receiver and exhaust pipe extender precisely. Don't worry about the length of the extender at this point. When receiver is in the correct position, mark the periscope's exact location on the wall.

d) Remove the exhaust pipe extender. Use metal foil tape to secure all duct pipe connections and any other spots where air could leak from the system. Do not tape the exhaust pipe extender to the periscope.

e) Check the periscope's location following application of metal tape. Once it is positioned correctly, use the stainless steel screw and flat washer to fasten the periscope to the wall through the 4" receiver hole. You will need to drill through the back of the aluminum wall of the periscope.

PART III: EXHAUST PIPE EXTENDER INSTALLATION

a) In most cases the exhaust pipe extender will need to be cut to the correct length. You may find it is possible and desirable to locate the dryer closer to the back wall than it was previously. However, do consider the location of the washer. Typically, you will want the washer and dryer fronts to line up. The tail pipe should project at least 1" to 1 1/2" beyond the back of the dryer. One (1") is all that goes into the receiver. The receiver is made to stop the extender at the correct depth. Measure and mark the exhaust pipe extender for cutting.

b) Remove exhaust pipe extender and disconnect crimped edges so it is flat to allow cutting. Cut to length using tin snips, then reconnect crimped edges.

c) Put the exhaust pipe extender on the dryer's exhaust vent and use metal tape to secure. We have included a 4" hose clamp to secure the extender to the dryer.

PART IV: RECONNECTING DRYER TO THE VENT

a) Install the dryer by sliding it back until the exhaust pipe extender fits into the receiver. A small mirror will help in adjusting the dryer into the proper alignment. The normal distance for the exhaust pipe extender to slide into the receiver is 1". You may want to mark this distance on the exhaust pipe extender so you can tell when it's in all the way.

b) Reconnect electricity and gas, if applicable.

You should notice shorter drying times immediately. Check airflow at damper. You should notice better air flow than before installation of the Almetal™ Dryer Vent.