Dryer vent piping

[Gordon Maney]

I have been installing a new clothes dryer. I have never owned a clothes dryer, so I have had to create all the necessary connections.

I am venting it with 4” diameter, rigid aluminum pipe of the sort sold by the building materials store for this purpose. I have it all done except for the passage through the wall.

When I had my basement poured, I had some pieces of PVC pipe set in the wall forms in a number of places where I thought a wall penetration would be useful. The pipe is a 4” inside diameter, with approximately a 1/4" wall thickness.

I can either use 4” duct fittings to hook to one end of this plastic and then attach a hood in the same fashion on the outside, or I can knock this piece of pipe out and run the 4” pipe all the way outdoors. In some ways that is easier, but I am undecided as to a slick way to seal around it, as it leaves roughly a 1/4" gap all the way around, if I do that.

Using the PVC as duct, there is no good way to attach to it, so taking the PVC out of the wall would simplify it greatly, except for the sealing part. I try to do things neatly and well.

I have stopped working on it since I have to start working on an issue. Offer your thoughts if you have any....

[W_A_Watson_II]

If the PVC liner will slip/knock out, then go that route. The outside vent will have a flange that will attach it to the house, and the duct will attach to it, so no issues securing. As for the gap, use some high temp (overkill) sealant to fill the void, or some expanding foam.

[Plumber]

pvc?

How far away is your dryer from the pvc? If it's a short run if you left the pvc you take a chance of it melting from the heat from the dryer vent. (that really stinks) Your local hardware store should have dryer vent grills for the out side mounting of your house. I notice in the house I work in they use a fire caulk or foam spray around the pipe. through wooded areas they used the fire caulk and when they exit the house. they use foam spray or insulation with the spray foam if the hole is to big.
Mike