Don't Use PVC for Dryer Vents
- History In the 1950s, when PVC pipes were first developed, people found this material to be very durable and the quality of it being resistant to bacteria has made it convenient for plumbing purposes. PVC comes in a variety of sizes measured in diameter and strengths referring to schedules. ...
- Risks and Dangers ...
- Precautionary Measures ...
Can you use PVC pipe for a dryer vent?
While using PVC for some venting applications is acceptable, you should not use PVC to vent a dryer. PVC has a maximum temperature rating of 140 degrees. Dryer exhaust output can range from 130 to 165 degrees. PVC can buildup a static charge that can ignite lint buildup and cause a fire. Rigid metal vent piping is best for venting a dryer.
How do you install a dryer duct?
- The typical maximum-allowable duct run for dryers is 25 feet. ...
- The rule-of-thumb for route length should be reduced for each turn in the path. ...
- Be sure to take into account distance adjustments created from appliances resting on top of washer and dryer pedestals . ...
- Use a 4-inch rigid metal duct pipe for a safer option that also requires less maintenance.
How to insulate a dryer vent?
How to Vent a Dryer Through the Roof
- Pick your spot for vent termination. Figuring out the exact spot where you want your dryer vent going through the roof is your first step.
- Make your outside hole. Once you’ve picked the vent’s final destination, your next step is to make the hole for the dryer vent.
- Install and insulate the vent pipe itself. ...
- Tape and seal your pipe joints. ...
How to install a dryer vent duct?
- Depending on the location of your vent, you may require an elbow to connect to the vent hood duct. ...
- Install a duct elbow onto the dryer, if necessary.
- Measure the distance between the elbows, including the overlap from the connection at each end.
- Duct pipe usually comes in 5-foot lengths. ...
What kind of pipe should I use for dryer vent?
You can use a 4-inch flexible aluminum foil duct that is UL 2158A listed and marked for safe dryer venting. Look for a product that is constructed from heavy duty, fire resistant aluminum foil with a high density, corrosion resistant wire helix. Remember that only ducts 8 feet or less can be UL listed and marked.
Can a dryer vent be plastic?
Plastic or Vinyl Duct Plastic vinyl ductwork is not allowed by most building codes. The flexible plastic (usually vinyl) duct is similar to aluminum foil duct but has a thin plastic wall rather than metal foil. Despite its popular use for many years, the plastic duct is no longer allowed by most building codes.
What material should a dryer vent be made of?
Per the requirements of the International Residential Code, Section M1502 (2009-2018 IRC), the clothes dryer exhaust duct should be made of galvanized steel or galvanized aluminum rigid or semi-rigid metal with a smooth interior finish and a duct diameter of 4 inches.
What is code for a dryer vent?
The maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend.
Do dryer vents have to be metal?
Dryer ducts must be constructed of rigid aluminum or galvanized steel. Plastic transition ducts cannot be used since they're flammable. Duct interiors must have smooth surfaces with the joints running in the direction of the airflow.
What is the safest dryer duct?
Only rigid metal ducts, either aluminum or galvanized steel, are suitable for concealed dryer vent ducts that run inside floors, walls, and other areas before venting outside the home. Their smooth surfaces allow maximum air flow and resist lint accumulation, which contribute to fire safety.
Does dryer vent need mesh?
First things first, unless you will be checking an exterior dryer vent screen regularly, do not use a small mesh screen. These may seem like a good idea to keep insects out but they can get clogged with lint very easily, which creates a fire hazard and requires constant cleaning.
How hot does a dryer vent pipe get?
125-135 °FModern Clothes Dryer TemperaturesModern Clothes Dryer Temperatures Clothes Dryer Vent SafetyGas and Electric Clothes Dryer Cycles & FunctionsNormal / Safe Clothes Dryer TemperatureAir temperatures in the exhaust vent125-135 °F~Exhaust temperatures at an interior, exterior wall113-130 °F7 more rows
Are plastic dryer vent covers safe?
Flexible, vinyl or foil ducts are a poor choice. Not only does their ribbing create spots for lint to collect, but also the plastics and paper used to create them are highly flammable. If a lint fire sparks under high heat, they will quickly allow flames to spread. Rigid, metal ducts are a much better choice.
Will plastic dryer vent melt?
Use Metal Exhaust Vents It is extra important because plastic and vinyl materials can catch on fire, unlike metal. Plastic can melt in very high temperatures. If that happens, it can definitely be a costly dryer vent repair job.
Can I cover vent with plastic?
When it comes to choosing vent covers for your next construction project or renovation, consider using plastic ones. Polypropylene, and polystyrene are two of the most commonly used plastic resins. The first is more resistant to impacts, the second is more resistant to heat.
Is plastic dryer hose safe?
Dryer Warning Labels This dryer warning label which is located on the back of all dryers clearly states you should use a heavy metal vent and “DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR THIN FOIL DUCT”. The reason they say this is because these type of dryer hoses will feed the fire, the vinyl will melt and spread a fire should one occur.
Why Not Use PVC for Your Dryer Vent?
PVC pipe is fantastic for many different applications, and it is even sometimes used for duct and venting applications, but there are a few reasons why PVC pipe is not a great choice for dryer vents.
What is the maximum temperature of PVC pipe?
For one, PVC has a rather low maximum operating temperature. All PVC pipe and fittings have a max operating temp of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Now think about how hot your dryer gets. All that hot air and moisture running through the pipe for years is bound to do some damage.
Can you vent a dryer with a metal duct?
Always follow building codes as to which materials to use / not to use. That being said, we recommend using a smooth rigid metal duct to vent your dryer. Metal can withstand the heat generated by the dryer, and is will not accumulate dust and lint like plastic pipe.
Can you use PVC to vent a dryer?
This could cause the lint ot build up and cause blockage as well. Third, using PVC to vent a dryer is a violation according to most residential building codes.
Can PVC pipe be static?
This may cause the plastic to go soft and cause some blockage in the long run. Second, PVC pipe is notorious for creating static electricity. Anyone who has ever cut PVC pipe with a saw can attest to this (the shavings cling to the pipe like crazy).
Do you have to be aware of safety precautions when using a dryer?
When its comes to your home and the products you use in it, you should always do research to make sure you are aware of safety precautions, especially when dealing with electrical appliances that produce any sort of heat like a clothing dryer.
Why PVC Is Not The Best Material For Your Dryer Vent?
Some homeowners use PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride duct for the dryer vent since it’s cheaper and easily available. Although it seems sturdy, this is further from the truth. PVC pipes have been around for half a century. They were popular back since they were easy to get and could resist corrosion. Also, these were resistant to rotting caused by bacteria.
Why is lint in dryer vents so bad?
As lint builds up in a dryer vent, there’s high energy consumption as clothes struggle to dry. There is an obstruction to free airflow because of the clogged duct. Likewise, this prolongs the drying cycle and increases energy bills.
What size duct should I use for dryer vents?
I recommend the HAVC premium duct for dryer vent pipe fitting. The pipe is incredibly long at 20 feet and is easy to install. It has a dimension of 4 inches, which is recommended by the venting guidelines. Moreover, this pipe is versatile for different applications and is a good value for money.
How does a dryer vent work in 2021?
Statistics show that thousands of house fires are caused by poor dryer venting. Even though these fires are common, the good news is that they are preventable by fitting the best dryer vent pipe. A dryer vent pipe works by drawing out water vapor from wet clothes. The vent connection system transports the hot ...
What size dryer vent should I use?
A dryer duct should be at least 4 inches in diameter, clean, and with no obstruction to airflow. The pipe should have zero friction to allow for airflow efficiency and quicken the drying period.
Why does PVC duct trap melt?
PVC or Vinyl duct trap can easily melt because of the hot air coming from the dryer. When this happens, heat alters the shape of the plastic material leading to deformation. The bends and curves created are recipes for disaster since they trap the lint coming from the dryer.
What is the best material for venting?
The best venting material is solid metal with a smooth interior to allow for optimal airflow. I don’t recommend a PVC material because of the high risk of fire. PVC is made of highly flammable plastic that can burn when sparks from lint ignite a fire.
What is PVC Pipe?
PVC pipe is made from a plastic material and stands for polyvinyl chloride. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer that can be formed into various shapes. When used for pipe, PVC is typically a rigid white material that resists corrosion. Some experts report that PVC is the third most widely produced plastic globally.
The Problems with Temperature and PVC Pipe
One of the problems with using PVC pipe to vent a clothes dryer is temperature. Most schedule 40 PVC pipes will soften and lose their structural integrity at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is well above the industry standard temperature for residential clothes dryers.
Stay Within The Building Codes
Most building codes in the US prohibit using PVC pipes for dryer vents. There are several reasons for these prohibitions. You may save yourself time and money by avoiding PVC pipes when rebuilding your dryer vents.
What is the Best Alternative for A Dryer Vent?
In general, the best alternative for venting your dryer is metal. The metal dryer vent can be steel or aluminum, and both are good alternatives. There are several reasons that metal is the proper choice for venting your dryer.
What Other Considerations Should I Take For My Dryer Vent?
If you are installing a new dryer vent, you will need to make an opening of the correct size through an exterior wall. If your home has a brick veneer siding, this can be a challenge, and you may need to hire a professional to create this opening. Other considerations when venting a dryer include:
PVC Pipe – Not For Dryer Vents
There are much better alternatives for venting your dryer than PVC pipe. Choosing the right vent pipe can enable your clothes dryer to operate more efficiently and have a longer working life. The cost difference is negligible between metal and PVC vent pipes. So do yourself and your dryer a favor by installing the best choice in vent pipe.
When was PVC pipe first used?
In the 1950s, when PVC pipes were first developed, people found this material to be very durable and the quality of it being resistant to bacteria has made it convenient for plumbing purposes. PVC comes in a variety of sizes measured in diameter and strengths referring to schedules.
Can you use PVC for dryer vents?
Since PVC is not really safe for dryer vents, it is recommended to use the flexible aluminum pipes for your dryer vents instead. Not only is less expensive, it is also easier to install and vent warping and dryer overheating is no longer an issue. Although a lot of building codes still allow PVC pipes for dryer vents, ...
Can a dryer vent be clogged?
When the vents get clogged it is also very possible that the dryer itself can overheat and can increase the risk of fire. Lint also can burn if too much heat is accumulated and can ignite especially if you are drying something that contains oil and grease. So in essence, use of a PVC pipe as a dryer vent is a fire hazard.
Is PVC pipe bad for dryer vents?
The dangers of PVC pipe is that since it is very sensitive to high temperatures exhausted by the dryer, the vent’s pipe will eventually soften and possibly break . Since it is also prone to static buildup, lint will accumulate inside the pipe and could clog the exhaust causing the pipe to be less effective as a dryer vent.
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Why is my dryer duct running in a slab?
The big problem with running dryer ducts in slabs -be they PVC, metal, or anything else -is that the slab acts as a heat-sink, increasing condensation and causing lint to deposit in the pipe - the problem is worst with longer runs and changes of direction.
How long is a transition duct for a dryer?
Clothes dryer transition ducts used to connect the appliance to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet and shall be listed and labeled for the application. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction.” [Note: Once they pass through a wall, floor or ceiling the code determines the duct is concealed and must be an “exhaust duct” and not a “transition duct”.]
What size ducts are required for M1502.5?
M1502.5 Duct construction.Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.4 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the direction of air flow. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct.
How long is a PVC floor?
This encases the PVC within the concrete floor. The PVC runs from the laundry room to an outside wall of the slab, and are most likely 8-12 feet long. I've seen homeowners split the flexible duct stuff, slip it onto the 4" PVC and use duct tape to make a seal.
What happens when air flows through PVC?
Air flowing through PVC creates static electricity. Static electricity attracts the lint and causes it to stick in the pipe. Static Electricity also creates sparks. PVC is extremely toxic when burning/melting as well.
What is the thermal conductivity of PVC?
I know this is an older post, but I am curious. the Thermal conductivity of PVC is 0.19 that is at least 100 times less then steel, and in the same range as wood...
Can a PVC connector slip over a PVC stub?
As for connections, we are back to M1502 "having smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the direction of air flow", you can't have a connection which slips over the PVC stub (unless it was somehow constructed to produce a smooth interior transition), the practical way to do this is to construct a connector which forms the male end of the connection. I'm not aware of any such factory made connection, if it do not exist it would have to be shop or field fabricated.
What is slim duct?
Slim duct, sometimes called periscope duct or known by the brands Tite-Fit or Skinny Duct, is a telescoping rigid aluminum duct designed for transition ducting in tight spaces. It has a wide rectangular shape except for the two ends where it connects to the dryer and the vent outlet. It allows you to push the dryer very close to the wall. This can be a great space-saver as long as the dryer and the vent are close together. Most slim ducts can be adjusted from about 27 inches to about 48 inches in length. It is also adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installations.
What is semi rigid ducting?
Semi-rigid metal (usually aluminum) duct is flexible and similar to foil ducting but quite a bit more rigid. Like foil duct, semi-rigid is used only for transition ducting and should not be concealed in walls or floors. It is typically installed with clamps.
What is dryer transition duct?
Made of flexible aluminum foil, this is the most common type of dryer transition ducts—those that connect from the appliance to the main duct that runs to the outdoors. Foil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations.
What is dryer vent pipe?
Dryer vent pipes, properly called vent ducts, come in a variety of materials. Most dryer ducts are round and 4 inches in diameter. Some are flexible, and others are rigid. Because all types are sold for use with dryers, you would naturally assume that all are suitable for this application. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
What is the best material for ductwork?
The rigid metal duct is the only suitable duct material for concealed duct installations; that is, the portion of the duct run inside walls, floors, or other areas where the duct is not fully visible. Available in aluminum and galvanized steel, the rigid metal duct is very smooth on its interior, so air flows through with little friction, and it catches the least amount of lint of any duct material. Because rigid duct cannot be bent, it is assembled with elbow fittings that allow the duct to turn 45 or 90 degrees, depending on the type of elbow.
How to know if duct is safe?
The best way to ensure a duct is safe for your installation is to look for a product that is listed, or certified, by a national testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Building codes often specify "listed" or "L and L" (listed and labeled) duct for all new installations.
Is semi rigid duct stronger than foil duct?
It is typically installed with clamps. Although semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct, it is more common to find listed foil duct than listed semi -rigid. 03 of 05.
