Dryer duct question

[ryner1988]

Hi all,

I posted a few months ago that when I cleaned my dryer's vent system, I realized that vinyl transitional ducting was being used. I was going to replace it with semi-rigid aluminum since I didn't think I could put in fully rigid transitional ductwork myself, but combo52/John advised me that what I had was actually better than the semi-rigid aluminum and gave me several reasons that made sense, so I heeded his advice and left it alone.

However, an issue has come up where the duct won't stay in the clamp that holds it to the wall. On closer inspection I realized it's ripping, some of the wires underneath the vinyl are poking out and there are holes at the end so that's probably why it won't stay in place.

I've ordered a new transitional foil duct and it'll be here in a few days. I feel confident installing it myself, but the problem is that I need to do laundry tomorrow. My wife is out of a lot of clothes and I'm not far behind. My question is,will it hurt anything to use the dryer without the vent attached for two or three loads? I'd wait until the new transitional duct is here, but I don't think I can -- I haven't done laundry since last Sunday and it's backing up.

Thanks,

Ryne

 

[repairguy]

No it won’t hurt. You may have a little extra lint and a lot of humidity will be added to the room.

 

[launderess]

If current hose is otherwise good (especially at end connected to dryer), why not just wrap damaged end snuggly with good strong duct or foil tape?

While not exactly ideal solution would likely get you through a few loads until new vent hose arrives. Since you're going to be rubbishing old vinyl hose anyway even if have to cut through tape to get thing off no harm or foul.

Venting dryer indoors even if only for a few loads is just a disaster IMHO. Lint and dust will get everywhere, this and of course the added moisture and whatever else is in air coming out of dryer.

 

[jben]

Open a door or window to outside

If the location has an exterior door or window I would open one during the drying cycle.

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #2

Launderess, I had actually thought of this last night after posting and did just that. I don't have any foil tape on hand so I used duct tape. I know it's not ideal but like you said, temporary solution until new hose gets here so no big deal in my opinion.

 

[ryner1988]

Hose got here earlier than expected

And so did my constant tension clamps. I can't believe I'm just now discovering these, they work so much better for me than the screw-on clamps. Will likely never use the screw type again now that I know the tension ones exist.

 

[launderess]

Constant tension clamps really are way to go IMHO. Look under bonnet of most motor vehicles, appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers and you'll find constant tension clamps most often over screw version. Least at higher end of things this is what one sees.

For connecting dryer vent hoses constant tension clamps are usually recommended over screw clamps.

Thing about constant tension clamps is they are just that; while screw type may work themselves lose over time.

In tight spaces often it's easier to slip on constant tension clamps rather than pfaff about trying to get into area with a screwdriver for other sorts.

 

[ryner1988]

Reply #6

Oh yes, this made dealing with the spacial issues much easier. My W/D is in a closet off the hallway in my one-bedroom apartment, so not a lot of room to pull the dryer out and work comfortably behind it. I was skeptical about the clamps staying in place but so far, they seem to be holding up well. I think they provide just enough pressure without being too tight. And they'll be easy to take off when next I need to detach the vent hose for cleaning or whatever. I would recommend the constant tention clamps to anyone who has a bit of a tight place to work with.

 

[combo52]

Constant tension or spring type dryer vent hose clamps

Will only work with soft plastic tubing, otherwise the screw type clamps are much better because you can put the necessary tension on if you’re using aluminum tubing, etc.

John

 

[ryner1988]

John, yes I agree with you if I were using rigid or even semi-rigid aluminum I would not use this type of clamp. However the flexible foil is pretty malleable and so seems to take to the constant tention just fine

Someday I will likely have a professional hired to go in there and hook up proper rigid transitional ducting for me, but the flexible foil I can handle myself and so that's why I use it for now, even though it's pretty widely discouraged. I'm not neglectful about checking it for obstructions so I feel pretty safe with it.

 

[combo52]

Flexible dryer vent duct

Hi Ryne , I believe the stuff you’ve got is actually a plastic mylar type material it’s not actually foil it may be silver, however,

I see no problem with the flexible, plastic ducting, modern dryers, such as yours, have thermal fuses in them they’re not likely to have a fire in them. And lint cannot catch fire inside a duct on its own. The dryer has to catch fire first.

It’s still better to use metal ducting if possible

John.

 

[ryner1988]

John,

Huh, the description says it's made out of foil. Not that it matters that much what it's made from as long as it's UL listed which the product details page says it is.

This is what I have.

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