To those with numerous dryers

[alexb1186]

Does anyone on here have numerous gas dryers hooked up in their "showroom" or laundry room? Is there such an invention as a gas line splitter to let you hook up 2 dryers to the same gas line or did y'all have to either install a 220v outlet for an electric or get the gas company out to build a new line?

I'm asking cause my mom hates the fact that she can do 3-4 loads of wash while one is still in the dryer and she would really like to have a second dryer to combat this problem

 

[58limited]

I would definitely consult with a professional about expanding your gas or electric capabilities. Personally, its no big deal for me to redo a gas line or electrical circuit as I've had experiance with this. Depending on your local codes, of course, you can remove your current gas fitting and replace it with an inline coupling, elbow, or T fitting with a gas connector on one of the outlet holes. Then run appropriate straight stock (galvanized here) along the wall, with anchors, and place T fittings with gas connectors at the various dryer locations. Some local codes require the gas lines to be within the walls, in which case this obviously becomes more complicated.

Electrical lines almost always have to be within the walls or in conduit. Depending on where your braker box is located, electrical lines can be tricky to add.

Definitely hire a professional if you have no experience with this type of work.

 

[toggleswitch]

~I'm asking cause.....can do 3-4 loads of wash while one is still in the dryer 3 to 4 loads in the time it takes to dry one

Methinks the dryer needs a shorter vent hose or needs a good cleaning.
If a toploader takes half an hour to wash and a dryer should take one hour how can there be more than one load, maybe two backed up?

Is your dryer running on 110v electric perchance? Is it unvented? BAD BAD BAD if gas and in a living space! Is it installed in an unheated space? BTW temperature sensing auto-dry controls [not the electronic sensor type] won't shut the machine off in an unheated space, since this type depends on the heat-source shuting off for the timer to advance!


BTW, if mom replaces her top-loader with a front-loader each machine (W & D) will take about 45 minutes. [The front loader spins faster and helps the dryer finish faster.] There will be little to no backup (time-delay) getting washed loads into the dryer.

Yes, as mentioned above the gas line can be easily extended (by a licensed plumber, or a KNOWLEDGABLE COMPETENT DIY-er)with additonal tappings for a second gas dryer. DON'T MESS WITH GAS UNLESS YOU OR YOUR INSTALLER ARE 100% SURE OF WHAT IS PROPER, TO CODE SAFE ETC.

Also, two dryers should not share one 4-inch wide (100mm) vent connection.

 

[bobbins]

Good point toggles....

All clothes dryers that are designed to be vented SHALL be vented to outdoors with the shortest length of venting (usually 4" dia) As a rule of thumb, if the distance exceeds equivlent length of ~25' (check with manufacturers - NOTE that each elbow is usually about 6-8' for length...3 elbows is 18' leaving you only 7') you may also need to install a dryer booster fan. These fans are usually installed in Apt buildings with centeralize laundry that are located more then 25ft to outdoors. The fans are activated when there it senses air flow.

http://www.fantech.net/dryer_boosting.htm

 

[alexb1186]

Toggles, she uses the Auto Dry cycle on the dryer and in that time she can actually get 2-3 loads in the washer done by the time the dryer buzzes for the first load (I assume the AutoDry naturally takes longer than Timed Dry). Our dryer vent hose is about 5-6 ft to vent outside.

I think she told me one time she may already have a 220v or whatever voltage it is for a std. electric dryer

 

[toggleswitch]

In theory the auto-dry and the timed cycles should really perform the task in the same amount of time. Some cycles add a prolonged cool-down which prevents wrinkles. Still methinks your dryer takes WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too long. Is mom using a very low heat? Is the dryer located in a cold place?

 

[toggleswitch]

BTW, sometimes with an older vent cap (the outside part) lint can get into the hinge and prevent the flap from opening fully. this too may cause extended dry times. Have a peek and let us know!