Intsalling a vent system for a tumble dryer

[admin]

🙂 I would like some advice regarding installing some vent tubing for a new tumble dryer. Unfortunately the only location is in the cellar and the vent pipe needs to go up from the dryer ( on top opf the washing machine) about 1.5 meter up to the ceiling and then at right angles and horizontal through 2 concrete walls to the exterior, a lenth of about 2.5 meters Our garage is below ground and hence the pipe needs to go up the ceiling and then out so that it comes out above ground level. I have several questions:

1) I will knock 2 x 10.5 cm holes in both walls to fit the 10 cms wide alu piping. Can I just slip the existing pipe through the holes in the concrete and then repoint/reconcrete or is it best to ad an additional protective sleeve ( metal or other) around the alu pipe piece which is in the wall and then concrete/repoint after?

2) What type of grill or cover do I need for the outside wall, where the hot air will exit. Is a standard open grill/vented cover adequate so as to stop rain and animals crawing in or can I get a special valve/flap system that opens only when the hot air is pushed out from the inside?

3) From your experience, would you suggest having the holes knocked out using professional builders with all the correct gear or is this job well within resch of a good DIY person. I have the hammers, standard drill, bits and so on. I hear that it is possible to drill nice round holes using power drills?

4) Finaly, are 2 bends in the alu piping venting okay for a tumble dryer, one bend from the dryer itself upwards and then another at right angles at ceiling levels. The alu pipe is smooth inside and aluminium. I am concerned of some condensation falling back into the dryer or not enough ventilation causing a tempreature rise or excess pressure.

Thanks very much in advance for any advice and recommendations.

Kind regards,

Andy

[kwatt]

Re: Intsalling a vent system for a tumble dryer

Hi Andy,

The idea of the vent hose is to do as short a run as possible with as little bends as possible as well. The reason is so that you get maximum airflow with minimum restrictions to that airflow, bends and dips slow down the air and dips also alow places where steam can condensate and leave puddles of water, this can lead to restricted airflow as well as bad smells, bacterial growth and improper operation of the dryer. The same goes for the vent to the outside air and I would strongly advise the use a proper vent kit which Dave should be able to help you with if one is not listed in the shop.

I would also suggest the cheap plastic hose as it’s more flexible than aluminium and will not allow condensation to form on the outside as easily, assuming that the cellar is unheated that could be an issue.

Other than that knocking holes in the wall is purely down to how confident you feel. 😉

Hope that helps.

K.

[Penguin45]

How about using the standard vent hose into a condensor pot and just emptying it occasionally? Much simpler!

Regards,
Penguin45.

[Dave_Conway]

Re: Intsalling a vent system for a tumble dryer

I’d go with P45’s idea to be honest.

If you run the vent “uphill” to that extent, some of the steam will condense inside the hose and run back down and potentially damage the dryer (I’ve seen it happen, even with one vented with 2m hose to a high window).

Dave.

[admin]

Re: Intsalling a vent system for a tumble dryer

Dear all,

Thanks for the very useful answers. I have just one other question!
What is a condensor pot and where can I get one or can I make one?
Alternitavely could I drill a hole or two at the botto of the first bend, when the dryer in use plug the holes up with a bung and when finished, take the plugs out and place a pot underneath to catch excess water which drips back down?

Cheers,

Andy

[Dave_Conway]

Re: Intsalling a vent system for a tumble dryer

vodopivec wrote:What is a condensor pot

It’s a plastic container that you connect the hose to, fill it with cold water and the steam condenses in to it. Not the ideal solution, but they do work.

vodopivec wrote:and where can I get one or can I make one?

Here in the shop, click on the link below:
http://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/tumble-d … nt-adapter

vodopivec wrote:Alternitavely could I drill a hole or two at the botto of the first bend

Some of the water may run down while in use, possible but not advisable.

Dave.

[Author]

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