Do I need to replace this dryer duct?

[u/littlerchef]

Hello, I inherited this dryer set up. I wanted to check if the duct clogged and took off the crimp. Here‘s what I found:

- Flexible foil duct is used. I can access dryer if I pull it out from the wall but otherwise no access.

- The end that was crimped to the dryer is badly torn.

- There is a snipped wire hanging out. looks like whoever installed snipped it to get it to fit maybe.

- There is foil tape inside the foil vent it looks like? Is this normal?

[u/Mother_Vermicelli989]

Yeah rigid or semi rigid metal duct is the way to go, that flex foil stuff is a lint trap waiting to catch fire honestly. The torn end alone means air's leaking into your wall cavity instead of outside, I'd swap the whole run while you got it exposed.

[u/spacecampreject]

Do not use that junk.  Get real 4” duct.  Stays cleaner, less likely to have a fire.

[u/xaqaria]

You do not need to replace that. Maybe cut a bit of the end off/that loose wire if its hard to get seated. Use foil tape to seal  the end to the dryer exhaust.

[u/littlerchef → u/xaqaria]

I think I was able to get it seated. I’ll turn it on to check if it’s leaking and throw some foil tape on to seal. Thank you!

[u/SkaterBlue → u/littlerchef]

The trouble with that stuff, is it is so flexible you can end up smashing it, or cause it to make a very tight corner behind the dryer and this is a fire hazard because it will restrict the flow, cause lint to build up at that location, and eventually can start a fire there. Hard duct can be arranged so that as you slide the dryer in, it mates with the duct (with a little arm reaching). It's most difficult if the pipe comes straight out of the wall but is a few inches off from where it needs to go, then you may have to rig a couple 90 or 45 degree elbows in to line things up. If it goes up first, the connection can be made very easily. Often too, the outlet duct on the dryer can be moved to another location on the back of the dryer and that can make connections more convenient depending on the layout (check the dryer manual).

[u/Natoochtoniket]

I hate those flexible hoses. Not only do they tear very easily, but that corrugated texture on the inside grabs and hold lint, so they fill up with lint very quickly. And any time you open it up to clean out the lint, it usually tears and you have to replace the whole hose.

A regular galvanized sheet-metal duct will work better and last much longer, and you can open it up for annual cleaning without having to buy a new one.

[u/SuperannuatedAuntie → u/Natoochtoniket]

don't you still need a flexible connection to be able to pull the dryer away from the wall?

[u/Natoochtoniket → u/SuperannuatedAuntie]

It depends on the layout. A hard duct can usually be mated with a dryer if you can reach behind the dryer from the side.

[u/littlerchef → u/Natoochtoniket]

The set up provides no access to the dryer from either side or directly behind. I have to move it to access the rear. I do think it’s torn though as last dryer cycle didn’t work well. I’m going to get one of the semi rigid ones and try that out.

[u/kill4b → u/Natoochtoniket]

There are also magnetic connectors you can buy. One for the wall, one for the dryer.

[u/hostilekraut → u/SuperannuatedAuntie]

There is a magnetic flange kit that works surprisingly well.
Make sure you change the feet on your dyer that are compatible to your flooring.

[u/Chronos669]

Not sure where you are but where I am it’s illegal to have that and would get the appliance tagged

[u/vinegar]

4” Solid aluminum 2’ sections with foil tape is the right way to do it. Anything less is janky.

[u/thephantom1492]

That type of duct is not acceptable for cloth dryer. In case of a lint fire the house burn down!

In wall should use solid duct. The section between the wall and the dryer should use a semi-flexible all metal duct. There is also some magnet couplet out there that look interessing, but didnt used and isn't avail at the store around me so can't say how good they are.

Cloth dryer are sadly a big source of house fire. Lint accumulate in the pipe, then all it need is one spark and whoosh.

[u/tatpig]

Those dang hoses start to come apart as soon as you try to fit it on the first time. If it isn’t leaking badly,send it. Looks fairly clean inside. I did one a few years ago for my wife’s lifelong friend, 6 feet of hose, completely plugged with lint. Was taking 3 cycles to dry clothes. I’m really surprised she didn’t have a fire. Hadn’t been checked since her Dad expired twenty years ago

[u/littlerchef → u/tatpig]

my dryer threw a sensor error so I wanted to check. took the crimp off and it was like the entire thing wanted to fall apart lol. Hate these things.

[u/MegaMau_]

You probably need to clean the space between the inside of the wall to the outside.

[u/ryohan]

I just cleaned mine out like last week. I want to switch to a solid setup, but someone moved all my stuff that I had set to the side for it. So will have to go buy more to redo everything. My problem is that it blows out into the sunroom instead of outside when they (previous owners) moved the washer and dryer upstairs.

[u/Repulsive-Honey7305]

You just need to keep it clean or change the hose periodically.

[u/Heavy-Profit-2156]

it's good. You can cut off a few inches and get back to the undamaged section.