help with dryer. vent size problem?

semidevil · 06-10-2010, 04:26 PM

so I ordered a washer/dryer to put in my apt from best buy.

they came to try to install and they told me that the dryer uses a 4 inch vent hose, and my vent opening is only 3.5 inches, so it does not fit. they told me to buy an adaptor. In the mean time, they put the vent hose through my wall and put a lint trap.

I went to a model home in my apartment with a 4 inch vent hose, and it seems to fit fine on a 3.5 vent hole on my all. Am I missing something?

I also went ahead and bought an adaptor, but I dont even know if I got the correct one. I bought a 4inch by 3 inch reducer. To me, it seems like it fits better witout the adaptor. Am I missing something?

no matter what, they are coming over this weekend and I want to make sure to get this fixed.

Is the adaptor I bought the correct one? Am I missing somethng here?

**oh'mike** · 06-10-2010, 05:42 PM

I never hear of 3 1/2 inch vent pipe----Measure it your self--I don't like the idea of restricting in vent down to 3 inch.--Mike--

**Gary in WA** · 06-10-2010, 09:32 PM

4" is the minimum safety code size all across the country...........

Be safe, Gary

Jim F · 06-10-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semidevil

they came to try to install and they told me that the dryer uses a 4 inch vent hose, and my vent opening is only 3.5 inches, so it does not fit. they told me to buy an adaptor. In the mean time, they put the vent hose through my wall and put a lint trap. Am I missing somethng here?

Where is Rusty when you need him. He fixes 97 dollar installations.

Yoyizit · 06-10-2010, 10:55 PM

Reducers, elbows, tees, etc., have an equivalent duct length [of 4" duct or 3" duct] but I cannot find the reducer value anywhere on the Web.

From Nutone:
"
Determine the equivalent duct length for each 90 degree
elbow by adding one foot of duct length for each inch of
duct diameter, i.e., a 4 inch diameter duct elbow equals
4 feet equivalent duct length and an 8 inch diameter
duct elbow equals 8 feet equivalent duct length.
"

**Gary in WA** · 06-11-2010, 10:12 PM

"they came to try to install and they told me that the dryer uses a 4 inch " ----------The dryer requires 4", DO NOT REDUCE IT. Buy anew Type "A" termination hood with wall ducting: http://www.appliance411.com/faq/dryer-vent-length.shtml

Be safe, Gary

Yoyizit · 06-11-2010, 10:28 PM

From the link, 0.6" of water column is easily checked using a piece of clear tubing.

Maybe reducers become lint traps, rather than raising the back pressure so much.