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Installing Gas Dryer - DIY job?

4.4K views 22 replies 10 participants last post by  Fix'n it  
#1 ·
Just bought a natural gas dryer from Home Depot. It is set to be delivered next week. I am considering doing the install myself. The laundry room is already set up for a gas dryer except that the furnace is on the other side of the room and I am not sure how to vent the combustion gas from the dryer without running duct work across the ceiling.
 

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#3 · (Edited)
gas dryer gets vented directly outside with flex duct:wink: not to a flue of a boiler furnace.is that a elbow to outside vent hood over the window....get a flex connector and brass adapter for the gas drop connection to the dryer and your done.take the black nipple and cap off the bottom and go in with the brass adapter 3/4MPT X 3/4 flared that takes the flex gas line.dryer package should have a brass fitting to land the flex gas line...into the dryer
 
#7 ·
Combustion and dryer exhaust go out ONE pipe.

Look at the install directions for the dryer. It should tell you how to hook the exhaust up.

NOTE: there are limits as to how long the exhaust can be. It should be in the install directions too.
 
#8 · (Edited)
he mentioned the furnace on the other side of the basement....the vent flex from a dryer is the exiting pipe and only one...:censored: do not go near the furnace hard ducted flue piping for the furnace and HWH...:wink: he is adding a brass adapter not piping the Alaskian Pipeline....simple piping job it isn't brain surgery.OR get a plumber in to bang you for a couple of $100 bills
 
#9 ·
:wink: he is adding a brass adapter not piping the Alaskian Pipeline....simple piping job it isn't brain surgery.OR get a plumber in to bang you for a couple of $100 bills
I can't disagree with you. However, that doesn't change the fact that it is illegal in some places for a non-licensed person to do gas work. Such a situation is also common for even the simplest electrical work as well.

It is legal here for me to do my own gas piping, but using soap bubbles won't cut it; a 24-hour air-pressure test is required. How many homeowners are going to have the equipment for that?
 
#14 ·
Ok, let me clear the air on the legal requirements. I contacted my county permit/inspection office and they confirmed that a licensed installer is NOT required for this work. However, you do need a permit for the work. After several return calls to the permit office (received conflicting information), I discovered that the permit cost is $50 and will include an inspection.
 
#19 ·
rosem637 said:
My 9 year old can assemble already threaded black pipe and be leak free. Really no technical skills needed. Not something a union plumber/gas fitter wants to hear.

Have never seen a news story of a homeowner accidentally blowing their home up while doing unpermitted gas line work. Cannot say the same for supposed contractors.
While it is important to install gas lines to be free of leaks, there is more to be concerned with than just escaping gas. Improperly installed gas lines, appliances, venting and air supply could lead to premature appliance failure, which can have a negative impact on your wallet. But of more concern, they could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.

There is a lot more to working with gas than just screwing pipe together, and thinking that you know it all could have serious consequences. I'll admit that contractors make mistakes, but so go other professionals like doctors, lawyers accountants, etc. We're all human.

I think there are many homeowners that are perfectly capable of doing their own work, as long as they do their research and practice due diligence. The problems happen when people have the attitude that something is so easy their seven year old can do it, so why pay a pro? You pay a pro because they've already done the "research" in the form of training and know what issues and steps need to be taken that a homeowner wouldn't even think about.
 
#23 ·
oh, btw. i am finishing(it would have been done already, but i had less pipe than i thought :wink:) a gas line branch today. about 20'.
i have my dads cutter and threader. and a guy at work loaned me a pipe vice :thumbup: