Dryer Vent Lines

[Two Pump Chump]

My home build design places the electric clothes dryer against an interior partition wall about 10-12 feet from the exterior wall. My electrician who is very capable and has been a tremendous help on almost everything did not mention any particular problem when we located and installed the outlet. I am trying to figure out how where to run the air vent line and how to avoid boring through my 2x6 inch wall studs. Does the vent line have to be within a wall ? What materials are permissible ? What are the requirements for support if it is permissible to suspend it from the ceiling ? State of Idaho which uses the IBC/UBC and similar. I have the "Code Check" abbreviated code series for reference but I can find anything. Thanks for any help.

 

[75gmck25]

There is no code that prevents suspending it from the ceiling, but unless you want an industrial look I think a lightweight soffit would make it more attractive. Maybe build a soffit to support it, and attach the sides or bottom with velcro on the panels so you can pull them for access. If you don't clean it out periodically it will build up lint in the horizontal run, and drop the air flow quite a bit. The reduced air flow will also cause the dryer to heat up more.

The dryer vent will eventually need to be cleaned out, so think ahead and figure out how you would make that happen. Take a look at the path for snaking out the vent and make sure you can get to it from both directions. For running up through a 2x6 wall you could use oval vent and not need to reduce it below 4". Then exit the wall high up and run across the ceiling to the exterior wall. If the floor joists run in the right direction you could also run it across in the joist cavity.

 

[larry4406]

Smooth 4” metal duct. Proper male into female in direction of flow.

If in unconditioned space insulate.

Slope downhill towards wall cap if sidewall exit.

If seamed put seam on top so condensate can’t leak out. Seal seam.

Flapper cap, no screen.

No sheet metal screws (snags lint) UL181 tape only.

Most building codes limit to 20’ plus one elbow I recall. Each elbow is worth 5’, so 25’ max.

Don’t oval the pipe to fit in a 2x4 wall. We have to upsize to 2x6 walls whenever it runs in a stud bay.

 

[Kaizen]

can you go down through a cellar? defintely metal ducting with preferably no screws into it. as said get a cleaner that has extensions and mounts to a drill.
I've never used one and depending on your dryer might want to get a duct booster like this. there has to be dryer specific ones out there.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-DBF110-DBF-110-Duct-Booster-Fan-Plastic-w-o-Cord?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pmax_best_sellers&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqre1BhAqEiwA7g9QhuNr5uAo4dnXI0SvadVq5pXOBmJ1bTArkXyMPQAGlMuAe3kYloMjgBoCeh0QAvD_BwE

also highly recommend external vent like this. I love mine. air tight design.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLWBQ97G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Two Pump Chump]

Thanks for the replies. I will verify with the inspector but he is busy and will take some time. On a slab so no basement route.

 

[Copymutt]

20 yrs. now on 6” galvanized vent enclosed in a chase tucked between the wall & ceiling & painted to match. Flapper cap over an attached green house, easy access to clean. Dryer has an alert should air flow decrease. Toal run is 6’ up & 9’ horizontal.