dryer vent length, multiple bends

[Joseph O'Brien]

My dryer is currently located on an exterior wall. It vents directly outside.

As nice as this is, I want to move the dryer to the opposite wall so I can stack it on top of my washer. After reading about dryer duct length on this newsgroup and other places, I understand that the maximum length of the duct is 25', minus 5' for every 90 degree bend, not counting the last elbow that connects to the exterior wall.

Would someone here help me verify the maximum length in my situation? Basically, I need to go up the interior wall, across the ceiling, and down the exterior wall, and out. So I have...

Dryer + elbow + vertical duct + elbow + horizontal duct + elbow + vertical duct + elbow outside.

By my initial calculations, since I have 3 90-degree elbows (not counting the one leading outside), I reduce my maximum duct length by

15 feet. Does that sound right? I counted the elbow coming out of the dryer... is that right?

Thanks for your help, Joseph

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Yes and if you have a long run, you are asking for problem down the road. Mine is in a downstairs bath/laundry room and with only two elbows need cleaning too frequently. Move the washer if you can.

[Doug Kanter]

What about using round sheet metal heat duct material, perhaps with one square or rectangular spot in the middle with a cleanout hold for a vacuum hose?

[SQLit]

They make booster fans for applications like this.

[Doug Kanter]

What about using round sheet metal heat duct material, perhaps with one square or rectangular spot in the middle with a cleanout hold for a vacuum hose?

[Bob]

My Maytag dryer installation instructions say. Rigid metal dryer duct should not exceed an equivalent of 50 ft. Each rigid 90 degree elbow is the equivalent of 8 ft. of straight duct. The exhaust hood is equivalent to 8 ft. of straight duct. No more than three 90 degree elbows should be used. 4 ft. of straight duct should be between each elbow. So, if you're using an exhaust hood and three 90 degree elbows, the maximum amount of straight duct cannot exceed 18 ft. Do not use sheet metal screws.

[mm]

I know you didn't ask, but what do you plan to use the space the dryer is in for?

If shelves, build shelves over the washer and the dryer, and you won't have to move anything.

Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let me know if you have posted also.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

May help, but most of the lint tends to gather in a spot where the hose goes over top of the hallway. Vacuum will not suck it out.

[Joseph O'Brien]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I think I have just enough length to make it without an inline fan.

MM: I might take your suggestion and build some shelves, at least temporarily. The other part of this project is to hire an electrician to install a new 220 outlet, which isn't in the budget for a few more months.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Joseph

[CDET 14]

The last vertical duct is probably not necessary. Will your home allow the termination at the end of the horizontal duct?

[CDET 14]

Try a blower to clean it out. See several suggestions at