I'm really struggling with my dryer vent situation and hope to get some ideas. I have a few major issues:
1. There's a drain pipe that sticks into the dryer vent tube where it enters the house, causing the vent tube to never be round, as it has to squeeze around the drain pipe.
2. Inside, there are utilities that partially block access to the dryer, making it impossible to run a straight vent line. I can use angled connectors but there's always air leakage.
3. The vent cover on the outside of the house is permanently attached to the vent tube, so I can't access the area behind it to properly seal around the tube. I'm having trouble finding a product that allows me to attach the cover after sealing the tube.
3 Answers
If you're considering alternative options, have you thought about getting a new dryer vent? They're pretty cheap, like around $7 at Home Depot. They typically don’t come attached to the duct, which might give you a fresh start. Just a thought!
Sounds like you might want to consider moving that plumbing drain if possible. If you could rotate that Y-junction, it could give you enough room to make things work better. I know it's not a simple fix, but if you’ve worked with PVC before, it’s not too tough.
Also, keep in mind that every bend or turn in your venting can lead to leaks, so you might want to look into mastic sealant to do a proper job of sealing those connections. As for your third problem, I'm not really clear on that one – could you explain a bit more?
Have you checked if that stud bay to the left is empty? If it is, you could potentially drill a hole there and route your dryer vent through it, which might simplify things. For sealing up the joins inside, aluminum tape or mastic would be your best bet.
On the outside, rather than trying to get behind that vent cover, you can just caulk around the edges. It should help prevent any leaks without needing to remove the cover.