How high off ground should a dryer vent be?

Author: Mr. Coy Rath  |  Last update: Monday, February 23, 2026

A summary of the typical codes relating the dryer venting is as follows: Dryer vent systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture to the outdoors. Terminations shall be a minimum of three feet from property line and 12" above the ground and not exhibit any type of screen.

What is the code for dryer venting?

M1502.

The maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend.

What is the height requirement for a dryer vent?

At the terminating end of the exhaust duct (at the exterior wall), install a backdraft damper. The hood opening should point down and should be at least 12 inches above the ground (Cranor 2005). A louvered damper is more effective than a single hinged door. No screen should be installed in the duct terminus.

How high should the vent be on the back of a dryer?

It's a 4 inch vent. It ranges from about 41.5 inches to 45.5 inches, give or take a quarter of an inch.

How high should a tumble dryer vent be?

How high up should a vent be installed for my tumble dryer? This depends on your manufacturer. Check your product manual to find out. It's also handy to know that your vent hose should always be level or vented downwards to stop condensation building in the dryer.

Dryer Vent Exceeds Code Part 1

How high should a dryer vent be off ground?

A summary of the typical codes relating the dryer venting is as follows: Dryer vent systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture to the outdoors. Terminations shall be a minimum of three feet from property line and 12" above the ground and not exhibit any type of screen.

Why are vented tumble dryers being phased out?

Air-vented dryers draw air from the room in which they are installed, heat it and lead it through the humid clothing in the drum to evaporate the moisture. The humid air is then expelled to the external environment. Air-vented dryers thus require an exhaust to the outside, making them less practical.

What are the rules for dryer venting?

Venting Guidelines
  • All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. ...
  • Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). ...
  • Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.

Can a dryer vent touch wood?

Yes, that's considered safe. The operating temperature of a dryer vent is not a problem for direct wood contact. Keep the vent clear and you'll have no fire. Ensure all joints are foil taped, so lint does not escape from the pipe.

What is the standard placement of a dryer vent?

The most common place to vent your dryer is horizontally through the exterior wall near the dryer, which is the ideal placement. Other common locations are through (but not into) the basement or the attic/roof. For most dryer models, you can't run the exhaust duct more than 25 feet from the dryer to the exhaust port.

What is the proper height for a vent?

Vents shall terminate not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in vertical height above the highest connected appliance flue collar. Exceptions: Venting systems of direct vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the appliance and the vent manufacturer's instructions.

What height should a dryer outlet be mounted?

12” to 48” inches is a typical height for a dryer outlet.

What height should a dryer be mounted?

Your dryer should be mounted at a minimum distance of 250mm to the ceiling, and 1320mm distance to the floor. If you are mounting your dryer upside down, you may need to invert the control buttons using a screwdriver. Your dryer's instruction book should have some pointers.

How not to install a dryer vent?

Work with Dryer Vent Wizard to manage these do's and don'ts.
  1. DO NOT use vinyl or slinky foil materials. ...
  2. DO NOT use PVC piping or plastic materials. ...
  3. DO NOT use duct tape to connect venting materials. ...
  4. DO NOT use screws or bolts to secure joints. ...
  5. DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics.

How much clearance does a dryer vent need?

Duct vents at exterior should be a minimum of 3 feet from any other opening; window, door, other vents, etc. Duct vents at exterior should be at least 6 feet from the A/C condensing unit. Duct vents should never be terminated in the attic or crawlspace. Never combine dryer venting with any other venting source.

How long can a dryer vent be without a booster?

Some dryers can exhaust beyond 25 equivalent feet without a booster fan. Dryer Duct Booster Saves significant energy - reduces drying times 50% or more. Reduces lint build-up, dust & fire hazards by maintaining proper velocity in duct runs up to 150 equivalent feet.

How high off the floor should a dryer vent be?

When installing a dryer vent for laundry centers in basement locations, the vent hood on your home's exterior must be at least 12 inches from the ground. A dryer duct should be 25 feet or less.

Can I run a dryer vent in a 2X4 wall?

People are always asking what type of duct pipe can be used to vent a dryer in a 2x4 wall. We have the answer from our resident expert. You can use a standard 4" snap lock. It just gets compressed in a 2X4 wall (3.5" deep).

Is it OK to use flexible dryer vent?

Fire Safety: Speaking of fire risk, a hard pipe is also safer than flexible accordion piping. The ridges and creases in flexible piping can trap lint and other debris, which can quickly accumulate and become a fire hazard.

Is it better to vent a dryer vertically or horizontally?

Long vertical runs can result in greater humidity and lint accumulation, which will reduce drying efficiency. Vertical runs may require the installation of a booster fan to maintain effective exhaust air flow.

Can a dryer vent have a 90 degree angle?

Close vent offsets between dryer and wall vent located on same wall as dryer (Offsets between 6-9 inches): The MV-90 can be coupled directly to a standard 4 inch diameter, adjustable, 90 degree elbow which creates a 9 inch offset.

How low can a dryer vent be?

Typically dryer vents/Exhaust terminations should be terminated at least 12" above finished grade to prevent this issue.

What happens if you don't vent a vented dryer?

Improper venting of a dryer typically results in moisture being deposited in various areas of the room. Moist air serves as a breeding ground for mold-and-mildew when it condenses on different surfaces. You want to exhaust the warm air outside the home rather than indoors to properly vent your dryer.

What is the alternative to a vented tumble dryer?

Condenser Tumble Dryer

condenser tumble dryers are the more popular type of tumble dryer. These appliances do not have a vent to expel moisture. The hot air is moved to a tank or a reservoir where the moisture is condensed into water (vapour to liquid) usually under the machine.

What is the lifespan of a tumble dryer?

The average lifespan of a tumble dryer

On average a tumble dryer should last 10 to 15 years. This depends on factors such as maintenance, ventilation, and quality.

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