What is the metal thing behind the dryer?

Author: Oliver Cummings III  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Dryer vents are often made from flexible plastic or metal duct, which may be easily kinked or crushed where they exit the dryer and enter the wall or floor. This is often a problem since dryers tend to be tucked away into small areas with little room to work.

What is the metal thing on the back of the dryer?

The dryer vent on the back of the dryer expels the damp hot air from the dryer to the outside of your home. Cleaning it once every two years or more, depending on dryer use, and the length and number of bends in the dryer vent, will keep the vent functioning properly.

What is the metal tube behind my dryer?

The dryer vent is connected to a tube, mostly made of aluminum which is fed to the outdoors and is known as dryer hose. Old vinyl and plastic were also used for making of the dryer hose, but are discontinued because of fire hazards and other safety purposes. This dryer hose is commonly known as the dryer vent.

What is the thing on the back of the dryer called?

Dryer Vent

Location: on the back of the dryer. Purpose: used to expel hot air from the dryer. Vents clogged with lint or with damaged blades should be replaced. Shop Maytag® replacement dryer vent.

Can I use my dryer without the felt seal?

Hoover Appliance Contractor here: I wouldn't recommend that you continue to use the dryer without the front felt seal.

Pro-Tip: How to Easily Connect Dryer Vent Duct to Wall and Dryer

How much does it cost to replace a dryer felt seal?

Dryer felt seal replacement cost

Dryer felt seal replacement costs $150 to $350 installed.

How do I know if my dryer felt seal is bad?

Look for signs of wear and damage. With your dryer's cabinet opened, before you remove the drum, and with the belt tension removed, you can spin your dryer drum by hand to get a good look at the entire seal. Any badly worn seal will need to be replaced.

What is the silver thing on the back of the dryer called?

The duct is the crinkly silver tube that extends from the back of your dryer into the wall and it is a vital part of the drying process. If your clothes aren't getting dry enough, there's a good chance that the problem is your dryer duct.

Do all dryers need a vent?

Most dryers DO need a vent, and here is why. Non-condensate dryers pull air from the room, pull the air through a set of heater coils, then pull it through the drum, and push their air through their air ducting. So, you have warm air, and tiny bits of lint carrying highly humid air.

What is the aluminum tube behind dryer?

For clothes dryer venting, a 4-inch, rigid aluminum or galvanized steel duct pipe is a better option. They let air flow more freely and reduce lint buildup.

What does the tube on the back of a dryer do?

A dryer vent is the tube that takes the moisture that is removed from your clothing and linens in the dryer and runs the moisture from the dryer outside. With most dryers, you cannot blow this air into your house interior.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. The variables that affect frequency include: How much laundry – how many loads – you do a week. How long your dryer vent system is.

What does wrinkle shield do on a dryer?

Wrinkle Shield™ or Wrinkle Guard is a cycle created to help alleviate wrinkles from setting into clothing. If you cannot remove a load immediately, press the Wrinkle Shield™ or Wrinkle Guard option to add 30 to 140 minutes of periodic tumbling to help reduce wrinkling.

What happens if a dryer hose comes off?

When a dryer vent becomes disconnected the warm moist air terminates wherever the damage to the vent has occurred. Air from a dryer vent provides a conducive condition for mold and other fungal growth. Because attics and crawlspaces are unfinished areas of a home, they are already more susceptible to mold growth.

What is a dryer fin?

Your dryer comes with three or four fins around the drum interior called baffles. These are charged with aiding in air circulation and fluffing your clothing as they tumble. However, if a baffle is loose, it can manifest itself as noise or may even snag and rip your clothes.

Can you run a dryer without the felt seal?

If the seal is compromised, your drum may not turn as smoothly and can become quite noisy as it scrapes along the dryer housing. Do not use your dryer without the drum seal, as this leaves the drum vulnerable to serious damage.

What happens if the dryer door seal is broken?

A torn or damaged door seal on your Maytag or Admiral dryer results in hot air leaking out, leading to longer drying times and higher energy costs.

What is the purpose of a dryer vent cover?

They're designed to allow the air that goes through the dryer (as it runs) to vent out of the home properly while keeping out animals like squirrels, birds, bats, mice, and rats. They're also designed to maximize airflow to keep dryer lint moving properly through the dryer vent.

What problems would a defective drum seal cause?

If it is worn out or can no longer maintain tension, you will likely hear a loud scraping sound as the drum spins on the worn-out seal. If you have noticed that your clothes are taking longer to dry and the air around your dryer is warm, this is a sign that the drum seal is indeed the cause of the scraping noise.

What is the purpose of the dryer door seal?

The door seals, typically made of rubber or silicone, create an airtight seal when the door is closed, ensuring efficient drying and preventing leaks.

Why does my dryer sound like metal scraping metal?

A scraping sound is usually a sign that a part of your dryer has worn down and moving results in a high amount of friction. It is commonly caused by a worn-out drum seal, which causes the drum to scrape loudly against the dryer housing.

Should you be able to turn a dryer drum by hand?

To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

What does a felt seal do?

Felt seals are a type of sealing mechanism used in bearings and machinery to prevent contamination and retain lubrication. They are known for their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and capability to maintain a barrier against larger particles and retain lubricants within the bearing assembly.

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