Most home improvement stores can sell you an inexpensive vent brush. Starting from indoors, insert the brush a few inches and spin, then remove the brush and clean off the bristles. Repeat until the bristles come out clean. After cleaning the indoor side of the vent, go outside and remove the vent hood to ensure it is clear of all lint and debris. It’s a good idea to clean your vent every two years. In addition to the safety issues that a blocked vent can cause, drying clothes with a blocked vent can damage your dryer and void your warranty. [4] X Research source
If using metal ducting instead of a flexible hose, you’ll need to move the dryer all the way into place and attach the ducting while standing alongside the machine.
If space permits, it is a good idea to use a metal vent duct, as ribbed plastic and aluminum hoses can catch lint and clog more easily. Joints in the metal duct should be sealed with duct tape, as screws may also catch lint. The end should fit snugly into the machine, so no clamps or tape should be needed. [5] X Research source The straighter the vent, the better it will function, as lint can gather in areas where the hose bends. This is another good reason to use metal ducting rather than a plastic or flexible aluminum hose. [6] X Research source If using a plastic vent hose, slip a circular dryer clamp over the hose to hold it securely in place. Make sure your clamps are the right size and fit tightly. Many hoses come with clamps that are made to fit.
Afterwards, make sure the faucets are turned completely off.
Most hoses only have a reach of a few inches; you may need to leave yourself room on the side to hook it up.
Many hoses are color coded, with red for hot and blue for cold. Others are not marked, so it will be up to you to remember which is which when it comes time to connect to the washer. The end of the hose that has a filter screen in the coupling attaches to your faucet. If the filter screen is not yet in the hose, insert one into the coupling before attaching the hose to the wall. The screens should be included with your hoses. [8] X Research source Turn the coupling clockwise by hand until tight. Then, with a pair of pliers, tighten the coupling by rotating it another quarter to half a turn. Do not over-tighten, as this may cause leaks. [9] X Research source
The ends of the hoses with plain rubber washers attach to the washing machine. If the couplings do not have washers in them, insert the washers first, otherwise your hose will leak. As with the screens,washers should be included with the hoses if not already inserted. Tighten the couplings as in step 3.
Your washer should come with accessories such as straps and/or a hook to help you secure the drain pipe. Consult the manual for your machine to learn how to use these parts correctly in conjunction with your plumbing. Make sure to leave a space of several inches between the end of the hose and the bottom of the drain or sink, otherwise your machine may siphon drained water back up the drain pipe.
Failure to level your machines may result in damage to your machines or floor.
Consult the instructions that came with your machines for information on how to level them. Some machines require you to install feet or pads before you begin installing the machine. [11] X Research source
