What type of duct should I use for a clothes dryer exhaust

appliancesdryerductsexhaust-ventvent

I am planning to relocate my gas dryer to the center of my basement. The closest vent is in one of the walls 16ft/5m away. To reach it I would need to run an exhaust pipe horizontally, enclosed in the ceiling by drywall (so preferably no leaks).

What is the best material in this case? Any tips? Is moisture pooling in the pipe a concern?

Here is what I currently know:

PVC pipes
+Can handle moisture
-Combustible

Flexible metal foil
+Not combustible
-Might increase moisture pooling due to texture
-Rust?

Sheet metal ducts
+Not combustible
+No moisture pooling
-Leaks out of horizontal and lengthwise joints?
-Rust?

Best Answer

Assuming the 16' distance, plus any other lengths and elbows falls within the manufacturer's guidelines, I would use sheet metal round ducts, usually 4" diameter. If you mount them so the lengthwise seam is at the top (or close to it), then you don't have an issue with any moisture that might collect on the bottom leaking out.

Join the duct sections with metal duct tape (no screws that could collect lint) and, if you want, run a length of metal duct tape along the seam.