Install a Gas Dryer
Gas dryers offer a more energy efficient means of drying clothes than electric dryers, but they are more challenging to install. Knowing the proper tools and connections to use are critical to successfully installing a gas dryer. In this article, wikiHow will teach you how to install a gas dryer. Just get started with Step 1 below!
Steps
- Make sure the gas dryer is compatible with your home. Most new gas dryers use 117 volts of electricity. Make sure your home supports this. You should also make sure the dryer's vent matches the wall vent.
- Turn off the breakers and gas valve. The breakers can be turned off at the main breaker panel. The location of this varies from home to home, but they are usually found in the garage or basement for houses and in utility closets or bedrooms for condos and apartments. The gas valve can be turned off at the main gas service shut off valve. The location of this varies from home to home.
- In many homes, the gas valve can be turned off by using a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} adjustable wrench. Turn the valve until the tang (handle you attach the wrench to) is perpendicular to the pipe.
- If you are unsure of how to turn off the gas valve, contact your gas supplier.
- Wrap the threads of the gas pipe with pipe wrap tape. This is the pipe in the wall that you will connect the dryer to. You can easily find pipe wrap tape at your local hardware store. The tape will make the connection tighter and more secure.
- Attach a connector. Faster a stainless steel connector to the gas pipe. These are sometimes included when you purchase a dryer, or you can find them at your local hardware store. Explain what you are doing and the store employee should be able to help you find what you're looking for.
- Connect the dryer to the pipe. Fasten the gas valve of the gas pipe to the connector.
- Prepare a gas revealing solution. Mix a solution of 50% water and 50% dishwashing liquid and pour it on the connector. This will help you find gas leaks.
- Turn on the gas. Do this at the main gas shut off valve, the same way you turned the gas off.
- Check for gas leaks. Bubble will come out of the solution that you just poured onto the connection if there are any leaks. You can also check to be extra sure by buying or renting a gas checking tool from your local hardware store. Many gas supply companies will also sell these tools. Check and tighten the connector if you do find any leaks.
- Turn off the gas. This will be temporary, until the installation is complete.
- Attach a vent hose. You'll need a venting system but you'll have to choose between two types. There is rigid venting, which comprises a hard metal tube that works for distances no greater than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. There is also semi-rigid venting, which uses a flexible hose that works for no more than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Secure it with a hose clamp.
- Avoid having to introduce bends in either of the vent styles, so these make the dryer less efficient.
- Do not use foil or vinyl ducts, as these are a major fire hazard.
- Attach the power cord, if it is not already. Buy a power cord which is suitable to the dryer you have purchased, as well as a strain relief to keep the cord from becoming damaged. This should be listed in the manufacturer's manual. Install the strain relief at the power cord through-hole, open the terminal block access cover, attach the ends of the power cord to the appropriate terminals, secure them and the strain relief with the screws strongly, and then replace the terminal cover.
- Move the dryer into the place you'd like it to remain. It should be several inches away from the wall. It should also not be located in an area that is overly cold, as this can inhibit the dryer's function.
- Level the dryer. This is an important step if you don't want people to hear your dryer all the way in Zimbabwe! Get a basic level and check it both side to side and front to back, at all for fours and the center.
- Turn the breakers and gas on. You should now be ready to use your new dryer.
Tips
- Keep the vent hose as short as possible. This will help dry your clothes quickly.
- Gas dryers dry clothes faster than electric dryers.
- The main gas service shutoff valve is usually located in the front or side of the house. However, it may be located in a cabinet enclosure that is built into or located inside the house.
- Be sure to use a stainless steel connector. Plastic and vinyl connectors tend to degrade over time and will pose a fire and health hazard if a leak develops.
- Unlike electric dryers, gas dryers use standard plugs. Additional extensions are not required to use a gas dryer.
- If the electrical outlet you intend to use is not the correct voltage, a new breaker must be installed. Contact a licensed electrician to do this.
