How do you switch the vent from the side to vent from the back? There are two holes--one at the side and one at the back. I purchased a used dryer and they used the side vent. I want to use the back vent.

All units of that sort come with a hose which goes on the back or the side, if you don't have this unit is useless

Measure the amount of distance between your dryer and your venting exit point. This is how many feet of duct to buy. Note how many turns the duct will need to make, and purchase that number of 90-degree fittings. Remember that your venting exit point must be at least 1 foot above ground level, and that your path shouldn't be longer than 25 feet, with 5 feet subtracted for every 90-degree turn.

Drill a hole through the wall in the area you'll install the vent. This step is to test for obstructions. Look for the hole outside, and check for obstructions there, too.

Bore a 4¼-inch diameter hole into your designated and tested venting exit point, using your bi-metal hole saw on your drill. Start the hole outside of the house. Brace the drill against your leg to help keep it steady, and pull it out frequently to avoid overheating the tool.

Install your vent's cap by screwing it over the hole you just drilled. Caulk around any gaps.

Cut away excess length from a straight section of duct using your tin snips. Construct the entire length of your duct by snapping the seams together. Start at the dryer. Attach one end of your duct work to your dryer's exhaust point, which is at the back of the dryer. The pieces should fit together snugly.

cover the seams between your 90-degree fittings and your straight lengths with metal foil tape. Connect the last piece of metal duct to the cap you installed earlier. Every 5 feet, attach the metal duct work to the wall using metal pipe straps and screws.

Plug in your dryer and turn it on to test your work.

Hi,
Yes you can vent though the back or the side...just put a metal ell on the to make the 90 to go to the side...a hose will pinch off....

heatman101

there are knock out panels on both sides of the dryer. knock out the one you want to use with a hammer and flat head screw driver or chisel. Some dryers you have to remove the back (others you may have to remove the front) and disconnect the vent going out of the back of the machine and reinstall a new hose or pipe on the outlet where you removed the vent and run it through your new hole to the outside vent.

there are knock out panels on both sides of the dryer. knock out the one you want to use with a hammer and flat head screw driver or chisel/ you will then have to remove the back and disconnect the vent going out of the back of the machine and reinstall a new hose or pipe on the outlet where you removed the vent and run it through your new hole to the outside vent.

Most dryers have that option but not on the left side. You will need to cut a hole in the left side dryer housing. Then you will need to dis-assemble the back panel of the dryer and disconnect the vent pipe connection inside the dryer. Then run the moisture vent into the dryer housing from the left side opening and connect it to the venting system inside the dryer. You might not be able to put the opening in the same spot as the right side so you should do a visual inspection inside the dryer before making the opening to verify nothing is in the way.

A bit difficult to do. If yo remove the back panel and look at the exhaust duct to determine if you can swing it 90 degrees to the other side?? It may be possible but you'll have to look. Then switch it to the other side. Then of course you will need to cut a hole for it to exit the machine. That's the deal to get it out the other side.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/craig_3fa289bf857b1a3c

The vent must remain the same diameter all the way out. Previously installed vents do not often line up well. To get the dryer closest to the wall the bottom method sounds like the best shot. I would build a frame from 2x6s so you can design it exactly to your purpose. A purchased pedestal will still have some limitations.
eric

I went back out to the store and looked at the back of the dryer and measured where the vent hole was.....

The dryer should not be pushed all the way against the wall. For the ventilation to properly work, you should leave about a one foot space between the back of the dryer and the wall. Using 90 degree elbows on the dryer and wall can also eliminate crimping. Also, it is strongly recommended that use use the semi-rigid metal type vent hose ducting. It is not that expensive and comes in adjustable lengths. The semi-rigid ducting is recommended by most builders and it resists crimping and rodent damage. If you continue to use a dryer with the exhaust vent clogged it will lead to eventual heating circuit failure due to overheating. If you have any questions, please post back and let me know. I hope this helps answer some of your questions.

NOTE: If you purchase semi-rigid ducting, make sure you purchased the hose clamps that go with it. This will prevent the hose from slipping off the connection points.