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When its comes to your home and the products you use in it, you should always do research to make sure you are aware of safety precautions, especially when dealing with electrical appliances that produce any sort of heat like a clothing dryer. Can you use PVC pipe for your dryer's vent? This is one of the most common questions asked about PVC pipe, and yet there aren't many good answers out there on the internet today. Can you use PVC for your dryer vent? Here's the rundown on using PVC for a dryer vent:

Short Answer: You can, but you shouldn't.

Why Not Use PVC for Your Dryer Vent?

PVC pipe is fantastic for many different applications, and it is even sometimes used for duct and venting applications, but there are a few reasons why PVC pipe is not a great choice for dryer vents. For one, PVC has a rather low maximum operating temperature. All PVC pipe and fittings have a max operating temp of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Now think about how hot your dryer gets. All that hot air and moisture running through the pipe for years is bound to do some damage. This may cause the plastic to go soft and cause some blockage in the long run. Second, PVC pipe is notorious for creating static electricity. Anyone who has ever cut PVC pipe with a saw can attest to this (the shavings cling to the pipe like crazy). That penchant for static mixed with the hot lint that collects in dryer vents is a recipe for disaster. This could cause the lint ot build up and cause blockage as well. Third, using PVC to vent a dryer is a violation according to most residential building codes. Save yourself the stress / possible future agony and do it to code.

So What SHOULD I use?

Always follow building codes as to which materials to use / not to use. That being said, we recommend using a smooth rigid metal duct to vent your dryer. Metal can withstand the heat generated by the dryer, and is will not accumulate dust and lint like plastic pipe. Aluminum duct is usually a safe bet, and it's fairly inexpensive. Steel is another option, though it is pricier than aluminum and PVC. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your home. Refer to the dryer's manufacturer's recommended installation guide for specific details.