How to Safely Install a Gas Dryer

A white dryer sitting in a laundry room.
  • 4-6 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 50-100
What You'll Need
Pipe wrench
Shutoff valve (1/2” or 3/8” depending on your pipes)
A dryer installation kit
Sponge
Towel
Water
Liquid soap
Bucket
Stainless steel connector
Thread lube
What You'll Need
Pipe wrench
Shutoff valve (1/2” or 3/8” depending on your pipes)
A dryer installation kit
Sponge
Towel
Water
Liquid soap
Bucket
Stainless steel connector
Thread lube

A gas dryer can be a good alternative to electric, despite the additional cost of the appliance itself. You can venture to offset some of that extra cost by installing the new dryer yourself. Make sure that your outlet and the requirement of your gas dryer are the same before you start; then, once you have everything you’ll need, it’s time to get started.

Note: Gas leaks are very dangerous, so do not attempt a self-installation if you have no prior experience with these types of projects or if you have no safe, quick ways to test and fix a leak.

Step 1 - Turn Off the Gas and Electricity

You need to turn off the main gas supply right at the meter first. If the supply pipe has a cap, you will need a pipe wrench to remove the cap on the gas pipe where it comes out of the wall. Also, if the gas supply has been installed with the wrong size shutoff valve, you will need to use your pipe wrench to hold the pipe so it doesn’t turn while you remove the shutoff valve.

Before doing any repairs or before doing a new install, the power should always be turned off as well. Shut the power off right at the breaker box.

Step 2 - Install the Connections for a Gas Dryer

The instructions for the installation of the gas connection parts for your gas dryer should be included with your gas dryer installation kit. If you are unsure, you should always contact your gas provider. Most providers offer reasonable installation fees.

Step 3 - Inspect the Vent Hole

Check your vent hole on your gas dryer to make sure it matches the vent hole in your home. If it doesn’t you will need to cut a new dryer vent hole before proceeding

Step 4 - Clean Up

Wash and dry the floor where the gas dryer is going to sit and its immediate surroundings. Do this after you inspect the vent hole just in case a new one must be cut so that any debris can be cleaned up as well.

Step 5 - Put Pipe Dope On

Put the pipe dope on the threads; then, take your stainless steel connector and screw it to the pipe.

Step 6 - Check for Leaks

Once the dryer gas lines are hooked up, check for leaks. Mix 50 percent water with 50 percent liquid dish soap. Put the solution on the gas connections you have just installed and then turn on the gas. If you see bubbles, it means you have a leak. Tighten and test again until the leak is gone.

Step 7 - Fasten the Vent Hose

Fasten the vent housing to the duct then place your hose clamp on and tighten. Keep your vent hose to the shortest length possible to increase the efficiency of your gas dryer.

Step 8 - Finish Up

It’s time to plug your gas dryer in. Attach the lose end of the vent hose, and then push the dryer back into place. Keep it at least three inches off the wall for circulation.

Note: Some codes require gas dryers to be elevated 18 inches above the floor. Check your local codes and regulations to see if this applies to you.

Step 9 - Turn it On

Turn the gas on and the breaker back on, and test drive your new gas dryer.

How to Safely Install a Gas Dryer

Is it safe to install your own gas dryer?

If your laundry area has previously had a gas dryer installed, it is not so difficult to figure out how to install a new gas dryer in the same space. However, if you are installing a gas dryer in an area of the home for the first time, things are far more complicated.

Because gas dryers release fumes that can be fatally toxic to humans and pets, it is incredibly important to get all the permits, find any professional help you need, and exercise extreme care and caution when installing a dryer.

Gas dryers need proper venting, not to mention two sets of pipes. It's very important to get everything right because gas can be incredibly dangerous and a dryer needs to be connected the right way so it doesn't cause potentially huge problems.

As dryers are heavy appliances, it is often physically impossible to install a new dryer, either way, without a little bit of help moving the appliance around.

How far does a gas dryer need to be from the wall?

Though you can have a gas dryer sitting flush against the wall if you really wish it, most manufacturers recommend at least five inches of space between the back of the dryer and the wall, with a minimum recommended distance of one inch.

Why does gas dryer need to be elevated?

By the regulations set forth by some state, city, and county laws, dryers must be elevated from the floor. This is done in order to prevent fire hazards, as the elevation provides airflow.

However, this is not a requirement in all places, as various types of building and housing codes do vary. Check with your local permit office to find out if you are required to elevate your dryer.

Does a gas dryer vent carbon monoxide?

Gas dryers do emit carbon monoxide, a toxic and deadly gas that you do not ever want in your home. In addition to headaches, nausea, and general wooziness, carbon monoxide can cause death to people and animals.

Because of these deadly fumes, gas dryers must be vented and they must be vented correctly so that the fumes are released harmlessly outside and never into your home. If you don't know how to do this venting to make sure it's drawing in all those deadly fumes, you will need to get some help in order to replace the dryer.

Can you put a gas dryer in a closet?

Dyers are installed in closets all the time, as officially any room that does not have an inlet and outlet for a forced-air HVAC system is considered to be a closet. Because dryers are vented to release heat and fumes outside, dryer surrounds and storage spaces can be very small.