Vent through outside wall

[David Lock]

I am about to get a new tumble dryer which will fit under work top in utility next to external brick wall. Previous dryers have vented to utitily room but it does make a mess and Mrs wants a proper vent through wall to outside. How do I go about this? Must be a bit of a job knocking a 3" hole through 13" of brickwork or is there a special tool that builders have? I'll almost certainly get someone in to do this as I am not a competent DIY-er. Advice please. Cheers, David

[joey_turbo]

Originally Posted by David Lock

How do I go about this? Must be a bit of a job knocking a 3" hole through 13" of brickwork or is there a special tool that builders have?

They use a drill attachment called a tank cutter. My brother who is a plumber done mine. They have those tools for fitting fitting soil pipes for toilets etc.

I can't imagine a firm charging too much.

[gtijames]

go to your local hire centre and hire a suitably sized diamond core cutter,drill and transformer shouldnt cost more than around £20 for a day.mark where the holes going then you drill a pilot hole.then use the core cutter,drill from outside to save on the mess.and also make sure youwear some ear plugs or you will be deaf after doing the job

[tanyatriangles]

And make sure you DON'T do the job up a ladder............those drills WILL chuck you to the floor if they catch

Otherwise, as above, takes less than half an hour to do.

[gtijames]

hell yes you have to be careful with he drill make sure it has a GOOD clutch or it will twist you around like a cork screw when it catches lol.

[David Lock]

Thanks guys - that's most helpful and sounds a bit easier than I had thought.

There is one other snag and that is that the appliance is a very snug fit under the work top and so I don't think I could fit a hose on the side of the machine. But I think it also has a vent at back so there may be some room for it there. Would need to be flexible enough so that I can pull machine out if required.

I guess this would be too much for my standard Black & Decker electric drill so would need to hire a a suitable drill?

Thanks again, David

[gtijames]

david, hire the proper drill too the job a b+d drill will die in minutes.flexi ducting will be fine for fitting to the dryer use cable ties or duct tape if possible to hold securely.i think you can buy complete tumble dryer ducting kits from places like screwfix etc.

[tanyatriangles]

A DECENT hammer drill MIGHT do the job, but for the cost of the hire, I'd not risk mine: burn it's motor out and a new drill is dearer than the hire charges

[yellowvanman]

Originally Posted by tanyatriangles

A DECENT hammer drill MIGHT do the job, but for the cost of the hire, I'd not risk mine: burn it's motor out and a new drill is dearer than the hire charges

There is not a hope in hells chance of a normal hammer drill being able to power a 115mm core bit, unless the house is made of cheese.
Hire a suitably powerful multidrill / core drill with the core bit.

I have one of these, and even then it can struggle if the bricks are especially hard.
DIYTOOLS.COM: Bosch GBH4DFE Rotary Hammer Drill

[tanyatriangles]

Where I'd agree you SHOULD hire something, my AEG hammer drill has drilled stone, and building blocks up to 110mm diameter and 900 mm thick, in France, where hiring is not easy

AND it's still going strong.

However, given the choice.............

[David Lock]

The hire shop at my local Travis Perkins will hire the drill at £40 and rest of bits and pieces for another £12-ish - plus VAT!!

Probably best to find a builder/plumber to do it and he can take responsibility for doing it properly as well.

Or use a bloody clothes line

dl

[michaelro]

Originally Posted by David Lock

The hire shop at my local Travis Perkins will hire the drill at £40 and rest of bits and pieces for another £12-ish - plus VAT!!

Sounds expensive!! My local TP quotes miles under their advertised prices (usually at least half the price!!)

Have you bought the Dryer yet?
If not, get yourself a condenser - You won't need to create a hole then

[David Lock]

Thanks. I think there will be a change of plan in the light of comments here and my research!!

Since I am fairly broke at present I had planned to get a second hand dryer - about £40 - £50 - and stick a vent in for say £50. £100 and job done.

Mrs didn't especially want a condenser but I think that is the route. Local shop has a reasonable Zanussi for £280 which I can get on the 'net for £209 delivery included. I'll pay an extra tenner to support a local shop but not an extra seventy quid, sorry.

Thanks for comments generally as it helped me reach a decision. David

[john_s]

Is it a cavity wall?

If you wanted to do it yourself, you could just chain drill round the hole with a small drill bit and knock the centre out.

Certainly not as quick and easy as core drilling, but if you want to save cash, it only really costs you your time.