MagVent Installation Tutorial (Magnet Dryer Vent)

MagVent Installation Tutorial (Magnet Dryer Vent) How to install a MagVent magnetic dryer vent coupling system!
By now, surely you've heard of MagVent (or perhaps even seen one of our videos about them). We've explained why they're so great- mainly because, not only do they make it WAY easier to connect and disconnect your dryer vent, they eliminate the vast majority of flexible ducting (which can be an extreme fire hazard, due to lint buildup). This time we're going to walk to you through exactly how to install them, step by step!
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[@amyaguirre7360]

I have had mine for 3 months sitting in a box. Tomorrow it should be installed FINALLY! I'm so excited your video is very helpful thank you!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

That’s amazing! Happy we could help 👍

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@JoAnnSchlott]

The MagVent looks like a great idea. I have a question about the amount of offset I can have between the dryer vent and the wall vent using the MV-180. MagVent says 3 to 6 inches is okay. I can't figure out how that is measured. My dryer vent isn't an exact straight shot to the wall vent, but it's close. It is also awfully hard to measure this exactly. Thanks!

[@Fender5621]

If the magnets are strong how can you pull apart without damaging something.

[@cusimilooking4965]

Love it, I'm getting myself one now

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

please do! Let us know what you think

[@CreativeLifestyleMindset]

Wow thank you!

[@johnbeard7404]

Excellent -- thank you

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

no problem!

[@richardrumplik7023]

Great Video I got mine and I thought its a no brainer for me. Ha the washing machine is in the way and it’s so tight fit. You can’t really see so thanks for the video. I’ll handle it. I wasn’t trying to put a flex pipe on the back of the dryer and I believe that was my problem but it also helped uninstalling it to the wall. I have the same thing as your video direct into the wall with the sheet rock thanks guy Chow

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

👍

[@MoparGuy1625]

This thing is awesome. I need one

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You really do 😉 👍

[@CTG01]

Was sold in 15 seconds. Ordered!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Amazing! Let us know what you think 👍

[@sergeybebenin]

If you were planning for this, why not add blocking before sheetrock is installed? No need to anchors and super solid

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Good question! We’ve done this in the past, but found that we get plenty of strength as long as we get a few screws into the studs (and anchors for the rest)- and this method gives you more wiggle room when finalizing the location of the ductwork 👍

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@marymccormick8230]

This looks great! Our connection is in our ceramic tile floor can it be installed into tile? It would be the 90 degree kit

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Great question! Our instinct would be to say yes- but since we’ve never installed one in that specific scenario, so we’d recommend reaching out to them directly to be sure.

[@Fender5621]

I notice they do not show fully pulling dryer back out.

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

One problem I see is that the Dryer outlet must be very close in line with wall vent. Yes you can buy adapters to align them both up but that will take up space that you want to not use. Then with the future dryer once again you'll have to rebuild to suit that dryer. I believe the best method should be a 90° on both the Dryer and Vent if not aligned. Then have the excess duct point upwards. This should give you a space of 4 inches Maximum from the wall. I can live with that.

[@OneManOnFire]

I've seen videos of someone using a rope on the dryer end to disconnect it. Hopefully this tip will be helpful for someone.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Interesting! Thanks 👍

[@lj0729]

Would any of the magvents work if the our dryer vent duct is vertical inside the wall and has an elbow that connects the tubing from the interior wall (vertical) to the elbow and then from elbow to the dryer (horizontal)? Our dryer is on upper level townhouse in one of those laundry closet style locations, so vent goes straight up through the roof)

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

hmm thats a good question 🤔. Your best bet would be to check out the options MagVent has available on their website to make sure (not 100% sure we understand your situation completely). It sounds like you might be a candidate for the MV90, but it’s hard to say for sure. I’ll post the link below 👇 www.magvent-dryervent.com/shop

[@mirageycq]

Thanks, bought one and will install it in 2 days. Mine use a flexible hose cause the duck is not align with the dryer.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Let us know how it goes 👍

[@mirageycq]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements My dry wall would not support the big plastic screw. So I fix everything with Pl 8x construction strong glue in the wall, let it dry 24 hours and solid like a rock. Next I cut the tube the right length and use the trick with the cord to align it with the magnet. I could not connect my dryer without the Mag Vent. Thanks.

[@TheItalianStallion13]

How would this attach to an unfinished garage? I saw you used drywall Molly's just 2x4s

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You can attach it straight to the studs (if thats all you've got). The MV 90 is probably the way to go if you're not concerned with having the machine flush against the wall. The bracket attaches directly to a stud and the rest of the unit just clips into the bracket. The MV 180 would require you to frame a box around the location where your ducting terminates so that you have blocking to screw your mounting bracket to. More work, but still possible. Hope that helps!

[@colinmsmall]

If I want to use this as an exhaust to vent fumes outside etc.. does the magnetic connection seal enough to prevent leaks of fumes?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Not sure, sorry👍

[@wombat1011]

Wow! That seems like cheating to me...lol. Makes it way too easy...how will I practice my discombobulated stretches trying to connect the dryer? Thank you for sharing and all the detail you put into your videos!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Hahah, sorry- maybe try yoga 🤷‍♂️? Thanks for the kind words!

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@sl1237]

In one of the Amazon reviews, someone mentioned instead of using the mounting plate for the wall magnet ring (due to not having any studs to anchor and the drywall not being strong enough), they simply put it on the existing duct sticking out of the wall and used a hose clamp to secure it. Wouldn't this cause the in wall ducting to crimp at the joint? Is this a bad idea?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

We wouldn’t be confident in that solution to be honest. The concern you mentioned, along with the fact that the plate has to be able to resist pulling when the machine is removed (to allow the magnets to disconnect) are a few issues that come to mind. It’s possible that person does not plan to move the assembly at all, in which case who knows, it could be fine for years. In our opinion, you’re always better off sticking to the instructions. Heavy duty wall anchors are not that difficult to use 👍

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@BR-zt6vy]

My wall vent opening is offset to the left and is sitting up higher than the dryer vent opening. Do they make one for vents that don't align?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Hmm, not that we know of unfortunately. There’s a very short section of flexible ducting that connects the magnetic ring to the dryer which allows for some leeway in terms of alignment- but for efficiency and to ensure a good seal, you really want your opening on the wall to be in the same spot as it is on the machine. We’d recommend having that adjusted rather than looking for a quick fix. Less twists and turns is always better for when it comes to venting 👍

[@TheSleepyCraftsman]

Welcome to the club!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

😂👍

[@NostalgiaSue]

Will ti work if my hose going in the basement is fexible?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Yep, it will work with a flexible duct- however it slightly defeats the purpose, and in an ideal world you’d be better off switching to rigid ducting 👍

[@ritabubniak4771]

I am having trouble finding a dryer vent attachment that exits the dryer at the top of the appliance. That way, I can push the dryer up against the wall so I can get the slatted closet door in front of it closed. I know this exists, as I saw one in an apartment open house. Who makes it? Any info would be helpful!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Hmmm 🤔 can’t say we’ve ever seen one of those. Sounds very practical though! Sorry we can’t be of more help. Good luck 👍

[@evan4433]

How are they when you pull them out? I have no access once connected because it's built into the wall. When I pull it out will it destroy the flex pipe? Depends how strong the magnet is I suppose?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Not to worry- they’re designed to uncouple as effectively as they connect 👍

[@matthiaslipinski2826]

@@RefreshHomeImprovementswould have been nice to show in the video

[@patdesrosiers6433]

how far out of the wall should the pipe be so that it flattens to the wall

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

For this particular model, you want your duct to be approximately flush with the wall. One of the steps during installation is to cut the duct back (or to notch and bend it as needed) so that it’s not sticking out beyond the drywall anymore. We leave it about 1/2” long (beyond the thickness of the drywall) when installing a new duct system specifically for a mag vent installation, but because you’ll end up trimming it back, as long as it’s not too short, it doesn’t really matter 👍

[@codemiester24]

Can the flex be removed, if it becomes damaged or needs replacing? Just wondering, if it can be replaced, since these mag vents are pretty expensive.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

That’s a great question! The flexible ducting is attached to the magvent coupling with a worm gear clamp, so it should be a very easy swap if it were ever to need replacing 👍

[@kevinc1956]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements My dryer vent pipe needs to turn 90 deg left out the back of dryer, then run about 5 ft horizontally behind an adjacent washer to reach the vent through the exterior wall. Little to no access space when washer and dryer are in place. Current flex piping keeps coming apart at the dryer connection. Would it be possible to attach the MagVent at my dryer and then run a straight pipe section to the exterior wall? I’m thinking from your description that I could just replace the flexible ducting to use hard pipe from the MagVent to the exterior wall vent.

[@kevinc1956]

I completed my installation using a hard pipe section and the MagVent. So far, the MagVent works well and it’s eliminated the dryer/pipe connection coming loose. No more lint dust escaping into the mudroom when that connection would come undone. It is really nice to be able to pull the dryer out from the wall and slide it back, letting the MagVent handle the reconnect. I had no room between the two mudroom walls and the dryer and washer before. The straight run from the outside vent cover the to MagVent is great for cleaning, but now I’m considering building drawers under my front-load washer and dryer to make their loading/unloading more convenient. If I do that, I will have to include an angle somewhere in the vent pipe run, but that shouldn’t be difficult to do.

[@dereckp.7431]

Sweet! What's the minimum clearance do you think is required in the rear of the dryer for this magical contraption?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

From their website: “We offer three different MagVent models to fit a variety of venting needs. The MagVent MV-180 is designed for when the dryer vent is aligned with the wall vent in a straight 180 degree line, and offset by not more than 3 inches when measuring from center to center of the vents. If the vent path takes a 90 degree turn up the wall or down through the floor, or if it is off to the side at least 9 inches, then you need the MagVent MV-90. When using the MV-180 or the MV-90, keep in mind that for every inch of offset in vent alignment it requires an extra inch of clearance behind the dryer to accommodate the slight bend in the self-aligning transition hose. If the exit vent is between 3 inches and 9 inches away from the dryer vent, then you need the MagVent MV-Flex. The MV-Flex is not a self-aligning model like the other two, but it does give you more leeway with your vent alignment. With the MV-Flex you provide your own length of hose and manually align the magnets. The MV-Flex allows you to use the shortest piece of hose possible to make the connection once your dryer is in place, eliminating the typical, extra long hose that gets crushed and obstructed behind the dryer.”

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@josephbrock7171]

@@johnshoemaker9380 No. The vinyl flex is the fire hazard. Nothing wrong with the aluminum flex

[@WMASSHOLE]

What about sealing the seams on the ductwork!!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

The seams are sealed on the ductwork. See around the 1 minute mark👍

[@VP411Designs]

whats better a Magvent or a in wall recessed drywer box?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

For ease of installation and removal of the machine itself, you won’t beat a MagVent 👍

[@VP411Designs]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements thank you, what about for space saving? Which is better?

[@juliestewart3182]

Can you use a magvent in a recessed box? Is there a way to connect it? We already have a recessed box with the vent and gas line in it. I don't really want to change it out.

[@mtbsuperninja]

Does it come off without tearing up the flex duct or pulling it off the dryer?

[@mtbsuperninja]

Like I can just pull the dryer away from the wall and it will disconnect or is that when the yoga comes into play? :)

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

All we can say is that we’ve never had an issue- and we’ve moved many of the machines in and out numerous times. We can’t recommend them enough 👍. You’ll be hooked after your first “click”.

[@maggienbob1304]

Was wondering the same thing. Doesn't the foil just stretch out when you try to pull the dryer out?

[@chadchristian3704]

I do believe removing the dryer will damage the hose and/or installation. It was strenuous for the installer to seperate the two rings by hand. Would have to see it demonstrated. ​@@maggienbob1304

[@dianal.6691]

I just got one of these and was super excited to install it. Pushing the dryer back toward the wall waiting for the satisfying coupling of the two magnets and... nothing. The flexible end just hung there, touching the pipe on one side but not attracted to it. I pulled the dryer out and extended the flexible duct a little more and made sure the two pieces would be parallel and... nothing. Cursing and swearing on my part, and had to get a piece of string and get hubby to aim the flexible part toward the magnet while I eased the dryer back. Seemed to couple, but I tried a small dryer load this evening and it sounded funny. Eased the dryer out about an inch and the joint was gaping. VERY disappointed to say the least. I will be calling the retailer tomorrow to return it.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

That’s brutal! Sounds like you might have had a defective unit (the magnets are surprisingly strong on these things). You do have to align them somewhat, but it’s no where near as difficult as what you’re explaining. Sorry you had such a 👎 experience with them!

[@bobmitchell4532]

Hey, The idea (& your video) intrigued meso much that I simply HAVE to try one. I hope they have it at Home Despot!

[@bobmitchell4532]

I got on YT looking for something that would allow me to push my dryer right up against the wall...and HERE IT IS!!! VERY COOL! ! ! !

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

@@bobmitchell4532 the coolest 😎👌. Let us know how it goes!

[@marciagriebel3279]

I would like to use this with a 90 degree bend in duct so as to have it go through floor to basement with a collection trap I could empty. would like to see video for an application like this.

[@codemiester24]

I’ve been trying to install the MV-90. It aligns and works as expected. My challenge is, the magnets are so strong when I attempt to pull the dryer out the flex union disconnects from the dryer. I’ve tried to get the clamp as tight as possible. Any tips or advice on how to better secure it to the dryer? Thank you

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@kevinc1956]

I had that problem too. Thought about using sheet metal screws, but research indicated that causes additional lint collection that could be a fire hazard. I installed two screw clamps on the MagVent/dryer connection and tightened them as much as I thought safe. So far over a few months time, including a couple pulls of the dryer out from the wall and the slide-back reconnection, everything is working fine.

[@codemiester24]

@@kevinc1956I ended up righting the screws with a drill and it seems fine now.

[@MrHexxus07]

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@maggienbob1304]

What if your dryer hole doesn't match up evenly to the wall hole?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Unfortunately the two holes have to be aligned for the system to work. You’ll likely have to make some adjustments if you would like to use a MagVent 👍

[@maggienbob1304]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements Thanks for the speedy reply!

[@227lion]

Is it air tight? I don't want lint blowing everywhere inside the laundry room.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

😂 neither do we! Yes- they’re air tight 👍

[@kidt3068]

Ace Ventura does hvac

[@doncreque4406]

100%...first thing that came to mind!

[@frankrizzo7307]

What height should the vent be off the floor? And are all dryer exhaust center?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Best way to be sure is to check the specs of your specific machine (they are all slightly different). The benefits of this coupling compared to a more traditional set up is that provides a little leeway if your alignment is SLIGHTLY off 👍

[@michaelhines1891]

Does heat kill the magnets over time? I seem to remember magnets being temperature sensitive.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

hmm 🤔 good question! Not that we’re aware of (at least not on any that we’ve installed). You could ask them directly if you’re concerned www.magvent-dryervent.com/ 👍

[@veronicamart74]

Crap mine doe not line up. Now what?

[@sarahjj98]

you look like jim carrey

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

He gets that a lot 😎

[@mrtalentdog]

Shut up and take my money!!!!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

😂 👍

[@ubacow7109]

It's a good product but the pricing for it is ridiculous.

[@DryerVentHose]

Traditional hoses will save a lot of cost

[@AltimaNEO]

Seems nifty, but for 50 bucks...

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

👊😉

[@segaboy9894]

Fool proof, not full proof.

[@johnshoemaker9380]

No NO NO!!!!!! It has flex and crushes and starts fires. This guy is a hack!!! Use 4" round hard pipe only!!!!

[@ravenstarver1360]

You've spammed this everywhere but it makes no sense. You can see in the video how the short length of flex line doesn't crush. This product is made specifically to avoid using long lengths of flex line that can get crushed behind the dryer.

[@johnshoe6246]

Flex is dangerous especially to uneducated and untrained installers. They have no idea what happens down the line with these as we call "fire starters". All they know is that it looks good NOW. Not knowing what ot does or what happens to it it in the future. It also takes NO skill to install. All the installer knows is that it is QUICK AND EASY MONEY.

[@josephbrock7171]

@@ravenstarver1360 and its aluminum and not subject to fire. It's the vinyl version that they no longer sell that had that potential.