The foil-wrapped tube is the flexible dryer duct. There absolutely needs to be a duct to vent ot moisture. Conventional advice here is to replace it with sheet metal ducting. The gas line appears to be there already.

The picture also shows some patching behind and beside the dryer. If that is an outside wall, it may be possible to route the replacement 4" sheet metal vent directly out the wall and perhaps up the outside wall if that is a below grade basement.

Thanks guys. It's not an outside wall they are on but there is an outside wall nearby. I've never seen that in any of the photos here. I'm sure lots are installed in apartments with no outside wall. How and where do they hide this ugly thing?

A lot of times the ductwork is directly behind the dryer to the outside wall. In this case it looks as if you are in a basement. If it is a basement then you are going to see the duct going up and out like this. Solid ductwork is preferrred, especially with a gas install. And that alone will look better. But it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to have it vented to the outside, even if it is electric.

Thanks Mainenel. So, the electric dryer also needs that ductwork? I'm getting a plumber there to remove a blockage and replace a damaged pipe, so I will see if there's any other solution that looks better.a

So, the electric dryer also needs that ductwork?

Yes: the duct is specifically to remove the water vapor, but it removes the lint that doesn't get trapped in the 'lint trap' as well. Those flex vents will unfortunately trap some or lots of that lint too, and that could catch fire. Therefore, that flex duct is not only ugly but potentially dangerous. The smooth metal duct will run straighter, anchor more securely, vent more and look better too.

There are condensing dryers which apparently condense water vapour (instead of evaporating it through heat) and dumps the condensate into the sewer. That would negate the need for a vent pipe (just need a water drain which you wold have for a washer). I haven't seen or knowingly used one myself.

A gas dryer will need to be vented outside.

The reason you don't see the duct is that normally it is inside the wall, or attic, or floor.

That kind of flex duct is frowned upon. It collects lint and is a potential fire hazard.

What is the name then of the duct I should ask the plumber to change it to? Thanks!

Regardless of type of vent, they need to be cleaned annually, especially when used for all drying. One that long will probably require someone with the proper brushes and equipment. Things get stuck and lint can bunch up. The smooth sided galvanized steel type should be used.

What is the smallest diameter ducting I can get? Wondering if it could run in the space behind the washer/dryer and then through the outside wall. Have no idea why what's there is so long! Very nice of everyone to help!

4 inch diameter for venting all residential dryers. Runs as straight as possible with minimal 90 degree bends. Don't change the shape of the roundness (flatten into oval), that will impede air flow.

Blondelle,

All dryers must be exhausted to the outdoors, except the condensing type that zneret mentions.

Drying clothes doesn't involve only heat .... the moisture evaporated out of the clothes must be disposed.

Vented dryers exhaust it (the hot, moist air) to the outdoors.

Condenser dryers are often installed where outdoor venting is not possible. They blow the hot, moist air over a set of hollow tubes inside the dryer, at the bottom under/outside the drum. Cool room air circulates inside the tubes which causes the moisture in the hot air to condense on the outside of the tubes (like a glass holding an iced drink getting wet on the outside) and drip into a collection tray. Depending on the design of the condenser dryer, the tray is either manually dumped after the cycle is done, or a pump can drain the water away (like a washer drains). Condenser dryers cost more to buy than vented dryers and take longer to dry.

The *BEST* route for dryer exhaust is the *SHORTEST* and *STRAIGHTEST* route to the outside.

Yes, it can run behind the machines to an outside wall. That would best if it's a shorter and straighter path than the existing way.

I checked on Amazon and there seems to be 4 way venting kits for most models. Guess the plumber needs to see which way is best. Is it usual if right handed for the dryer to be on the right? If on the left, the dryer would be against the vent wall though. Thanks for the help!