Installing 4" dryer vent thru block wall?

[DRH1175]

I need to have a dryer vent installed in ST. Paul to meet code. City says I need a permit and a liscenced person do the work since it is a rental property. Anyone know who I would call for this?

[Down Deep]

This is off topic, but that seems to be a bit overkill for a dryer vent. If you in fact have to get a plumber and permit to do it any plumber ought to be able to handle it.

[hunt fish repeat]

Welcome to the bureaucracy of the Minnesota building code or plumbing code to be exact, yes any plumber will do this.

[Steve Foss]

That's crazy. It takes a plumber to cut a hole in concrete block and install something that has nothing to do with plumbing?

[Esox_Magnum]

Call the plumber who calls a block layer to cut the hole then calls the HVAC guys to install..... that about the way it goes in MN???? Here you go get the hammerdrill, puch the hole, caulk in the new vent and yor done... all in a couple hours after work or on the weekend....

[frazwood]

He could do this himself in Minnesota if it was his home. Because it is a rental property, he is required to have the work performed by a licensed contractor (not necessarily a licensed plumber).

[Down Deep]

If it were me I would do the work and let it go at that. If the work is done properly what's the chances of a rental inspector catching it?

[efgh]

A lot of the time for a small job like this is just do it, unless a inspector of rental property reported on his inspection report, a faulty dryer vent. Then you need too jump thru all the hoops he recomends.

[Redlantern]

DRH, before you take some of the advice on here, take a look at the UMC(Uniform Mechanical Code). This project isn't rocket science by any means but you are getting replies from people that seem to have a problem with building codes and permits. These codes are in place to protect the people living in your rental unit. Installing the vent incorrectly can increase your chances of a fire or CO poisoning. Since YOU own the property, this liability is going to fall on your shoulders. Wouldn't it be more piece of mind if you knew it was installed correctly by a licensed and insured company?

If what you're looking for is a company to do this, I can recommend a plumbing contractor that is fair priced, honest and stands behind his work. He has all the licenses, competancy cards, insurance and bonding required to do the job. He's my old boss who I greatly respect. If you need his number, send me a PM.

Beware of anyone who wants to do this on "the side". It's your property and like I said before, you are liable for it.

[CAMAN]

^^^^ + a bunch!!

[Smoker]

By us if it was caught by the inspector you are going to need a permit to get it done and then the inspector needs to come and check it when you are done. Any rental needs work done by a contractor. A owner of the rental is not allowed to do the work himself.

[Surface Tension]

Happy Birthday DRH1175

Did the vent get installed?

Yes it may seem silly that a licensed contractor be required to install the vent.

But I've seen many that weren't done right too.

Too many elbows, too long of runs, plastic flex tubing, to close to the ground, under windows, and no seals.

If it were your home the inspector might have suggestions to get you pointed in the right direction but since it is a rental he can't do that.

Since this situation is bound to come up again with rental property repairs or code compliance, having a small general contractor as your go to guy when this stuff pops up is good to have. He can do the work and for electrical and plumbing stuff he'll know them as well.

[DRH1175]

In order for the house to pass St. Paul fire inspection it has to be done and done by a liscensed person and with a permit. I do most thing myself but this is something I can't If I want to continue renting out the house.

[DRH1175]

Thanks surface tension. Though young to some, 36 is sure feeling old. I guess there is always the alternative I guess. I recieved a quote still working on finding someone. So far $525 to drill a hole and install a flexible insulated dryer vent. ouch!!

[shizzy]

I own and live in a duplex so I have to deal with this quite frequently. I've had to pay to have some things done that I know I can do myself. While there are a couple of things you can "fudge" and do yourself, all it takes is one inspection for something to get noticed.

With that said, remember that you can deduct any repairs done to the common areas of the house on your taxes. I always look at it that way. Yes it cost more, but it was done in one day and I can deduct it at the end of the year. Parts, labor, tools, miles to and from the hardware store and depreciation on your vehicle are all deductible.

Personally, I don't want to spend one minute knocking a hole in a block wall. I'd gladly pay a guy to do it while I sat on my couch.

[Redlantern]

I'm with you on this Shizzy. I can handle plenty of car repairs, wedding shoots and veterinary care myself but some of it ought to be left to the pro's. Sometimes it's faster,easier and ultimately cheaper to have someone else more schooled in the situation to handle the problem, they already have the tools required to do the job and having something warrantied is worth something to me.