Thanks, all. The Mieles sound wonderful, but they're out of my price range. That's interesting about the Speed Queen, but their front loading washer is too expensive for me. Whirlpool seems clear that the Duets I'm considering will vent through the right side, so that's probably what I'll end up with. Dave, my Home Depot has landed (probably due to the economy) some terrific plumbers and electricians, people who really know their stuff and have been very helpful throughout our DIY build. But I agree, the appliance people are just that -- salespeople, and not particularly knowledgeable. Live and learn! So many opportunities for that this year. For instance, who would have thought that a water heater would be shipped with the drain valve in the open position? It certainly never occurred to our plumber...!

Right now you have a straight piece coming out the back. Inside you will unclamp it and add an elbow and a short straight pipe and then another short straight pipe to vent out the side if you buy the kit. I used one of the plastic covers that came with the kit to cover hole in back. The kit was about $27. if I remember right. Or instead of the kit with the pieces of conduit and elbow you would unclamp the straight piece inside the dryer and clamp on the flexible vent and run it out the side hole. You might need a connector since I can't remember if the flex vent is same size of what is already there. If you go to one of the online appliance parts sites and search the vent kits there's pictures of whats in it. Hope this helps. PS You might have to disassemble a few things in order to make attaching the clamps inside easier but it's no big deal.

On your first question dryer side vent. If you don't use the kit will it void your warranty? Also, you would want to make sure it doesn't create a fire hazard if you just use an elbow. On your second question. Is it up to code to run a dryer vent through the wall as described? If you do have a fire, you may run into issues with your homeowners insurance and the local authorities. As far as angles, again you have to go with the specs on the dryer. Too many and it won't work correctly and it becomes a fire hazard because it will become clogged with lint. Plus if you do have issue and it quits the manufacturer may not honor your warranty. On your second issue. You would need to go and actually look at the periscope. You could possibly use tin snips and clip each section down where they go together. You would have to factor in at least an inch overlap within the periscope. And you would want your cuts assembled so that the air passes smoothly over the joint. So basically all joints run in one direction. You don't want them collecting lint. So not much help, just be aware that sometimes saving a few dollars can end up costing much more in the long run. Keep your family safe and look at all potential fire hazards. Dryers are one of the leading causes of house fires.

Hello! does anyone have a dryer that they had to use a side vent kit for? I want to put my washer and dryer side by side, so I can put a cabinet on top for folding. My builder, even after much discussion put the vent on the wrong wall. Needless to say I'm not happy. I'm going to ask him to change it but, really. Does using a side vent kit make the dryer stick out further than the washer? Or will/can they still be made to stick out the same amount? the they are samsung and they have side vent kits. if that matters. My thought is that a side vent kit will need MORE clearance than what was already needed. The existing dryer vent is recessed so it wouldn't have stuck out more than the washer. But now it will stick out more. Am I incorrect in thinking this? Anyone have experience with this? Thank you