It’s quite an annoying problem that ductwork is leaking. It can cause severe problems for floors or walls.
You must know the reasons behind it. You can also fix some problems that will save you money.
The question is, why is water dripping from ductwork in the basement?
“Sweating” is the main reason for the dripping water from the ductwork. First, cold air passes through ductwork that makes it a cold surface. Warm moist air overlaps with cold surfaces. So when warm air enters the ductwork, it starts to sweat. Water gathers in the ductwork and starts dripping.
This is only the gist of the problems. But there’s more. If you’ve got a minute or two, let’s dive into the details!
How to Fix Water Dripping Ductwork In Basement [5 Problems And Solutions]
Let’s focus on how warm air is entering the ductwork. If we can locate how warm air is entering the ductwork, we can solve the problem. If you can frame a wall under ductwork then this will be a piece of cake for you.
There are some possible problems which might have been the reason for dripping water-
Cracks In The Siding Of The Seams
Any cracks in the sidings of seams allow warm air to the ductwork. It’s a hard process to locate the crack. Because a quarter of an inch crack can result in dripping water. Cracks can occur for drilling, temperature fluctuations etc.
Solution
Look for any penetrations in the home which are somehow linked with the ductwork. After you find the crack, you have to seal it. If you are unable to find that crack, calling a professional to fix it is the only option.
In some cases, plumbing leaks can also occur in the walls. It’s very risky if the wall is wet for too many days, it can easily break down. You have to locate the exact leaking spot. If you’re facing this problem, you need to call the pros to do the job. They will have to cut the wall and fix it.
Too Much Moisture In The Area
There are many homes that are built-in natural spring areas. Natural spring area means in a place where humidity levels are higher. 30-50% moisture in the house is normal. But if it exceeds, that’s when warm air enters the ductwork.
Now, If your home is in a humid area, how will you fix this problem? Don’t worry, we are providing you with the best solution for it. It is important to check if there are any crumbling walls in the basement.
Solution
Use a dehumidifier to fix this problem. You have to install it in the basement. It controls the humidity inside the basement and neutralizes the warm air. You will also have to fix it.
If you’re looking for the best dehumidifiers, we have some suggestions for you:
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Now you have your dehumidifier, install it to stop the dripping water!
Applying dehumidifiers is the best option to keep the ductwork cool. You can also apply dehumidifiers in different rooms in your home. It works extremely well. It also saves your basements from damping. It dries out the humidity and keeps your basement safe.
Attic Air Contacting The Ductwork
In case you have an attic in the house, warm air can enter from there. So, you have to insulate the ductwork line there.
Sometimes insulations fall apart from the ductwork, that’s where warm air comes in. So you have to install attic ventilation or ridge ventilation. Ridge vents are also effective ventilation systems. It’s a good idea to compare ridge vents with attic ventilation.
Solution
You need to check your attic if there’s any wrapping that has fallen off. Install a dehumidifier in the attic to keep the ductwork dry.
You can install attic ventilation fans to keep the area dry. Also, make sure you wrap and insulate the pipes that lead to ductwork.
Drain Problems
If your air conditioner system is installed in the attic, there is a condensate drain. Sometimes this drain causes water overflows. That water travels in ducts, pipes or vents. It causes dripping water from the ductwork.
Solution
To solve this problem, check if the drip tray has any leaks or not. Check for algaes in the dip tray. You have to clean it if you find any. If you have dirt or minerals accumulated, you’ve to clean those. Clean the drip tray at least once every month.
Coil Problems
The evaporator coil of an air conditioner freezes on extremely hot days. The coil begins to melt after the power is cut off. It allows the water to drain and goes through the ducts.
Solution
To solve this problem first, you have to absorb the water with towels. Then clean the condensate drain. It will do the job. If you still see the water is still dripping, you have to call a professional mechanic. It’s also a good idea to install ductwork on the second floor through the basement.
That’s all! By now, you should be able to fix some problems on your own.
FAQs
Question: How much does it cost to replace ductwork?
Answer: It costs around 1000-2000 Dollars to replace ductwork. The cost also varies up to 20-30 dollars per linear foot.
Question: Should I caulk around air vents?
Answer: You should not caulk around your air vents. It doesn’t reduce any energy costs. But if you still want to do it, you can. You can apply caulk over the vent to seal the air vents.
Question: Can you replace ductwork yourself?
Answer: It’s better not to replace ductwork yourself. It’s a tough job to do and it’s not a one man’s job. You can repair the leaks yourself, even seal the cracks. But it’s not advisable to replace it on your own.
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve learned how you solve water dripping from ductwork in basement. You can solve some problems on your own. We have given you the right processes to do them.
We hope we were able to help you with our discussion. Good luck repairing your ductwork!