No One Wants to Find Their Evaporative Cooling Leaking Water!
An evaporative cooling unit is an energy-saving way to keep your home cool, especially in dry climates. But the last thing you want to find is your evaporative cooling leaking water when off.
Water leaks from your evaporative cooler can cause mineral deposits. They can damage your roof and reduce airflow, making your cooling system less effective. Ignoring leaks can also cause stagnant water to build up and cause further damage. All of which do you and your home no favours at all.
Knowing the common causes of water leaks and how regular maintenance can prevent them will keep your evaporative cooler running all summer.
How an Evaporative Cooling Unit Works
Also known as a swamp cooler, an evaporative cooling unit works by pulling hot air through water-saturated filter pads. As the air passes through, the water evaporates and cools the air which a fan motor then blows throughout your home.
This eco-friendly process offers several benefits for dry climates and uses less energy than traditional air conditioners. The system relies on a water pump to keep the pads wet and a float valve to control water levels in the sump. If any part fails – whether it’s a faulty solenoid, drain pipe or pump – you’ll see water leaks or reduced cooling even when the unit is off.
It’s important to understand that evaporative coolers can use a significant amount of water. As Sustainability Victoria clarifies, exactly how much water depends largely on the size of unit, the temperature and humidity outside, and the set fan speed. So you certainly don’t need water leaks adding to that consumption.
Common Causes Behind an Evaporative Cooler Leaking Water
A leaking evaporative cooling unit can waste water, reduce efficiency and damage your roof or surrounding areas. Here are the common causes of water leaks even when the unit is switched off:
- Defective float valve – A worn or misaligned float valve won’t shut off properly, causing excess water to flow into the sump.
- Blocked drain pipe – A clogged drain will trap stagnant water and overflow.
- Worn-out filter pads – Old or dirty pads will disrupt water distribution and cause leaks.
- Faulty solenoid valve – A malfunctioning solenoid will still let water flow even when your evaporative cooler is off.
- Improper storage – Neglecting to drain and dry your evaporative cooler before winter can cause leaks when summer comes back around.
Knowing these common causes and scheduling regular maintenance will keep your evaporative cooler running and prevent water waste.
The Float Valve’s Role in Preventing System Leaks
We mentioned the float valve in the above list; but what part does it play in stopping your evaporative cooler leaking water when off?
When it’s in peak working condition, the float valve keeps the water entering the sump of your evaporative cooling unit at just the right level – not too much, not too little. It stops water from overflowing.
But if the float valve is faulty? It can get stuck, worn out or misaligned and the system will continue to let water flow even when turned off. This can cause water to leak onto the roof; wasted water that you ultimately pay for.
The best thing to do is check the valve for wear and tear. Replace it if necessary to keep your evaporative cooler running and prevent unnecessary leaking water or system inefficiencies.
Why Regular Maintenance is Important for Your Evaporative Cooling System
Equally as important to preventing your evaporative cooling leaking water when off is keeping it regularly maintained and serviced.
Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the sump, pipes and filter pads. These deposits restrict airflow and hinder the cooling performance of your cooling system. The best maintenance tasks to preserve the performance of your evaporative cooler include:
- Cleaning or replacing worn pads
- Checking the float valve
- Making sure the fan motor and water pump are working properly
Arrange regular servicing with a licensed aircon technician, and your evaporative unit will remain eco-friendly and cool all summer.
When to Call a Licensed Technician for Repairs
When you find your evaporative cooling leaking water when off and you’ve exhausted all your basic troubleshooting measures, it’s time to call a licensed technician.
Issues like a faulty solenoid, broken float valve, blocked drain pipe, or damaged water pump require the expertise of a qualified and experienced air conditioning technician.
They can inspect the evaporative cooling unit, identify common issues, and ensure the system works properly. Ignoring leaks can cause stagnant water, reduced airflow, and even possible damage to your roof.
Regular servicing – usually just before the beginning of summer – by a qualified expert prevents costly repairs. It keeps your cooling unit running efficiently and your home eco-friendly. And as the evaporative cooling unit is installed on your house roof, they have the necessary safety equipment to carry out any essential maintenance or repairs safely.
How to Prevent Water Leaks with Off-Season Care
When the end of summer rolls around and cooler weather starts to trickle in, most homeowners stop using their evaporative coolers. This is where off-season care becomes essential to prevent your evaporative cooling unit from developing leaks when not in use.
We recommend following these tips:
- Before shutting down, always drain the tank and pipes to remove any stagnant water that can cause corrosion and mineral deposits.
- Clean or replace the filter pads
- Check the float valve and inspect the water pump for wear.
- If the evaporative unit is exposed to the elements, consider covering it to prevent dust buildup.
Neglecting off-season care can cause leaks and damage when you get the cooler back up and running for next summer. A little maintenance now will serve you well later on in the year.
Stop Your Evaporative Cooling Leaking Water When Off
Finding your evaporative cooling leaking water when off presents several problems. Not only does it waste water, but it also reduces efficiency and can damage your roof or home.
Various system faults can cause water leaks even when the system is off. Regular servicing and off-season storage help to stop problems in their tracks before they really start. If leaks persist call a licensed technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
With the right care, your evaporative cooling unit will remain eco-friendly, energy-efficient and leak-free all summer.
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