Dryers are best when you live in a place that barely gets sunlight. However, they can leak. When that happens, there will be a puddle of water on your floor. And you definitely won’t like it.
But what are the reasons that can cause dryer leaking? And how do you stop it? Join us on the further journey if you want to find the answers.
Dryer leaking from the bottom
Condensation of the hot air is one of the most common reasons dryer leaks. Other than that, a faulty exhaust system, cracked vents, improper vent installation, and configuration may also cause it to leak. If you find any water leak from your dryer, it is best not to use it without repair.
Dryers use a heating-up air mechanism to dry the clothes. But to keep a stable temperature, the hot air should be vented out constantly and adequately. You don’t want to damage your clothes with high heat, do you?
Hot air cannot pass out when the dryer’s exhaust system doesn’t work correctly. Hot air contains water and is damp. Thus, it can easily condense and return to the water state. And finally, it can cause leakage in the system.
Well, that’s the most common scenario. However, the causes may differ depending on the model and dryer type.
Condenser dryer
A condenser dryer mainly collects hot air and turns it into water. The water is collected in a tank first. Then it is pumped and discharged outside through a piped line.
If there is any problem with the parts, the water collection system can not work properly. This will lead to water accumulation in the faulty area. And finally, you will see water dripping from there.
Not on floor level:
If you find any leakage in your condenser, check if it sits on floor level. Water can’t stay stable if the dryer is tilted or sitting on an uneven surface. Setting the dryer in a carpeted area may also cause unevenness.
Full water tank:
When hot air turns into the water in the condenser dryer, it stores in the water tank. And from the water tank, it is pumped away later on.
The water tank cannot allow more water if it becomes full. As a result, over-loading of the water occurs. And you can see that extra water in the form of leaking water.
Damaged tank:
If the water tank is damaged, has any holes, cracks, etc., it cannot store water properly. Water starts to drip from the damaged part. It can turn your floor into a mini swimming pool if it is not repaired as soon as possible.
Unaligned water tray:
In a condenser dryer, water is already present in the system in place of air. It can easily leak if there is a misalignment in the dryer’s parts.
In case of a leaking dryer, you should check whether the water tray is properly aligned. If not, there might be some obstruction in the parts where it should be set.
Dirty condenser system:
Regular and frequent use of the condenser system may cause dirt and debris to accumulate. When their presence is way too much, it constricts the water flow. Water pools in the system and starts leaking.
Faulty pump:
The pump is an essential part of the condenser system. It does the job of pumping the water out.
If the pump is not working correctly, there will be more water accumulation than the tank’s capacity. And then it will lead to water leaking.
Tumble dryer
Unlike condenser dryer, tumble dryer directly emits hot air into the atmosphere. There can be a few reasons for this system to cause water leakage. Let’s check them out-
Blocked dryer vent:
Hot air must be expelled from the dryer to maintain the operating temperature. This air passes through a tunnel called a vent and finally reaches outside.
Hot air is damp and carries moisture, so it can condense in the vent.
If that happens, the vent gets clogged. Air can no longer pass through the vent. It transforms into water, which can leak.
Crack or holes in the vent:
The air ducting process slows down if there are any holes or cracks in the dryer vent. So, hot air remains in the vent for a long time. And sometimes, cooler air, snow, and dirt can enter the system through the cracks.
They either help with air condensation or push them back in the dryer. In both cases, water is formed, and the system starts leaking.
Inappropriate vent configuration:
The vent pipes should be installed appropriately to avoid future leakage. They should be as straight as possible, in a horizontal line, without many curves.
Too many curves and turns can obstruct the unrestricted airflow. There is also a high possibility for the lint and moisture to condense in those areas. And it will eventually lead to venting blockage and leaking.
Faulty vent flapper:
Some models of Tumble dryers have flappers on the outer part. It opens up when the air needs to be expelled. At other times, it should remain close. But over years of use, it may become faulty.
If the flapper doesn’t open properly, it will lead to air condescension. And if it doesn’t close, dust, dirt, snow, rainwater, etc., may enter the system.
Improper vent insulation:
In cold areas, the vent should be appropriately insulated throughout its length. Otherwise, the pipe’s air will turn into the water due to the cold temperature. It will cause heavy leakage.
How do you tell if your dryer vent is clogged?
You will notice several changes when your dryer vent is clogged. First, your dryer takes way longer to dry the clothes. Not only that, the dried clothes may become so hot to the touch.
As fabrics can absorb heat quickly, too much hot air causes them to become heated. Along with that, you may get a burning smell in the vent and the clothes as well. It is a real danger sign for your dryer.
Next, you can notice a clogged vent flapper with debris, lint, and dirt at the outer part of the system. If you see any of the signs, it means your dryer is clogged somewhere in the system.
How do I stop my dryer from leaking?
Once you find your dryer leaking, you should immediately repair it. Continuing to use it without fixing it will only add more damage.
Clean up:
Over the years, with frequent use, lint, moisture, and debris can accumulate in the dryer. Clean them thoroughly with proper tools once in a while.
Fix the cracks:
If there is cracks or hole in the ducting vent pipe, you should replace them immediately. But if the damage is minor, you can fix it with high-quality, heat-tolerable duct tape.
Insulation of the vent:
If you live in a cooler area, hot air may turn into water in the vent. To prevent that, you must properly insulate the vent throughout its length.
Proper configuration:
You need to check whether your dryer’s vent is properly configured or not. If it has too many turns, fix it to the straighter path.
Change damaged parts:
With years of use, any of the dryer parts may get damaged. If it is repairable, do so. If it is not, replace the damaged part with a new one.
How do you unclog a dryer vent?
If your dryer vent is clogged without any other damage, you don’t have to change any part of the dryer yet. All you need to do is simply clean and unclog the vent.
Disconnect the system:
First of all, start with unplugging the cord. Totally disconnect the dryer and pull it away from the wall for better access.
Clean the lint screen:
Open the drum door to get the lint screen out. Clean the dirt in the lint screen with a piece of cloth.
Detach the duct and vent cover:
With a screwdriver, detach the vent tube from the dryer. Also, remove the external vent cover to access the ducting pipe properly.
Clean the vent:
Now you can vacuum out the dirt accumulated inside the pipe. Use a dust blower or hose connector in the vacuum cleaner to clean properly.
Reconnect the tube and cover:
After cleaning, reconnect the duct tube with the dryer. Attach the vent cover back in its place. Power up the dryer and check whether it is still clogged or not.
Final Thoughts
Air condensation due to a faulty exhaust system is the primary cause of a leaking dryer. But again, dirt accumulation wearied out body parts, and temperature fluctuations also play a vital role. That’s why you should thoroughly check the whole system yearly to avoid unpleasant occurrences.