Why Is There Water In My Dryer?

Your dryer has one purpose, to dry clothing, towels, and other items using heated air. Therefore, it can be alarming to open your dryer and find water inside the drum or leaking underneath the appliance. Since your dryer’s main aim is to get rid of moisture, why is there water in your dryer?

The main reason a dryer leaks water is blocked ventilation or poor insulation. A dryer dries clothing and other materials using heated air that circulates around the drum, drying the contents. You have a dryer vent that sends the warm air outside the home. But blocked ventilation or inadequate insulation leads to condensation and water inside the dryer.

The first way to stop water from collecting in your dryer is to identify the cause. Ventilation issues are the most common reasons for water in your dryer, but it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the specifics. The good news is that you would unlikely need to hurry out and purchase a new appliance.

Remember your mom always reminding you to clean out the lint trap after you dried your clothes? You’re also supposed to clean out your dryer’s exhaust regularly. It’s for a good reason.

As your dryer works, it circulates hot air through the drum to dry the contents of the dryer. This warm air isn’t supposed to hang around inside the dryer; otherwise, it would overheat.

This is why there’s a venting system that leads outside. The warm air travels through the vent collar, to the external vent, and outside your house.

But, this air contains other things, like moisture and lint, that turn into a goopy substance that can build up over time. Eventually, if left untouched, these elements cause a blockage that prevents the warm air from exiting outside.

Instead, it stays behind, condenses, and ends up as condensation in water inside your dryer and dryer vent. Other things that could cause a potential blockage or if rodents or debris get into the vent pipe from outside and become stuck there.

If your dryer is leaking water from the door while it’s running, it could be that the door isn’t shut properly. The difference between the temperatures inside the drum and outside the dryer can lead to condensation and leaks.

The door or the seal could possibly be damaged, so it can’t fully close or adequately seal. Check the door to make sure it is working correctly. Also, check the gasket seal to make sure it isn’t damaged or dirty.

You can clean the gasket with a non-abrasive cleaner and damp sponge. Make sure to get rid of all cleaning product residue before running the dryer.

Go outside to where your dryer vent is and hold your hand under the vent. You should feel some airflow, but if you don’t, there’s likely a blockage.

You can help prevent the build-up of lint in your exhaust system by emptying and cleaning the lint trap every time you run the dryer. Additionally, you should clean out your dryer’s exhaust system once per year using a brush to get rid of any accumulated goo and debris.

Turn off the power to the dryer, disconnect the vent pipe, and use a vacuum attachment to clean out the pipe. You can also find dryer vent cleaning kits at hardware stores or online. When you reattach the vent pipe, make sure it’s free of any kinks or damage.

You’ll have to do some troubleshooting to determine why the water collection system isn’t working properly. Make sure to disconnect the dryer from all power sources first.

You can remove the condenser pump and clean out all of the hoses. You can do this with a simple bottle brush.

Inspect the tank for any cracks and ensure the pump and level switch are in good working order. Also, make sure your dryer is level and check all gaskets and seals. In some cases, you may need to order replacement parts or call in a professional service.

Ensure the ducting for your dryer vent is as horizontal and straight as possible. Your dryer should be positioned as close to the outside vent as possible to prevent needing a long ventilation duct.

If the ducting is bunched up and has too many bends, it’s likely too long. You need to cut it down or purchase a shorter one.

Also, consider what material your ducting is made of. Plastic and ribbed ducting tend to hold onto water more than non-ribbed metal ducting. If possible, switch to these types of ducting for your dryer. You should never use PVC for your dryer vent pipe as it can result in melting and fire hazards.

If your dryer vents indoors, it’s worth trying to relocate it outside. This can help avoid condensation issues from temperature variations.

It’s also safer to vent your dryer to the outside, especially if you have a gas dryer. You can consult with a professional to see if this is possible for your specific situation.

If you’re dealing with a damaged flapper, you can replace it. But check the vent for blockages first. If the pipe is blocked, the flapper won’t work properly.

If there’s nothing blocking the line, it’s more likely a damaged flapper. The flapper can become rigid over time and not able to open and close as easily.

If the vent pipe has a hole or cracks, you might need to call a pro or have it replaced. If it is just a tiny hole, you could possibly seal it using heavy-duty heating and cooling tape.

You count on your dryer to get your towels, sheets, and clothing dried safely and efficiently. But if there’s water collecting in the dryer’s drum or leaking from the appliance, your dryer can’t do its job. The most likely reasons for water in your dryer are poor insulation or ventilation issues, like improper configuration or blockages.

There could be a blockage in the vent from built-up lint and other debris. This blockage prevents warm air from exiting the duct, leading to condensation, water inside the dryer, and leaks.

There could also be a damaged vent pipe or flapper leading to water issues. If your dryer uses a flapper and the flapper doesn’t stay closed, you’ll end up with water in your vent from rain, snow, and other outside elements.

Most issues you can easily address yourself, but for others, like a damaged vent pipe, you’ll likely need a professional. Once you determine the problem, you can troubleshoot through the potential fixes so you can get your dryer back in shape.