How to Fix A Leaking Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler

Evaporative (swamp) coolers are an energy efficient way to cool a house in dry climates. Unfortunately, as with most household appliance, things can go wrong. If your cooler leaks water onto your roof - not only might you have to replace your cooler - but your roof as well. Here are some simple ideas on how to diagnose and fix your leaking swamp cooler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Dry sponge or sham-wow (I know - but they do work well)

1. The good news is there are only six places that your cooler can be leaking from. We will run through these 6, one by one, in the next six steps and I'll share a few ideas for each on how to fix the problem yourself.

2. LEAKING FROM OUTSIDE THE COOLER AT THE WATER LINE FEED: A common leak encountered on evaporative coolers is at the point where the 1/4" copper water line enters the cooler housing. The three most likely problems here are: 1) the compression nut needs tightening 2) the rubber gasket (washer) needs to be replaced, or 3) the float valve inside has broken or come loose and needs to be tightened or replaced.

3. 
    
   Float, float arm, and float valve

   LEAKING FROM INSIDE THE COOLER AT THE FLOAT VALVE INLET: If the water leak seems to be coming from the water inlet at the float valve, you problem could be that the water entering your reservoir is spraying outside your reservoir. Lift up on the float arm - does ALL of the water spraying out end up in the water reservoir? If not, simply adjust the float valve to point further away from the edge of your reservoir.

4. 
    
   Pad and distributor - (distributor housing not shown)

   LEAKING OUT THE FRONT OF THE COOLER OFF THE PAD: This common problem results in serious damage to the front screen cover of the cooler as rust and scale buildup slowly destroys it. This type of leak will usually be the result of one of three problems. 1) The top of the pad is so caked with scale that the water sprays off of it. 2) The front of the pad is so caked with scale that mini-stalactites have formed a bridge between the pad and the front screen of the cooler - allowing water to run freely out of the front of the cooler. 3) The distributor housing is warped and no longer forms a snug fit over the top of the cooler pad - allowing water to spray or squirt out. Any of these three problems will involve replacing either the pad itself or the distributor housing.

5. 
    
   Brass cooler drain fittings

   LEAKING OUT THE DRAIN HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE COOLER: If water is leaking out of the drain hole - then you most likely have a rather simple fix. Check to see if the reservoir's water level is above the top of the overflow pipe. If so, simply bend the float arm to adjust the water level. If not, check to see that the overflow pipe is screwed securely into place in the drain hole. If so, then you may need to replace the drain fittings and/or the overflow pipe.

6. LEAKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE COOLER HOUSING FROM THE SIDES OF THE PAD: If this is the case, check the level of scale buildup on the sides of the pad and on the plastic inserts on the sides. If it seems excessive you need to either clean the pad or replace it. If the level of scale buildup doesn't seem excessive, check to make sure that the plastic side wall of the reservoir assembly is seated properly - with the base INSIDE the wall of the lower reservoir. Also check to see if this plastic side wall is cracked or has a hole in it.

7. LEAKING OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE COOLER HOUSING FROM UNDER THE WATER RESERVOIR: Attempt to tighten or even replace the drain fitting - as this will be your cheapest possibility for a solution. Make sure the water isn't overflowing the front or back of the reservoir, if so simply adjust the float valve. More than likely, your plastic reservoir liner is cracked and needs to be replaced. This will cost less than replacing the pad, but can be a rather major task - though it's not as difficult as it sounds. See step 8 for a quick walk through to replace this reservoir liner.

8. Remove the drain assembly and overflow pipe. Remove the pad, water distributor (this can be set on top of the cooler), and the water pump (this can remain hooked up to the distributor). Turn off the power and water to the unit. Unscrew the float valve from the side of the cooler. Remove both plastic side walls as well as the brace at the bottom which seats the pad in place. Now remove the large plastic reservoir liner which holds all of the systems water. You will most likely buy a new reservoir liner along with both plastic side walls.

Tips & Warnings

• See my other articles on swamp cooler repair, all of which are to be found under the general title "How to Fix An Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler:" with subtitles like "Installing an Inline Scale Filter", "Preventive Maintenance", and "Get Your Cooler Winter Ready".
• Never repair or work with your unit before first assuring that the power to the unit is off.