Ducting Dripping Water

darcar

I have heard of this twice now and was wondering if anyone knew of a cause/solution...

I recently finished a basement and the drywaller asked me prior hanging if I was going to wrap the duct work to prevent dripping. Just this morning a co-worker said his unfinished basement floor had water (enough to make a small puddle and cover a 2x4 on conc) and the source was a joint in the ducting of the furnace. He pushed on the joint and a small amount of water came out of the seam.

I have seen water lines sweat, and drip, but never a duct of a furnace.

What causes this?

FYI - I am in the middle of Iowa so the A/C is not in use (if that makes a difference)

gregj

The outside of ductwork can "sweat" when running the A/C if exposed to warmer, humid air. It often happens in basement ductwork so it is a good idea to insulate the ductwork. But your freind has a different issue. I suspect his humidifier is cranked up to high.

MSSI

In the winter the warm moist air in the duct will condense inside the duct when it hits the cooler air of the basement or attic...

In the summer the water vapor in the warm moist attic or basement will condense on the outside when it hits the cold duct.

snapperhead

check the water level within the discharge duct mounted humidifier,from being algea coated to the fan taking the water drops right off the wheel