If it's rainy, or snow is melting, my heating vents in the floor fill with water. My house is on a slab, so there's no basement or crawl space. I'm not even sure who to call about this. After a couple of days of the water being there, it gets "mildewy" inside, and extremely humid. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
2007-03-19 10:13:36 · 6 answers · asked by BJ L 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Metal ductwork (coated and/or uncoated) and moist soil leads to corrosion and a gradual degradation of the distribution system of underground installations.
These types of installations should be forbidden by state HVAC mechanical codes.
Solid PVC pipes with waterproof connections should be the only material acceptable for underground systems.
You, and many others, are the victim of a code that was supposed to afford you some level of protection but failed to do so.
Repairing your system is cost prohibitive. A new distribution system in a more favorable location (attic or ceiling bulkheads) would be preferable. One of your local heating contractors can assess the situation and provide you with an estimate.
Additionally, the old duct openings in the floor would have to be effectively plugged.
Good luck.
2007-03-21 04:20:19 · answer #1 · answered by Huero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have this same problem! I've been speaking to various contractors recently, since we're trying to sell our house. I'm not sure what the best answer is. but here are some ideas...
1. we use a wet vacuum to suck the water out, which definitely helps altho it's a very difficult and messy job. (when emptying vacuum I generaly spill some, and that water is kind of murky)
2. we have 2 dehumidifiers which dry out the air in the house.
3. next time it's raining, check your rain gutters outside the house to make sure water is not draining right next to the foundation. if it is, you want to get your gutters to carry water several feet away from the house. There are plastic extension things for the gutters that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes. New rain gutters might help if yours are old and not working properly.
4. I've heard of bringing in topsoil to heap against the side of your house and create a slope so water will drain away from the house.
5. One contractor suggsted replacing the old floor ducts with new ducts running through the ceiling (we have a 1-story) which would cost $8000, not including sealing up the old ducts.
6. Another contractor wants to install a permanent sump pump somewhere in the house...it would go in a little box just above the heater vent, and the pump would come on as needed. this would cost abt. $1500. problem is, the water problem is the worst in the bathrooms, and our bathrooms are too small to fit this thing. also, I'm afraid the noise would be a nusiance at night.
Sorry I can't say which is the best idea but I would say start with cheaper ones first...good luck!
2007-03-19 17:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by njyogibear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to take time and money to properly fix this first your ductwork should go in the attic and yes that involves replacing everything,next check the grading on the house if below water level or drainaige system some form of pump and checkvalve needed.And good luck
2007-03-20 09:38:22 · answer #3 · answered by SEAN P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should be over head... under ground pipe for an exhaust vent is OK, but a/c & heat not a good idea... do you have a flat roof? thats the only senario i could see even considering it as an alternitave... if so replace with exterior ducts & frame a fasoud on the roof
2007-03-19 19:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you need acover over the roof vent on the unit
2007-03-26 18:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by offshore18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
seal vents off and go with a furnace that is a top blowing vent
2007-03-26 12:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by sassy brat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋