Water in underground Ductwork

Tom Blackwell

used to service a Church that had underground ductwork - in that case landscaping changes outside had caused the ground to remain saturated and it got into the ductwork. The only way to solve the problem is to lower the ground water table to a point below the ductwork. It would be impossible to keep it out if it wants in. Look for the source of the high water table and correct it if possible; if not a dry well with a pump in it will serve to draw down the water table. Hope this helps...

[Deleted User]

Water in underground ductwork

Does anybody have a idea of how to get water out of underground ductwork. This system has been in for serval years now and it is now getting water into the ductwork. It is causing the humity to raise in the condos to 100% and is sweating on the walls and windows. We placed sumb pumps in the in the ductwork for a temp fix but they are not doing much good. The condo is on a slab.

[Deleted User]

Water in underground ductwork

Does anybody have a idea of how to get water out of underground ductwork. This system has been in for serval years now and it is now getting water into the ductwork. It is causing the humity to raise in the condos to 100% and is sweating on the walls and windows. We placed sumb pumps in the in the ductwork for a temp fix but they are not doing much good. The condo is on a slab.

Bill_14

First Option & Questions

First option might be looking into having a properly designed perimeter french drain system installed. Is surface water draining away from the building? Is ground water the problem? Is the furnace plenum the lowest point in the ductwork with all runs sloped back to that point? Where is the water coming from?

Sweet_2

Is the domestic water

also underground? Sounds like domestic hot water leaking under slab. Weve used water extraction companys to get water out of ducts.

Tom_35

water in ductwork

It'a a pretty common problem in our area. If the duct's elevation is such that they are pitched back to the plenum then a pump with an automatic float switch can be used to pump the water to the sewer system or to the street.

Can't tell you how many times we've seen pumps that are pumping the water to the edge of the house, and then the ground sucks the water back to the ductwork.

French drain system will help, as will gutters/downspouts that take the water away from the house.

Tom A

S Ebels

Underround duct.................

Should be banned. period. JMHO ~:)

We service a bunch of condos that were built in the mid to late 80's, all with underground duct. About 50% of these places now have supply runs that have become perforated and are so plugged with sand that airflow is nil. In a couple of them, only 3-4 heat runs deliver any noticeable airflow at all.

These ducts are buried in sand and there is no problem with external water. The corrosion causing moisture comes from condensation occuring on the interior of the duct, especially the return side the way it seems.

As other here have suggested, do whatever you can to eliminate the chance that ground water can contact the duct.

Good luck, you'll need it!