A range hood is an essential appliance in any kitchen, helping to keep the air clean and free of grease and cooking odors. However, if you’ve noticed that your range hood is dripping water when it rains, it can be a cause for concern.
Not only can it be unsightly and potentially damage your kitchen, but it could also be a sign of a more severe problem. But what causes a range hood to drip water during rainstorms?
Here’s an overview of why range hoods leak in the rain and how to fix the problem. We’ll discuss some of the most common causes of exhaust duct leaks, including condensation buildup and poor ducting.
Specific Causes For Dripping Water From Stove Range Hood Vent When It Rains
It is common for the range hood to drip when it rains heavily. There is an issue with water entering the ductwork or filter of the range hood.
It is most likely due to blockages in the outside exhaust vent or termination cap that the range hood is dripping water.
A combination of strong winds and heavy rains can cause blocked vents to collapse. If moisture seeps through the hood, water can drip inside dripping hoods.
Faulty installation could also result in gaps between wall joints, improper insulation around sealed edges, or other issues that allow moisture inside. We will discuss this article in the next paragraph.
Why Is My Range Hood Dripping Water?
A leaky range hood is something that should be fixed as soon as possible, but if the problems are not addressed, the range hood will continue to leak.
In this case, the range hood will provide the cook with an unwelcoming and unhealthy environment, even though it was designed to be comfortable. To solve this problem, you must understand what causes the drips on the range hood.
1. Condensation Issues
As a result of condensation in the vent, this can occur frequently. Excess condensation might be to blame when your range hood leaks when it rains.
Condensation occurs in the range hood vent when water drops form on surfaces cooler than the air around them.
An example is a metal vent with cold air on one side and hot, humid air from a cooking fire on the other. The good news is that it is possible to prevent condensation in a range hood by taking a few steps.
Check to see if your range hood exhaust fan works at full power and draws out as much steamy air as possible. Consider turning the vent hood at an angle so that it faces down. Installing a fan kit with an integrated dehumidifier is also possible.
It is essential to have an adequate vent pipe with your range hood to allow moisture to escape correctly. Condensation can occur when a vent pipe is defective.
2. Difference In Temperature
As steam condenses in the ductwork of the range hood, due to the difference in temperatures between hot and cold, water drips down from the ductwork from the condensation.
This problem is more evident during frigid weather. When it’s cold out, these steamy, hot winds in the duct cause the problem.
3. Obstacles In The Ductwork
The range hood may leak when the normal functioning of the ductwork is disrupted, another probable cause.
The accumulation of grease in ductwork over time can create a complex situation. Consequently, the ductwork becomes clogged.
It is also important to note that many birds make their haunts towards the outward wind, which is cause for obstruction. These obstructions will likely result in various problems, including leaks in ductwork pipes.
In consequence, the range hood will leak water. Additionally, if the installation of the ductwork ceiling is flawed, water may enter from the roof through that hole.
4. The Ductwork Problem
Usually, range hoods are caused by rain and snow backflowing at the exhaust duct. Check the ductwork outside to determine if it is adequately connected.
When rain falls, rainwater will flow back through the exhaust duct when the exhaust duct is not located appropriately. The range hood will drip if the exhaust duct is not mounted correctly.
It is typical for the snow, which accumulates in the exhaust duct during winter, to turn into water and flow back into the exhaust duct after the snow has melted.
This problem can also occur when the duct ages and rots (if you’ve used the range hood for a long time). To prevent leaks, add a rain cover to the duct or lower the rain cover if there is a problem with it.
When you cook, you produce vapor smoke, which is sucked up by the range hood and forced out through the ducts.
In an incorrectly maintained ducting system, steam accumulates as water, which causes a leak in the range hood. Moreover, ducting activities could be improper due to insufficient suction from the exhaust fan.
5. Improper Installation
A range hood can drip when rain falls due to improper installation. The good news is that you can prevent it from happening by taking simple steps.
Using the right drainage system is essential when installing a range hood. Your kitchen will stay dry and free of unwanted moisture if gutters are allowed to drain rainwater away from the area surrounding your range.
If you install a gutter system over the top of your range hood, water will be sent to the ground rather than into the unit. To add even more protection, use a roof cap or wall cap.
6. The Automatic Cleaning Function Malfunctioning
If your range hood has an automatic cleaning function, that may also be the cause of the dripping. Ensure that the automatic cleaning function is working well or contact the brand’s appliance maintenance.
7. Flashing Is Leaking
The flashing on your range hood can leak when it rains, allowing water to drip. There may be some minor repairs and caulking you’ve done on your range hood, but it still leaks after a while.
There is likely a gap or leak somewhere in your shingles that need to be repaired. During this time, the screws holding a range hood down become loose, causing the flashing around the hood to leak.
Once rainwater gets in and seeps through the holes, a drip will start inside your home. Fixing this problem at any hardware store with only a few tools and materials is relatively simple.
For extra protection from leaks in the future, tighten up the screws and apply some caulk around the edges.
What Are The Dangers Of Range Hood Dripping Water?
It can be really inconvenient to experience torrential rain when it starts pouring. A lot of people are unaware that this is an issue until they have experienced it for themselves.
The range hood is a necessary kitchen appliance because it removes cooking odors and grease from the air. In addition, it prevents these irritating particles from adhering to your walls, appliances, and other kitchen surfaces.
But it can also be a deadly weapon. Your walls and ceiling may suffer water damage as well as electrical hazards.
If water seeps into exposed wiring or outlets, a leaky range hood can cause short circuits, sparks, and even fires.
If possible, you should cover all electrical components of your range hood with waterproof material when using it during rainstorms.
You should protect all outlets with weatherproof covers for extra safety. It is extremely important to take these precautions to ensure your home stays dry and safe!
Final Words
Usually, dripping range hoods are caused by a leaking roof or vent pipes. It is then necessary to repair the roof, vent system, and insulation on your house, depending on the situation.
While leaking or damaged roofs are the primary cause, they are not the only cause. Whenever it rains, water can drip down your range hood since your roof and pipes have been damaged.
Unless there is water accumulation in the ductwork or on the roof, you can patch up any leaks and water accumulations in your house.
