One of the most critical appliances in keeping your house odour-free and healthy is your best kitchen extractor fan. A motorised fan placed directly over your stove or hob allows an extractor hood—a kitchen appliance—to absorb steam and smells released during cooking. In essence, it removes odours, heat, moisture, smoke, grease, and other air contaminants. The appliance must function flawlessly for this reason. However, you may have noticed an unusual issue – water dripping from your extractor fan. In this article, we will explore the reasons why kitchen extractor fan dripping water and provide solutions to keep your kitchen well-ventilated and dry.
Causes of Water Dripping from the Extractor Fan
Condensation Buildup
The presence of condensation is a problem that frequently arises in kitchens. When the warm, wet air that is produced by cooking comes into contact with a cold surface, like the ductwork or the fan housing, it has the potential to condense and produce water droplets. This can lead to accumulation over time, resulting in leaking.
Oil or grease
The filter in your range hood is likely whole or dirty. Like most equipment that removes the air, the filters in your kitchen extractor pick up grease, dust, oil, and other gunk. Over time, oil and grease build up in these filters and block them.
To fix it, remove the filter and use a cleaner to clean it. Every once in a while, you should open up the space and clean the range hood better. Unplug your cooker from the power source before you wash it, though. An electric shock is the last thing you’ll want while working on your home.
Roofing Concerns
Water can enter the ductwork if the extractor fan in your home is vented through the roof. Roof problems such as leaks or poor flashing might cause this. This may cause condensation to form inside of the fan.
Poorly Carried Out Installation
Problems can arise due to an extractor fan or duct system that needs to be installed appropriately. Dripping can occur if the fan is not level or the ducts have a slope that causes water to pool. Both of these conditions make it possible for water to collect.
If the kitchen extractor fan is dripping, it could also be because the fan isn’t working right, which means the air in the kitchen isn’t moving. Fix the fan belt immediately if you see one loose or broken.
Preventive Measures
Proper Ventilation
You can avoid condensation and limit the amount of moisture in your kitchen by ensuring adequate ventilation. When you’re cooking, make sure to use lids, and if you need more ventilation, consider turning on an exhaust fan or cracking a window.
Maintenance regularly
Maintaining and cleaning your kitchen extractor fan regularly will help prevent dripping water, obstructions and other problems. You should clean the filters, look for leaks in the ducts, and make sure that all of the components are in good shape.
DIY Solutions
If you have observed water dripping from your kitchen extractor fan, there are some do-it-yourself methods that you may do to solve the problem. Condensation can be reduced by insulating the ducts, repairing any damage to the ducting, and checking for leaks. Check that the fan is not tilted and that it does not have any obstructions in its path.
When to Seek the Assistance of a Professional
If the issue continues or is beyond the scope of your do-it-yourself capabilities, it is recommended that you get assistance from a professional. A trained professional will be able to assess the problem, fix any damage, and make sure that your extractor fan is operating at peak efficiency.
The proper use of speed in the extraction hood will significantly prevent condensation problems. It should be noted that the steam produced by the cooking will be collected alongside the pollutants. Water is a dense liquid that is difficult to move through the hood motor. As a result, we recommend utilising a suction speed that allows for the extraction of fumes as well as a reasonable amount of steam.
Additional options for removing the leftover steam not gathered by the hood include leaving as much ventilation in the kitchen as possible, ideally by opening a window, like we do when condensation forms in the bathroom after a hot shower.
Read Also: How to Install a Kitchen Extractor Fan Through a Wall
Conclusion
It can be confusing and annoying when your kitchen extractor fan starts water dripping. You can keep your kitchen’s air system dry and working well by learning about the things that could go wrong and taking steps to avoid them. To keep your kitchen comfortable and free of smells, you need to do regular maintenance and act quickly when problems arise.
FAQs
Can I use a dehumidifier in my kitchen to stop the extractor fan from water dripping?
A dehumidifier can help lower the amount of wetness in the air, but the real problems should be fixed first. Before looking at other options, ensure that there is enough airflow and that your exhaust fan is in good shape.
Can I fix my AC ducts myself?
Most of the time, it’s best to have a professional fix your pipes because mistakes in repairs can cause more problems.
Why does water only drip when the weather is particular?
Outdoor dripping could mean problems with the roof or the pipes. To find and fix the problem, you should check when it’s dry outside.
How often do I need to clean the blades on my extractor fan?
It’s best to clean the filters every two to three months, but how often you do it may depend on how often you cook.