Most of us in New Mexico have owned or currently own a home with a swamp cooler. It is a fact that your swamp cooler does a great job of keeping you comfortable in the summertime. However, it can also create major issues if its components break down! Here are some simple tips to make sure your home is safe and protected from swamp cooler mishaps.
Swamp Cooler Water Line Repair: Simple Steps to Prevent Leaks
First, let’s start with the unit itself. Swamp coolers contain fairly simple components that you can easily check periodically to keep the cooler from leaking. Take a close look at your water line, which feeds the swamp cooler. It should be either copper or polyurethane tubing.
The tubing itself should not have any rub marks or kinks. If it does, consider replacing it before it breaks. The tubing on the roof is probably controlled by a small valve inside the home, so it won’t automatically shut off. If it leaks, especially on a flat roof, you could be in for some major water damage.
Now, take a look at the “spider” tubing leading to your cooling pads. All of them should be flowing water onto the top of your cooler pads. If not working properly, they could send water outside the swamp cooler and leak onto your roof. This typically goes unnoticed until you see signs of water damage in the home.
On to your float valve. Float valves control the amount of water inside the “pan” of your cooler. They shut off water when the water level reaches a pre-set limit. If your float valve fails, water will leak out of the sides of the pan containing the water, causing another leak in that pan.
The water pan at the bottom of your swamp cooler holds the water that will be pumped up to your cooler pads. Swamp coolers are made to last for many, many years of trouble-free use. However, the pan holds gallons of water– and at some point will fail. Look for any rust or corrosion as early warning signs of pan failure and have it serviced immediately.
To recap maintenance on your rooftop swamp cooler:
- Check the Unit: Regularly inspect the simple components of your swamp cooler to prevent leaks.
- Inspect the Water Line: Ensure the water line (either copper or polyurethane tubing) is free from rub marks or kinks. Replace if necessary to avoid breaks.
- Control Valve: Be aware that the tubing is likely controlled by a small valve inside the home. It won’t automatically shut off, so leaks can cause major water damage, especially on flat roofs.
- Spider Tubing: Verify that all spider tubing is delivering water to the top of the cooler pads. Misaligned tubes can lead to unnoticed leaks and water damage.
- Float Valve: Ensure the float valve functions correctly to control water levels in the cooler’s pan. A failing float valve can cause water to leak from the sides of the pan.
- Water Pan: Inspect the water pan at the bottom of the swamp cooler. It holds water that is pumped up to the cooler pads.
Checking your swamp cooler water line connection
Now, to the inside of your home. Typically, you’ll find the water connection to your swamp cooler near your water heater, usually in an interior closet or your garage.
Search for a small copper or polyurethane tube that runs up through the water heater vent. This is the supply line to your swamp cooler.
Again, check for signs of wear and tear on the tube. If it appears damaged, replace it immediately. The final tip is to follow the supply line for your swamp cooler down to its connection to a larger copper pipe. There, you should see a valve.
Typically, this is a “needle valve” and it’s used to shut off and turn on water to your swamp cooler. If you see a small drip of water or any moisture, or if you see any signs of corrosion, replace this part immediately. A licensed plumber will likely need to repair this part, as it requires the use of a torch and solder.
Of course, only attempt to climb on your roof and make these repairs if you believe you are qualified to do so. Otherwise, contact a licensed plumber to complete an inspection and make repairs. If leaking and flooding occur, contact the experienced staff at American Restoration Water & Fire for fast and professional service.
