Why Is My Kitchen Extractor Fan Dripping Water

If your kitchen extractor fan is dripping water, it is an indication of a serious matter that needs rectifying, immediately. However, this can occur as a result of three issues. They are…

• Vent blockage
• Outdoor vent cover issues
• Indoor leaks

Vent blockage

Vent blockage can occur as a result of debris or excessive dust that has prevented the fan from working, or blocking the airflow, stopping its extraction. This can result in water dripping from the fan, though this can take months or years to develop if you don’t maintain your extractor.

Outdoor vent cover issues

Your outdoor vent reduces outdoor air from freely entering your home, and allows extracted air to leave unhindered. If your vent cover has become covered, making it airtight, the extracted warm air will not be able to extract, eventually, humidity will settle resulting in drips.

On the other hand, if the outdoor vent cover is removed, severe rain can pour into the ducting, and through the extractor fan into the kitchen.

Indoor leaks

Leaks from pipes in your home, or vulnerable structural issues, can create leaks in your home. These leaks can spread through the walls, and if it is near your extractor fan, it can end up dripping on or around your extractor.

Does dripping water damage an extractor fan?

Yes. If water gets amongst the electrical connections within the extractor fan, it can damage its effectiveness or even stop it from working. Though this depends on the severity of the water damage. That being said, no water should be near the circuitry of an extractor fan.

In instances like this, you must be careful, depending on the brand of extractor fan you have, and the stipulations of the manufacturer warranty, it may not be covered in the instance of water damage. Though, as we mentioned, this is subject to the manufacturer.

Be sure to enquire about warranties and what they entail before making a purchase.

Can water drip from my cooker hood?

Like your extractor fan, under no circumstances should your cooker hood be dripping with water. This can be an indication that a pipe has begun leaking and found its way into your ducting and through your cooker hood. Similarly, like extractor fans, there could also be an issue with the outdoor vent, or severe blockages in the ducting.

Is a cooker hood stronger than an extractor fan?

Yes. Naturally, cooker hoods are larger and have a greater level of extraction compared to the smaller extractor fans. That being said, cooker hoods are designed specifically for cookers that are in use.

Cooking naturally causes excess heat and steam. If left for long enough, it can create a humid environment perfect for condensation. This is why cooker hoods are used.

For the best chance at avoiding any condensation in your kitchen, it is best to use the cooker hood, extractor fan, and open a window whilst cooking, especially if it is for a long period of time.

Can I test the extraction rate of my extractor fan?

If you don’t have any measuring apparatus, there is a simple eye test you can try to determine how strong your extractor fan is. It is a good idea to try this when you first get your extractor so you have a reference point to refer to if you think the extractor has got weaker over time.

This method is a bit messy, so be warned! Simply get any powder, such as baby powder, holding the bottle upright, squeeze the bottle quickly so a burst of powder releases. If it is done right, you should be able to see residue from the baby powder wafting in the air.

Do this next to an extractor fan that is on, a working extractor fan will quickly collect this, whereas an ineffective one will take longer. With this method, the baby powder represents the humid air, which you can not normally see unless there is steam.

Although this home method won’t give you a quantifiable number, it can definitely give you an understanding of whether your extractor fan is working properly or not.

Invest in kitchen extractor fans today