Walk in Cooler Leaking Water (Drainage System Malfunctions & More)

(Read here for more general information about walk in cooler drainage systems.)

If your walk in cooler is leaking water, there are two main sources to check...

1) The Evaporator Coil Drainage System

When the compressor is operating, the copper tubing and fins in the housing of the coil are colder than the air inside your walk in cooler. As air is forced through the coil by the fan motor, moisture will collect on these fins. This moisture will form droplets and fall into the bottom pan (this is part of the evaporator coil assembly). From there it will be directed into a drain hose, and eventually into the bucket, floor drain, or electric hot pan.

a) If the drain line becomes plugged or obstructed at any point, water will back up and spill over the edges of the coil. If this is the problem, the walk in cooler will need to be shut down so you can clean out the obstruction.

b) If the coil assembly is not pitched back towards the drain hose, water can pool in the front of the drain pan and leak from screw holes. Drain pans generally have a pitch designed into them, but if the walk in cooler itself is not level or pitched forward, it can defeat this design feature. Recheck if the walk in cooler is leveled properly. If more drain pitch is required, the evaporator coil assembly can be shimmed (allowing the water to flow freely back to the drain).

2) General Air Leaks

Whenever the cold air inside the walk in cooler meets the warmer outside air, moisture will form. Thus, if a floor or ceiling seam is not sealed properly, you may notice condensation or water droplets on your walls or floor. Your walk in cooler should be as level as possible—its seams will be tighter and the doors will shut more securely. Use a 100% silicone caulk to seal any seams where you notice condensation. (Read here for more information on caulking.)

When installed in a non air-conditioned warehouse, some walk in coolers will develop condensation on the outside of the walls or entry doors when the weather is warm and/or humid. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to alleviate this situation. Sometimes, air movement in the form of a floor or ceiling fan can help reduce or eliminate the problem.