“Why is my humidifier spitting out water and what can I do about it?” If that’s what interests you, then you’ve come to the right place.
Humidifiers are becoming one of the most popular room appliances, especially for people in countries with arid climates. Due to their low price and good performance, humidifiers are in almost every home.
However, for many users, the situation sometimes arises when the humidifier starts spitting out water, leaving it on the floor and causing discomfort.
In this article, we will try to find the answer to the main question “Why is my humidifier spitting out water”, we will discuss ways to solve this problem and the Vicks humidifier.
10 Reasons why is my humidifier spitting out water?
After we have understood the basic principle of how humidifiers work and their different types, we can discuss in more detail the causes of the problem when the humidifier is spitting out water. Below you can find a list of causes, as well as brief descriptions, to understand what exactly causes inconvenience with a humidifier in your case.
1. Extra salt
You can add salt sometimes, as it can even become a requested action from companies, especially if you have tap water, but otherwise, it will only harm the device.
If you add too much salt, you will start to notice that instead of steam, the humidifier will only spit out water, making the floor dirty. While salt helps improve electrical conductivity, too much adding salt causes power exceeds.
2. Water
To begin with, there is a certain amount of tap water that you must use in the water tank for the steam to form evenly.
If you add too much water, then the device simply will not be able to properly heat everything, and you will have to spit out unnecessary water to make room for steam to form. Almost every device has a label indicating how much water needs to be added exactly, or it is written in the instructions for each humidifier.
3. Mineral deposits
Mineral deposits are a direct threat to your humidifier that cannot only cause the device to “leak”, but can also completely disrupt operation and steam production.
For example, if you have too many minerals in heating elements, then now your device will not be able to heat water in normal mode, moreover, the device may even break forever from contamination of mineral deposits.
4. Dirty or clogged filter
If the filter in your humidifier is dirty or clogged, it can cause water to spit out. This is because the filter is not allowing the water to flow properly through the machine.
5. Faulty float valve
A faulty float valve can cause water to overflow and spit out of your humidifier.
6. Improperly seated water tank
If your water tank is not properly seated on the humidifier, it can cause water to spit out.
7. Improper cleaning
If you are not cleaning your humidifier properly, it can cause water to spit out. This is because mold, bacteria, and other contaminants can build up in the machine and affect the way it operates.
8. High humidity levels
If the humidity level in your room is already high, your humidifier may not be able to properly disperse the water, causing it to spit out.
9. Blocked or clogged misting nozzle
A blocked or clogged misting nozzle can cause water to spit out of your humidifier.
10. Improperly sealed humidifier
If your humidifier is not properly sealed, it can cause water to leak and spit out.
I also recommend reading: Are humidifiers safe for cats?
Instructions on fixing the problem with spitting water
Now that you already know the possible causes of the problem, it is worth discussing in more detail the different solutions that are provided below.
1. Add salt correctly
If you need to add salt, even if the manufacturer asks, then take it seriously and find out exactly how much salt you need to add.
2. Water
Read the instructions and be sure you know exactly the right amount of water for your humidifier.
3. Cleaning
Make it a routine to clean your humidifier to prevent excessive mineral deposits.
4. Filtered water, distilled water, or boiling water
Use distilled water, boiling water, and bottled water as the tap water varies from area to area, however, using contaminated water will also hasten to foul of the humidifier itself and cause leaks. So distilled water will be a great solution to the problem.
5. Filter
Change the filters as often as the manufacturer requires, as old filters cannot properly humidify the air and produce steam.
6. Water pressure
Check what the water voltage is and if it is above 125, then you need to lower it with the help of a wizard or yourself.
7. Electricity supply issues
You need to make sure that your electrical suppliers are working, check the outlets in the house and if none of them works, then call an engineer who can fix the problem of your electrical system.
I also recommend reading: How you can get cool air from one room to another?
What is a humidifier?
A humidifier is a device that humidifies the dry air in the room with the help of producing steam. Some humidifiers heat water to a boil, after which produce mist.
However, also, some devices do not use heating elements, but special cartridges that are saturated with water, after which the humidifier forces the air to pass through these same cartridges and become humidified.
The main function of air humidifiers is, of course, to increase the percentage of moisture in the room, but some devices may have secondary tasks, such as cleaning or changing the air temperature in the room.
I also recommend reading: Are humidifiers bad for dogs?
Types of humidifiers
Below, you can see different types of humidifiers, which are separated due to their functions and fields of usage:
1. Warm mist humidifier
This humidifier is suitable for people who are prone to bacterial diseases and who live in cold climates. Warm mist humidifier, when it releases steam, immediately cools it, which prevents bacteria from multiplying in heat.
2. Cool mist humidifier
This humidifier is suitable for those who have warmer room temperatures, as cool mist does not increase the temperature of the humidified air.
I also recommend reading: Does a cool mist humidifier make the room cold
3. Ultrasonic humidifier
This device uses sound vibrations to produce mist and thereby humidify the air in the room.
Other signs of a damaged or defective humidifier
Here are three signs that your humidifier may be damaged or defective:
1. The mist is coming out weak or not at all
One of the most obvious signs of a damaged or defective humidifier is the absence of mist or steam. If your humidifier is not producing any mist, it could be due to a malfunctioning heating element or a clogged water tank or nozzle. In some cases, a broken humidistat or faulty motor may also be the cause.
2. The humidifier makes strange noises
If your humidifier is making unusual noises, such as rattling, buzzing, or grinding sounds, it could be a sign of a mechanical issue. The source of the noise may vary, but it could be due to a worn-out fan, loose components, or a damaged motor. In some cases, a damaged water pump or a clogged filter could also cause strange noises.
3. High humidity levels
While a humidifier is designed to add moisture to the air, it should not create an environment that is too humid. If you notice that the humidity levels in your home are higher than usual, it could be a sign that your humidifier is not functioning properly. An overactive humidifier can cause condensation on windows, walls, and other surfaces, which can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and other problems. If you suspect that your humidifier is causing excessive humidity, it’s important to turn it off and get it inspected by a professional.
You may also be interested: Humidifier tips: What kind of water to use in humidifier
Why is my humidifier gurgling?
One of the complaints of many humidifier users is the appearance of an unpleasant and annoying gurgling sound. Often this sound is simply an indicator of steam reproduction, that is when ordinary water drops change their aggregate state, but if this sound annoys you too much, then you can remove it.
To get rid of this annoying sound, you will first need to work with the water tank. You just need to loosen its cap, after which the water will move much more quieter and there will be no more sound.
FAQ
Why is my humidifier spraying water?
Your humidifier may spraying water due to extra salt, excess water in the reservoir, and mineral deposits on the unit’s heating elements.
Is the Vicks humidifier supposed to spit out water?
Vicks vaporizer will spit out tap water or Vicks humidifier leaking may be possible, however, as with regular humidifiers, this will only happen if you really don’t take good care of your humidifier
Why is my humidifier gurgling?
Often this sound is simply an indicator of steam reproduction, that is when ordinary water drops change their aggregate state, but if this sound annoys you too much, then you can remove it. You just need to loosen the water tank cap, after which the water will move much more quieter and there will be no more sound.
What happens if you put too much salt in a Vicks vaporizer?
If you add too much salt to the Vicks Humidifier, it will start spitting out water or the Vicks vaporizer may leak. Therefore it is best to use distilled water for the Vicks humidifier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that even though humidifiers are in everything quite convenient devices for reproducing ordinary tap water steam for humidification, in any case, with incorrect care and use, the risks of a situation where the humidifier will spit out water are quite high.
We hope that after reading this article, the question “Why is my humidifier spitting out water?” you will no longer have doubts, so now you know what are the ways to solve this issue and also the problems with the occurrence of gurgling sound.
