Help with leaking humidifier

[Robotic]

So I noticed water on the floor near my hot water tank and realized that the humidifier attached to my furnace is dripping water. I take the metal face plate off and realize that its extremely corroded over. So bad that it partially disintegrated in my hands.

It hasn't been working or in use for at least 18 months to my knowledge. I believe that the small hose thats attached to the main copper pipe that feeds the humidifier has gotten crude/water crystals in it and has opened the valve a tiny bit so that its allowing water to leak.


Sorry for the crappy picture from my phone, but this is what I'm referring too. I'm wanting to completely remove the humidifier and cap off the valve that feeds it. How does one go about removing the valve thats screwed into the copper pipe?

[ricosuave]

you dont. just close the valve. if that doesnt do it, cut the tubing, then pinch it back on itself and vicegrip it to death.

EDIT: is that tubing plastic? mine was copper, hence my suggestion. anyway, just tighten the valve closed and you should be ok. if it still continues to leak you will have to shut off and drain the water, then replace the valve with a new one that does close in the same spot, or have a plumber solder the hole up.

[Robotic]

I've tightened the valve as much as I can and it still isn't doing anything. It's leaking at the valve very slowly and at the end of the plastic hose 1-2 drips a second. I think I just need to take it all out and replace the valve with a new one. Is it as simple as just removing the valve and using a new one in the same hole? Is this something a plumber needs to do, or is it a easy task?

[Wormius]

Is that valve tapped into a copper pipe or that Pex stuff? You can maybe turn off the water supply and solder a piece of copper over the hole made from the valve (if you are not using the humidifier anymore). If its Pex, maybe cut out the section where the hole is and splice them back together. They have a special crimper for Pex products. For copper just flux, solder, and blow torch. Don't set anything on fire.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Robotic

I've tightened the valve as much as I can and it still isn't doing anything. It's leaking at the valve very slowly and at the end of the plastic hose 1-2 drips a second. I think I just need to take it all out and replace the valve with a new one. Is it as simple as just removing the valve and using a new one in the same hole? Is this something a plumber needs to do, or is it a easy task?

Happened to me a few years back. Chances are the valve needs to be replaced. A plumer will replace the defective value unit and solder in another and at the same time check to see if the plastic tubing attached to the valve needs replacing also. A plumber fixed mine in under a half hour.