Machine leaking water

izzyb · Post by **izzyb** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:27 am

A little while back I notice a puddle of water under my machine. It did that for a few days even though I checked my reservoir to make sure I put it back together correctly. I called my DME rep and she said to take the elbow off where it connects to the machine and hose because there had been problems with that and they weren't even putting them on the machine anymore. She said that might be the problem. I tried that but I don't think that is it. Sometimes it leaks and sometimes it doesn't no matter what. It has started it again. I can't imagine it comes from the reservoir since the water is below the seam when laying down. Does anyone know what could be causing this?

Thanks, izzyb

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:53 am

I will bet it is from the chamber. It does not matter that the water is below the level of the seal. Mine started leaking after about 3 months and I coud not get it to stop. It leakes so much it rurned the top of my dresser it was sitting on. I put it in a shallow pan and it sat in the water so much it finally shorted out the heating element,. It leaked around the latch and at the hinge end. I had the "O" ring in properly. They have a new "O" ring that is a different color I think it is described as teal color that is supposed to help. They just recentaly redesigned the whole humidifier and the new chamber won't interchange. I gave up on mine and got the F&P HC150. To much frustration.

Jerry

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greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:14 am

I used to have the same problem, but haven't had it since I made sure that the "rubber band" is completely level when I put the humidifier chamber back together. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries.

If you're having trouble getting the rubber band straight, you can put some water on your finger and spread it over the rubber band (I'm sure Respironics calls it something different), and then put the two halves together. That seems to help keep the band straight.

Good luck

Bert_Mathews · Post by **Bert_Mathews** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:55 am

Like"Greyhound" said get the SEAL level / flat all the way around -- I put lip balm on as a lube and slide the two halves together..
I only take it apart once a month to clean - its dumped and refilled daily so NOTHING is growing in the tank!!
Place a towel under the machine to be sure that your leak is fixed - It also cuts down on any sound that the machine makes.......

GOOD LUCK!
BERT

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:37 am

Thanks everyone. I was worried that I would have to replace my machine. I don't know how long the warranty is on it, but I have had it 1 year and 2 months. Just about the time for a break down on most warranted items.

izzyb

izzyb · Post by **izzyb** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:45 am

Just got to thinking...how does it leak if it is below the seam?

izzyb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:59 am

it doesn't

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:26 pm

So if it can't then it has to be getting out somewhere. Any other ideas?

izzyb

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:40 pm

Even if you make sure that the water level is below the gasket -- with pressure running through the humidifer it will "stir" the water up and create waves and motion of the water and it will be almost impossible for it not to slosh above the gasket. Thus it is going to leak.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:09 pm

Thanks sleepycarol, that makes sense. I did wonder if the heat made it boil, but I figured surely it wouldn't get that hot. I only have it on 2 anyway.

izzyb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:54 pm

The chamber is a high humidity area (obviously) and is also at positive pressure whenever it is ON.
ANY air leak, even if above the water line, will leak humidified air,which should quickly condense into water.

Mine started leaking until I took it apart and re-assembled it more carefully.

No leaks for a while now!

Lyle

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:42 pm

If the seal (gasket) was once pinched then installed correctly, it can leak when positive pressure from the blower is applied. A defective gasket can do the very same thing - appear to be installed correctly but develop a leak with pressure applied.

It takes an experienced eye to spot a problem with this seal. So inspect it carefully.

I have not yet had to disassemble my water chamber. After putting water in the chamber you can tilt it so that water runs over the seam where the seal is - looking for any leaks. Keep in mind it would have to be a very large leak to be noticed at this point. If you are filling your water chamber by disassembling it - that is part of the problem. You do NOT have to disassemble the chamber to fill it with water.

I am not going to defend the very poor design choice in the M series integrated humidifier but I have been wondering how many unsuspecting users have caused water damage by jostling the water chamber when trying to insert it into the humidifier. Or by simply picking up or moving the machine with water in it - because the water chamber can NOT be seen when inserted into the humidifier. This could cause water to leak into the elbow, also.

Respironics already had the timer circuitry to pre-warm the water used in the Pre-M tanks. All they had to do was add a circuit to make sure the heater also turned on when the blower was switched ON.

My suggestion if you are having trouble with water leaks is to fill & inspect the chamber in your hand as described above then wipe up any water inside the machine holding area before inserting the chamber. Turn the machine ON without moving it and before you intend to use it. If you remove the hose from the machine - you can get a better idea of what is going on. Place your hand over the opening so it doesn't run wide open.

After a minute or two, shut the blower off and remove the water chamber. Then inspect inside the machine to determine if there is water leaking.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:59 pm

Gumby... and what of those of us that run it without heat??

All they had to do was add a circuit to make sure the heater also turned on when the blower was switched ON.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:12 pm

It could be switched, my friend, like it was in the tank? On or OFF. Anything else?

But one would have to ask why pay for a "heated" humidifier if you only want half of it?

Just like those who add a water chamber but NO water?

And I thought I had issues!!!

cflame1 wrote:Gumby... and what of those of us that run it without heat??

All they had to do was add a circuit to make sure the heater also turned on when the blower was switched ON.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:42 pm

GumbyCT wrote:But one would have to ask why pay for a "heated" humidifier if you only want half of it?

'Cause they want to be sure they have that capability (turning on some heat) occasionally if needed -- even if they don't need (or want) the heat most of the year?

Humidifier

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