When it got cold outside I turned my central humidifier knob from 0% to 25% humidity and when the furnace kicked on I would see/hear a stream of water drain down the condensate line into a floor drain. As weeks went by it seems the stream has turned into fast drips and now slow drips. The solenoid was replaced by an HVAC guy a year and a half ago and I've replaced the filters regularly and cleaned the housing around the filter a couple times. I'm starting to smell a musty smell which I've smelled before when I turned the humidity dial to 0 and the filter dried up, except I've got the dial at 25%. The problem might be that the water supply valve is only partially open (I figured it was working nicely at first so why touch an old valve). The valve is located near where the hot water exits the water heater. It's a spigot valve that you'd see on a toilet water supply that takes several turns to open or close. The supply line is the really small copper tubing that I think is common for refrigerators. I'm going to fully open the valve and monitor leaks but is it common for these valves to clog up or break? Thanks for your help.



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It is more common for the solenoid valve on the humidifier itself to scale up which is why it usually needs annual servicing.

Do you know how to remove the scale build up in a solenoid?

The solenoid valve should be removed and the electrical part separated. The valve body and plunger can be soaked in white vinegar overnight and cleaned with a tooth brush and forced air. This is a job normally done during the summer when the humidifier is not being used.

Best Wishes

Thanks



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On most solenoid valves if you remove the coil and power is not disconnected the coil may burn out I'm not too familier with humidifier types.

Do you know if the strainer and orifice were checked, cleaned or replaced when the solenoid was serviced?

I have an Aprilaire 768 furnace-mounted humidifier. Years ago I had a problem like yours and found my solenoid jammed shut - would not pass water. I suspect the strainer disintegrated and jammed the solenoid.

Since then, I stock spares and I check the solenoid, strainer and orifice each September when I replace the water panel.

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Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[docs.legis.wisconsin.gov]
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I am not a plumber.
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