Symptoms
- Water pooling under or around the base
- Damp spot on the tank seam or cap
- Water dripping when carrying or refilling the tank
- Leak worse when the tank is full
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or missing rubber seal on the tank capThe gasket that seals the fill opening degrades over time and lets water seep out.
- CommonTank cap not tightened fullyA loosely closed cap is a very common cause of dripping while carrying or after filling.
- PossibleCracked or split tankAge, dropping, or over-tightening can crack the plastic.
- PossibleUnit overfilled past the max line or sitting on an uneven surfaceOverflow or tilting lets water escape from the base tray.
What to do
- Empty the tank and check the rubber seal or gasket around the cap for cracks, warping, or debris preventing a tight seal.
- Tighten the cap firmly by hand, making sure it's threaded on straight before force is applied.
- Fill the tank to just below the maximum fill line, not above it.
- Place the unit on a level, hard surface and confirm it isn't tilting.
- Fill the tank, seal it, and turn it upside down briefly over a sink to check for leaks before setting it on the base.
- Replace the tank cap seal or the whole tank if a crack or worn gasket is found.
Tools and parts
- Cloth
Humidifier tank cap seal/gasketSearch: “humidifier tank cap replacement seal”
When to call a pro
No professional needed; replace the tank or cap seal if a crack or worn gasket is causing the leak.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.