Skip to content

Serving 417 Arizona ZIP codes

DrywashRestoration
Call

Emergency-capable · Arizona

Evaporative (swamp) cooler leak damage

A leaking evaporative cooler usually sends water through the roof penetration or ductwork into the ceiling below. Turn off the cooler and close its water supply valve, then have wet insulation and ceiling drywall checked. Stuck float valves, rusted pans and failed roof seals are the common causes.

Call (833) 893-1539

Free call · Phones answered 24/7

  • Phones answered 24/7
  • 417 Arizona ZIP codes
  • Local Arizona pros
Rooftop evaporative cooler with a rusted pan

Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, are still common across Tucson, older Phoenix neighborhoods, Yuma, the Colorado River towns and rural Arizona because they're cheap to run in dry heat. Most sit on the roof and hold a pan of water fed by a small supply line with a float valve.

When the float sticks, the pan overflows. When the pan rusts through or the roof jack seal cracks, water runs down the duct or the roof penetration into the attic. Because the cooler runs all day, a leak can put out a lot of water before a stain shows on the ceiling.

Swamp cooler leaks at a glance

Common causes
Stuck float valve, rusted pan, cracked roof seal, clogged bleed-off line
Where damage shows
Ceiling around the supply vent, attic insulation, walls below
Common in
Tucson, older Valley homes, river and rural towns
First step
Turn off the cooler and close its water supply valve
Season
Most leaks happen April–September when coolers run

Signs you need help

  • Water dripping from or around the cooler's ceiling vent
  • Brown stains on the ceiling near the cooler duct
  • Water running off the roof when it hasn't rained
  • Rust streaks on the roof below the cooler
  • Musty smell when the cooler runs

Water still spreading? Every hour counts — call now.Phones answered 24/7. Free call, connected to a local restoration company.

(833) 893-1539

What the restoration company does

  1. 1

    Shut off

    The cooler is turned off and its supply line valve (often in the attic, garage or at the hose bib) is closed.

  2. 2

    Inspect

    The technician checks the attic, duct and ceiling with meters and a thermal camera to see how far water spread.

  3. 3

    Remove and dry

    Wet insulation and damaged ceiling drywall are removed; framing and the attic are dried.

  4. 4

    Repair

    A cooler or roofing contractor fixes the pan, float or roof seal; then the ceiling is rebuilt.

What affects the cost

Every loss is different, so there's no honest flat price. These are the factors that move the estimate:

  • Ceiling area and insulation affected
  • How long the cooler leaked
  • Duct cleaning or replacement if water got into it
  • Cooler and roof seal repair (separate trades)
  • Texture and paint matching

How restoration estimates are built

Safe to do yourself

  • Turn off the cooler at the thermostat or switch
  • Close the cooler's water supply valve
  • Put a bucket under the vent and move furniture
  • Winterize the cooler each fall: drain the pan and close the vent

Stop and call if

  • The ceiling around the vent is sagging
  • Water is coming from a light fixture
  • You'd need to walk on a hot or wet roof

Not sure what you're dealing with? Call — it's free.Phones answered 24/7. Free call, connected to a local restoration company.

(833) 893-1539

Swamp cooler leaks questions

Why is my swamp cooler leaking into the house?

Usually a stuck float valve overfilling the pan, a rusted-out pan, a cracked seal where the cooler's duct goes through the roof, or a clogged bleed-off or overflow line. Water follows the duct into the attic and ceiling.

Where is the swamp cooler water shutoff?

The small supply line usually has a valve in the attic, garage, laundry area or at an outside hose bib. Find it before cooler season starts so you can close it fast.

Can the ceiling be dried or does it need replacing?

Small wet areas can sometimes be dried in place if caught quickly. Drywall that sags or has soaked for days, and wet blown-in insulation, usually need replacement.

Does insurance cover evaporative cooler leaks?

A sudden failure may be covered; a long-term leak or a maintenance issue such as a rusted pan often isn't. Photos of the cooler and damage help your insurer decide.

How can I prevent cooler leaks?

Service the cooler in spring (float, pads, pan, pump), check the roof seal, clear the overflow line, and drain and cover the cooler in fall. A pan liner or coating slows rust.

Can a leaking cooler cause mold?

Yes. Wet insulation and drywall in a warm attic can grow mold quickly, and a damp duct can blow musty air into the house. Drying and inspection help prevent it.

Where this service is available

Across our 417 Arizona ZIP codes. Local details for:

Tucson ★MesaGlendaleTollesonCasa GrandeCoolidgeLake Havasu CityBullhead CityYumaAll service areas →

Related services

Clogged scupper on a flat foam roof after rain

Roof Leak Water Damage

When a roof leaks, water soaks insulation and drywall before it drips, so the damage is usually bigger than the stain.

Learn more
Brown water stain spreading on a textured ceiling

Ceiling Water Damage

A wet ceiling means water is above it: a roof leak, an attic water line, an AC condensate overflow, a swamp cooler or a bathroom upstairs.

Learn more
Mold spots on drywall behind a removed baseboard

Mold Remediation After Water Damage

Mold grows wherever materials stay wet, and it can start within 24 to 48 hours.

Learn more
Attic air handler with an overflowing condensate pan

AC Condensate Leak Damage

Air conditioners pull water out of the air and drain it through a condensate line.

Learn more

Guides

Water where it shouldn't be?

Shut off the water, then call. Phones answered 24/7. Local restoration pros are ready to help.

Call (833) 893-1539
Call now — free, 24/7