Mysterious moisture in wardrobe

oneteaspoon · May 11, 2020 12:49 pm

So I’ve been having this issue with apparent moisture in my wardrobe. Our place is 2 bed brick veneer, slate tile roof, concrete slab unit built in 2007.

In April last year I had a new Brivis 2PW15N NG Wombat 15 NG ducted heating system installed after a regular yearly inspection found the 12 year old Brivis had cracks in the system potentially leaking carbon monoxide. 12 days after the install we were having issues with the new unit not working properly and when the plumber came out he noticed water on the top of the unit (between a flood & a sprinkle, paper towels were sufficient to clean up) it was determined that maybe the cowl had too big of a gap and the wind was blowing the rain in so a new 125mm gal gas cowl was replaced by the same plumbing company. Doesn’t make sense as the old cowl was sufficient for 12 years.

Many many years ago I had a plumber disconnect the duct connecting the heating unit to the vent in my room as it was getting too hot in my bedroom, there are knobs to turn on the vents but they don’t turn to close.

Whenever the ducted heating is on my bedroom door is kept closed and the awning window is open fully all year round. Most of the year the heating in the rest of the house is set to 22-23degrees, sliding door is opened only a thumb width and all other doors, windows & gaps are all closed/closed off.

I was first made aware of this issue when some brand new still with tags on clothes had a terrible, vomit like, smell to it. I completely emptied the wardrobe & washed all clothes, but there was no signs of mould, mildew or water damage in the wardrobe. Only clean & dry clothes go in & it’s not coming from my shoes. In one of the shelves I do have toiletries like shampoo, face wipes, moisturisers but all are brand new & closed/sealed. I’ve only put back the bare minimum but the hanging moisture absorber which is in the middle of the hanging space has been in there for 14 days and there is 110ml of water. I also put a moisture absorption tray in the shelves within the same wardrobe and there is no moisture in there. The wardrobes aren’t air tight and on sunny days I leave the sliding doors open but moisture is still being absorbed.

The left corner of the wardrobe I assume would share the same wall space as the shower but there is no smell or sign of moisture damage in the bathroom. Where the moisture absorber is hanging is 3 meters from the window. To rule out moisture coming from the opened window I’ve closed it and will put a new moisture absorber in and at the same time put one in mum’s wardrobe too which has a duct vent in use.

Here are the wardrobe measurements

Hanging space
164cm across x 174cm high x 50cm deep

Shelves
60.5cm across x 174cm high x 44.5cm deep

Each shelf
60.5cm across x 44.5cm high x 44.5cm deep

Top space
230cm across x 98cm high x 44.5cm deep

I’m not sure what on earth is going on, who to turn to? Which profession? what information would they need?

oneteaspoon · May 11, 2020 12:52 pm

I did upload a URL with photos but I can’t see them on the post so here is the URL.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0Fg0Aqm ... uxTymxjOVg

SaveH2O · May 11, 2020 1:12 pm

You need to phone Brivis. Maybe it would be covered under a service call...ask them.

oneteaspoon · May 11, 2020 1:56 pm

SaveH2O

You need to phone Brivis. Maybe it would be covered under a service call...ask them.

So you think this is the ducted heating causing the moisture in the only bedroom that has the duct disconnected?

SaveH2O · May 11, 2020 2:12 pm

What you have is abnormal and you need to start a process of elimination. A good first step would be to talk to a Brivis serviceman as temperature differential can cause condensation. If applicable, then they would have come across the problem before.

You might need to buy a dehumidifier in the interim.

oneteaspoon · May 11, 2020 2:27 pm

SaveH2O

What you have is abnormal and you need to start a process of elimination. A good first step would be to talk to a Brivis serviceman as temperature differential can cause condensation. If applicable, then they would have come across the problem before.

You might need to buy a dehumidifier in the interim.

Ok I’ll give them a call. It is odd that I’ve never had this issue prior to the new unit being installed. I also never had the issue when I had over 1600 litres of water in aquariums in my 3x4m bedroom.

A dehumidifier for the wardrobe?

building-expert · May 11, 2020 2:31 pm

Everyone is just guessing
Mould is a consequence of dampness
The fact is that there is source of moisture creating conditions for mould growth
Get someone experienced to inspect and use moisture detection equipment

oneteaspoon · May 11, 2020 2:43 pm

building-expert

Everyone is just guessing
Mould is a consequence of dampness
The fact is that there is source of moisture creating conditions for mould growth
Get someone experienced to inspect and use moisture detection equipment

What profession does that?

SaveH2O · May 11, 2020 3:29 pm

Something is causing high humidity in an enclosed area. Just leave the wardrobe open and the dehumidifer close by and see what happens. A dehumidifier is not a fix, just a band aid.

oneteaspoon

In April last year I had a new Brivis 2PW15N NG Wombat 15 NG ducted heating system installed after a regular yearly inspection found the 12 year old Brivis had cracks in the system potentially leaking carbon monoxide. 12 days after the install we were having issues with the new unit not working properly and when the plumber came out he noticed water on the top of the unit (between a flood & a sprinkle, paper towels were sufficient to clean up) it was determined that maybe the cowl had too big of a gap and the wind was blowing the rain in so a new 125mm gal gas cowl was replaced by the same plumbing company. Doesn’t make sense as the old cowl was sufficient for 12 years.

oneteaspoon

It is odd that I’ve never had this issue prior to the new unit being installed.

The fact that the problem has occured immediately after replacing the original gas heating system points to either a facet of its installation being suspect or maybe something unrelated to the unit but caused by the installer(s) during installation.

Were the installers contracted by a Brivis dealer, did they work for Brivis or did you buy the unit and then contract your own plumber?

If no one is cooperative, then you need to seek other expert advice to locate the moisture source. I would also create a paper trail of all communications.

Norfolk · May 11, 2020 4:46 pm

If there is excess humidity present mould spores will grow and spread, fed by water from condensation at the variable temp/humidity 'dew point'. The source of moisture could be from above, to the side, or from below the wardrobe. Not all mould species are easily visible. The smell may suggest their presence. Mould is a serious health hazard, particularly for people with compromised immune systems or lung problems, not to mention the damage it can cause to clothing and furnishings. A reputable mould expert will have moisture level meters and should be able to identify the moisture cause and after this has been fixed you can clean off the mould spores with a cloth wipe and vacuum method.

oneteaspoon · May 12, 2020 1:10 am

SaveH2O

Yes the new unit was installed by licensed Brivis plumbers and I was told if I went elsewhere to get it fixed the last time it wouldn’t turn on I was informed I would void the warranty completely.

I don’t own a dehumidifier honestly at the moment I can’t afford to buy one as I’m only on a pension.

I only do dealings like this via email so I have evidence when (not if) sh*t hits the fan.

oneteaspoon · May 12, 2020 1:15 am

norfolk

Yes I understand about mould spores, I was a microbiologist prior to a workplace accident. My mum also has terminal lung disease & heart, kidney, liver & pancreas failures.

Shouldn’t the ducted heating dry out the air though? It doesn’t make sense that the living room has a similar humidity as bedroom 2 even though the duct was disconnected at the unit. There is also no evidence of condensation on any surfaces in the entire unit with out without the heating on.

I hope you all can view the 5 photos I posted the link for.