Water below the coals in the ASH pit


 
C

ClaudeWSmith

New member
Last night went to fire up the Smoker, and noticed that some of the coals were wet.
So, today, I went to clean out the smoker.
There was standing water in the ash pit area.
So, I put on my troubleshooting hat and start to analyze.
No rain in quite a while. No water in the water pan.
Ideas anyone? I am out of them.
 
The water had to come from either weather or the water pan. Did you USED to have water in the pan? My guess would be a small hole in said pan.
 
Condensation. May seem like just a little bit of moisture, but it can be a lot. You said it hasn't rained, but has it been humid and is the unit in the sun or shade?
 
Jerry N. said:
Condensation. May seem like just a little bit of moisture, but it can be a lot. You said it hasn't rained, but has it been humid and is the unit in the sun or shade?
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I had about 2 quarts of water in the bottom - San Diego is not know for humidity. I don't think that is possible, here.
 
I got the same problem. I let the wsm covered w/ plastic cover and dirty w/ ash in and i found water in the bottom. It looks like ash calls humidity. Then i start cleaning before cover, and no more water in the bottom. This is my experience. We have had a lot of humidity in this ladt winter in Rome.
 
EnricoB said:
I got the same problem. I let the wsm covered w/ plastic cover and dirty w/ ash in and i found water in the bottom. It looks like ash calls humidity. Then i start cleaning before cover, and no more water in the bottom. This is my experience. We have had a lot of humidity in this ladt winter in 1
Rome.
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Thanks for the reply to all of you.
This may explain a little water in the bottom ASH pit, but, mine had water ABOVE the ash layer.
I am still confused
 
ClaudeWSmith said:
Thanks for the reply to all of you.
This may explain a little water in the bottom ASH pit, but, mine had water ABOVE the ash layer.
I am still confused
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It just probably rained sometime, possibly overnight, and you just missed it. You shouldn't have any rain get inside if you turn the middle section upside down and shut the top vent. Don't forget to leave the bottom vents open, though.
 
Dave Russell said:
It just probably rained sometime, possibly overnight, and you just missed it. You shouldn't have any rain get inside if you turn the middle section upside down and shut the top vent. Don't forget to leave the bottom vents open, though.
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Seems most likely - that a rain event was missed. The other thing I was thinking is a sprinkler system. Any chance it's in the way of a sprinkler head?
 
I wouldn't worry about it, clean it out, and if it happens again than start investigating.:wsm:

Tim
 
Brian Johnson said:
What's your theory?
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Condensation on the inside of the cooker.

Reason: Last time I cooked, Wife and I intentionally kept the temperature very close to 200 F. Which is below boiling point of water.
When the steam from the fire hits the (relatively) cold metal, it condenses back to water. Flows down the inside of the unit. Into the ASH pit.
 
ClaudeWSmith said:
Condensation on the inside of the cooker.

Reason: Last time I cooked, Wife and I intentionally kept the temperature very close to 200 F. Which is below boiling point of water.
When the steam from the fire hits the (relatively) cold metal, it condenses back to water. Flows down the inside of the unit. Into the ASH pit.
Click to expand...

Well, that's a new one and keep us posted on your results.:wsm:

Tim
 
Whatever the source of the water, don't leave it inside the WSM for too long. This can lead to a science fair project of mold growth (trust me on this).
 
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