TV Leaking Weird Fluid? Follow These 4 Steps to Diagnose

If your TV is leaking a weird fluid, you’re no doubt concerned. Take a look at this article that will explain what the problem could be and how you can fix it.

Here are some reasons why TVs might leak fluid

1. Rainwater is leaking through the roof down the cable to the TV
2. Condensation builds up due to extreme temperature changes
3. Electrolytic fluid is leaking from the capacitors
4. Liquid crystals are leaking from the screen

A leaking TV is not something you see every day…or want to! Take a look below at the explanations as to why your TV is leaking. But most importantly, you will also see suggestions on what you should do if this happens.

4 Reasons Your TV Is Leaking Fluid and What You Should Do

Your TV could develop a leak regardless of whether it is new or old. And if you’ve landed here, that means you are concerned about the leak you’ve found. And you’re right to feel a little uneasy, as something is definitely not right.

Take a look at the upcoming 4 tips that will help you determine why your TV is leaking and what you should do.

#1 Rainwater

Ok, so there’s a puddle of water appearing around your TV. Not good. But the problem might not be with the TV itself. It could lie with the installation of your TV aerial or something else.

The fluid around your TV could be rainwater. This could be water that has slowly dripped through your roof where your TV aerial was installed. If you have a very small leak, tiny drops of water could drip down the coaxial cable over time. This would leave a pool of water by your TV.

But how can you tell where the water is coming from? Here are some tips.

1. First, turn the TV off and plug it out. Then check the opening around the coaxial cable that leads outside. If the ceiling looks water damaged or feels damp, you may have a leak. In this case, stop using the TV as water may have dripped into the cable rendering it dangerous for use. You should then get in touch with the company that installed the cable.
2. Touch the coaxial cable and see if it feels wet. If it does, you might have a leak. You should stop using the TV immediately. You should then get in touch with the company that installed the cable.

If you are certain that you have a leak and you think it’s coming from rainwater, here’s what you should do.

• Discontinue the use of the TV. Plug it out at the mains.
• Call a technician or the person that installed your TV. If your TV has a warranty or has been installed recently, you shouldn’t have to pay for the repair.

#2 Condensation

Another reason why your TV is leaking fluid could be to do with condensation. Now, TVs are manufactured to avoid this issue. But if you have been dealing with some extreme weather changes e.g. very cold to very humid, you could have a condensation problem on your hands.

If your TV is battling with condensation, you should be able to see it on the outside of the screen. In extremely humid climates, you may even see it on the inside of the screen. Once the humidity in the air dies down, the condensation will pool together and could appear as a leak around your TV.

So, how can you be sure that it is condensation that you’re dealing with? Check for the following tell-tale signs.

1. You live in an extremely humid climate. It is not unknown for LCD TV screens to develop condensation on the outside or even inside of the screen.
2. When you run your hands over the TV it feels wet. If this is the case, plug the TV out immediately and discontinue its use.

What should you do if your TV is condensing? Here are a few tips.

• Plug the TV out until you can get it dry
• Take the TV into a very warm (but not humid) room. Leave it there to dry out. If the atmosphere in your home is very humid, try using a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Do not use it until it is dry.
• Plug the TV out and carefully blow dry it on cool. If it is a warm day, you could also leave it in front of a free-standing fan.
• If you cannot remove the water from the TV, stop using it and contact your manufacturer

#3 Electrolytic Fluid

Now we’re getting into some of the more complex reasons why your TV is leaking. One of those could be because the electrolytic fluid is leaking from the capacitors in the TV.

If your TV is failing to work properly, this could be a sign that one or more of the capacitors has gone bad.

Perhaps you’re wondering how you can be sure if the capacitors in your TV are causing the leak. Here are a few signs to look out for that are unique to busted capacitors.

• The TV is leaking reddish brownish fluid. The mark it leaves might look like a dried coffee stain.
• The TV is leaking a small amount of fluid around the TVs vents
• The TV is not working

If the capacitors in your TV have gone bad, you should call a professional. Capacitors can save up a charge for years, and it can be lethal. We strongly recommend NOT to try fixing one yourself unless you really know what you’re doing!

Instead, contact a technician. They should be able to replace the capacitors for you. This should stop you from having to fork out on a new TV. If your TV is under warranty, you shouldn’t have to pay anything for the repair.

#4 Liquid Crystals

One of the rarest reasons why your TV might drip fluid is because of a leak in the liquid crystals.

Why is this so rare? Well, your LCD screen TV uses liquid crystals to create a picture. But, these crystals are actually very viscous and it is hard for them to physically drip. That said, the crystals could potentially leak from the TV if there was a problem with your screen.

So, what should you do if you suspect your TV is leaking liquid crystals? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Turn the TV off and unplug it. Do not continue to use the TV while it is leaking.
2. Take a few photos. You should photograph a leak from liquid crystals for you to share with your manufacturer. This kind of leak has been known to strip paints and corrode plastics. With that said, it is best you clean it up immediately.
3. Do not touch the leak with your bare hands. Use gloves while cleaning it up. If some of the leak gets on to your skin, wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
4. Get in touch with a TV technician and report to them the problem. If your TV is under warranty, you should be able to get a free replacement.

#5 Something Not From Your TV

Lastly, there’s a chance that whatever this is – it’s not coming from your TV.

You could be looking at a leak coming through the wall or floorboard from near the TV. Especially if it smells funny, it’s worth considering that you might be dealing with a separate leaking issue altogether.

Conclusion

Is your TV leaking weird fluid? Then your instincts are right, something is definitely amiss. I hope this article has helped you to determine what the problem might be with your TV. It has also no doubt set you on the road to fixing the issue or calling a technician.

Has this article been of help to you? If so, then make sure you check out some of our other articles and free guides. You can even sign up to our email list.

Have a great day!

-Craig