If your home’s AC unit leaks water, you may wonder what the problem is and how to fix it. A leaking AC can cause damage to your home and potentially lead to more significant issues if left untreated for too long. Fortunately, there are several reasons why your AC may leak water, and many of these problems can be solved with simple troubleshooting techniques.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some common reasons why your AC might leak water and give you tips on troubleshooting the issue. But, if the problem persists or seems beyond your experience, you must call an HVAC company to help repair AC. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose the issue and provide the right solutions to get your AC running correctly.
So, whether you’re dealing with a minor leak or a more significant problem, let’s explore why your AC leaks water and how to fix it.
5 Reasons & Troubleshooting Tips for AC Leaking Water
Air conditioners that leak water can cause problems in many ways. They create a mess in the home and usually indicate an underlying issue. You should address any problems with the drain, evaporator, or filter.
This article will look at five common reasons why an air conditioner may leak water and what you can do to stop it. Find out if your air conditioner leaks water or refrigerant. The latter will need an HVAC technician.
5 Reasons for AC Leaking Water
Reason #1 Full Drain Pan
A full drain pan is the most common cause of a leaky air conditioner. The drain pan collects condensation as the air conditioner cools warm air. When the air is humid, and the condensation in the drain pan is high, the drain pan can overflow. The AC unit will leak water due to this overflow.
Description:
- The drain pan is overflowing. It has accumulated condensation and water.
Solution:
- Drain the drain pan often.
Reason #2 Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A clogged drain pipe is another common cause of a leaky AC unit. Dirt and debris can block the drain line, causing the condensation to flow back into the unit. To fix this issue, you must manually clear the condensate drainage line.
You may also have a condensate pump that is not working properly and does not remove condensation from your AC unit. As the condensation cannot find a place to go, it will leak into your home via the AC unit. The condensate pumps will need to be replaced with a working one.
Description:
- The condensate drain is clogged with dust or debris, which causes water to flow backward into the AC unit.
Solution:
- Unclog the drain with a chopstick or run water through it to force the clog.
Reason #3 Dirty Air filter
Leaking water can be one of the problems caused by dirty air filters. The appliance can freeze and then leak water when the ice melts. Dust on the filter may also travel down the drain pipe and cause clogs, allowing water to flow backward into your AC unit.
Take out the filter, then wash it in warm water and soap. If the filter is frozen, allow the ice to melt, and then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub its mesh gently. Let the filter air dry before putting it back in your air conditioner.
- The AC will freeze and drip as it thaws.
Solution:
- This can be prevented by cleaning the air filter regularly.
Reason #4 Frozen Evaporator Coil
A filthy evaporator will also cause air conditioner parts, such as the compressor, to freeze. This will lead to water leaks when the ice melts. A frozen AC is evident when your air conditioner leaks water in your home, especially if it does so as the AC is being shut down. To prevent further damage, you must wait for the ice to melt before cleaning the coil.
Description:
- The AC will leak water when the ice melts from a dirty evaporator.
Solution:
- Use compressed air or a brush to clean the coils.
Reason #5 Refrigerant Leak
The water from your air conditioning system is not water but refrigerant. You may have refrigerant leaking if you hear a bubbling sound and see a small leak, which may or may not ice up.
If you suspect that your air conditioner leaks refrigerant, contact a licensed HVAC professional immediately. Touching or inhaling the gas can irritate your skin and lungs. Avoid being in the same room with a liquid or refrigerant gas leak. If you suspect a leak, turn off your air conditioner.
Description:
- The AC is leaking liquid refrigerant.
Solution:
- Contact an HVAC technician and unplug the AC unit.
5 Tips to Prevent AC Leaking Water
Tip #1: Drain the Drain Pan
Fixing an air conditioner that leaks water through its drain pan is easy. Drain the water accumulated in the drain pan, and your AC will be up and running again. When your drain pan is full, schedule a regular draining routine before the water overflows. It is recommended that portable air conditioners and floor-type units be drained.
Tip #2 Schedule Air Conditioning Cleaning
All aircon types require regular aircon cleaning. Our technicians offer deep, thorough cleaning for all brand and model air conditioners in Singapore. You may trust that we will do the task quickly and effectively. At least twice a year, we recommend that you have your AC unit cleaned by a professional.
Tip #3: Clean the Air Filter Regularly
You can easily clean the air filter at home using soap, detergent, and water. Clean the air filter every two weeks with a soft-bristled brush.
Tip #4: Fix Any Issues Immediately
If you notice any issue with your air conditioner, such as a leak of gas, a broken part, or an electrical problem, contact an HVAC technician. If you are not familiar with appliances, do not try to fix your air conditioner. Also, never attempt to DIY electrical issues.
Tip #5 Avail Aircon Maintenance Services Frequently
Do more than call an aircon company when your unit breaks down. Your air conditioner will benefit greatly from a yearly maintenance checkup to ensure each component works. You’ll be able to identify weak points before they develop into issues and prevent costly repairs.
Conclusion
If left untreated, a leaking AC unit could cause serious damage to your house and other problems. It’s important to fix and troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. Call an HVAC company for AC repair if the problem persists or seems beyond your ability.
Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston Co. offers top-notch HVAC service, including AC maintenance and repair. Our technicians have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and fix the problem. Regular maintenance is also provided to avoid AC problems before they become serious. Contact Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston Co. for all your HVAC needs.
FAQs
Can I still run my AC even if there is water leaking?
Turn off your air conditioner as soon as you see that it is leaking. Even if you don’t notice any difference in the air quality, this will help stop the water flow. Your air conditioner is more vulnerable to damage if it leaks water.
What causes AC water leaks?
Condensation collected by the air conditioner will carry dust and debris to your drain line. The drain line will eventually clog, causing the water to leak and back up. Dust can also clog drains, causing them to overflow.
How much water should the AC leak?
It’s not unusual for your air conditioner when the summer is at its peak and humidity levels are high, to drain between 5 and 20 gallons per day.
How can an AC stop leak by itself?
You need to address the issue of water leaking into your home from your AC immediately. The problem won’t go away by itself and will only worsen the longer you ignore it.
What are the most common AC leaks?
A blocked drain line is the most frequent reason for leaks in household air conditioners. If the drain pipe is clogged up, the water can’t drain out of the overflow pan into the drainpipe or outside, depending on how the AC was configured.
