Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Air conditioners (AC) are designed to remove humidity from the air in your home. As part of this process, a small amount of water is condensed and collected in a pan inside the unit. This water is then drained out through a small tube.

 
However, if you notice your air conditioner leaking water that’s more than just a little condensation, it could indicate a bigger problem. This article will look at some of the most common reasons why air conditioners leak water and what you can do about it.

8 Possible Causes of Water Leaking from Air Conditioners

There are a few reasons why your air conditioners might be leaking water, including:

1. Clogged or Dirty Drain Line
A clogged or dirty drain line is one of the most common reasons for water leakage from air conditioners. The drain line is responsible for carrying away the collected water, so if it’s blocked, it has nowhere to go but out of the unit.

To clean your air conditioner’s drain line, consider the following:

• Start by turning off the power to the unit.
• Remove the drain pan and unscrew the cap on the drain line.
  
• Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to clear any debris that may be blocking the line.
  
• Once you’ve cleared the line, replace the pan and screw the cap back on.
  

2. Faulty Pump
Another possible cause of water leakage is a faulty pump. The pump is responsible for moving the collected water from the pan to the drain line. If it’s not working properly, the water can build up and leak out of the unit.

If left unrepaired, this may cause water damage to your home. If you suspect that your air conditioner’s pump is not working correctly, you can try the following:

• Turn off the power to the unit.
• Remove the drain pan and unscrew the cap on the drain line.
  
• Clear any debris blocking the line using a small brush or pipe cleaner.
  
• Once you’ve cleared the line, replace the pan and screw the cap back on.
  
• Check for leaks coming from anywhere else on the unit. If you see any, contact a qualified technician for assistance.
  

3. Improper Installation
If you recently installed an AC and it’s already leaking water, it could be due to improper installation. Ensure that the unit is installed and all the connections are tight. This will help prevent any water leakage.

Similarly, if your air conditioner is serviced or repaired, ensure that the technician properly reconnects all the parts and doesn’t leave any tools or debris inside the unit.

4. Condensation Buildup
In some cases, condensation can build up inside your air conditioner and cause water to leak. This is more likely to happen if the evaporation coil absorbs too much moisture and heat from the air.

The following reasons could be the result of excess condensation buildup:

• There might be something blocking the airflow to the unit, such as leaves or debris.
• The temperature inside your home might be too low, which causes the coil to absorb more moisture than usual.
  
• The humidity setting on your AC might be set too low.
  

Try the following tips to reduce condensation buildup:

• Clean the filters and coils regularly.
• Keep the area around your air conditioner clear of debris.
  
• Make sure the temperature inside your home is comfortable.
  
• Adjust the humidity setting on your AC unit.
  

If you’ve tried these tips and still see water leakage, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

5. Low Refrigerant
If your AC is low on refrigerant, it can cause the unit to leak water. The refrigerant helps cool the air, so if there’s not enough of it, the coils can get too cold and cause condensation.

Also, low refrigerant can cause your AC unit to work harder than usual, leading to water leakage.

Contact a qualified technician for assistance if you think your air conditioner might be low on refrigerant.

6. Air Filters Filled with Debris
If your air conditioner’s filters are filled with debris, it can restrict airflow and cause condensation to build up inside the unit. This can lead to water leakage.

Here’s how to clean your air conditioner’s filters:

• Turn off the power to the unit.
• Remove the filter and gently tap it on a hard surface to remove any loose debris. You can use a vacuum attachment to remove any debris stuck to the filter.
• Rinse the filter with water and let it air dry completely before putting it back in the unit. Never operate your air conditioner without a filter in place.
• If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the filters yourself or still see water leakage after cleaning, contact a qualified technician for help.

7. Disconnected Drain Line
The drain line is responsible for carrying the collected water away from the unit. If disconnected, the drain pan funnels water into the floor instead.

In this case, you need to reconnect it and ensure that it’s properly routed away from your home. You should also check the drain pan to see if it needs to be replaced. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

8. Frozen Coil
There are a few reasons why your AC’s coil freezes. The most common is lack of airflow. Dirty air filters or ductwork issues can result in weak airflow. This makes your unit work harder than usual, causing the temperatures to drop, which can cause the coil to freeze.

Refrigerant leaks and other mechanical problems can also cause frozen coils. For instance, if there is a Freon leak, not only will it reduce the amount of refrigerant in your system, but it can also cause the coil to freeze.

A frozen coil can often be fixed by simply thawing it out. But if you’re AC continues to freeze, even after you’ve checked and cleaned the filters and coils, contact a qualified technician for assistance. 

How to Prevent Water Leakage from Air Conditioners

There are a number of things you can do to prevent water leakage from your air conditioner, including:

• Ensure that your AC is properly installed. If you did a DIY installation, follow the instructions carefully. If you had someone else install it, ensure they did it correctly and that all the connections are tight.
• Clean the unit at least once yearly, including the coils, filters, and drain line.
• Change the air filter monthly or every 45 days, as a dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause condensation to build up.
• Clear the area around the unit of any debris that could block airflow.
• Keep the humidity level in your home at a comfortable level to prevent condensation buildup.
  

If you’re still experiencing such a problem, contact a water leak air conditioner professional for assistance.

Final Thoughts

An air conditioner that’s leaking an unusual amount of water can be a sign of a serious problem. There are various reasons this could happen, but the most common is a clogged drain line.

Other causes can be frozen coils, low refrigerant, or dirty filters. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Also, you can take some measures to prevent water leakage from your AC in the first place, including the tips mentioned above. But if you’re still having problems, contact us for professional help.

We have a team of experts who can help you with water leakage issues. When you book a consultation, we will arrive at your doorsteps on time with the necessary tools. We will check your AC and determine why water leaks from your unit. We make sure to let you understand clearly what we are doing and why we are doing it. After that, we will provide you with a quotation for the repair or replacement services.

FAQs About Air Conditioner

1. Can I use a wet vac to suck up the water from my air conditioner?
Yes, you can use a wet vac to remove the water but make sure to unplug your unit first. Once you’re done, ensure the area is dry before plugging it back in.

2. Can I use bleach to clean my air conditioner coils?
You should never use bleach on your AC coils as it can damage the copper or aluminum. Instead, you can use mild dishwashing detergent or white vinegar. Simply add a few drops of these substances to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the solution to the coils and use a soft-bristled brush if necessary.

3. How do I know if my AC coil is frozen?
There are a few signs that indicate a frozen coil. These include when the unit is not blowing out cold air, there is ice or frost on the coils, or the unit is making strange noises.

4. Can I use my AC if it’s leaking water?
It is not advisable to use your AC if it’s leaking too much water. While it’s normal for units to drip water, anything more than that can signify a serious problem. Once you notice the leak, unplug the unit and contact a qualified technician for assistance.