Finding pools of water or dripping coming from your air conditioner can be worrying. But while air conditioner unit leaks may seem like a disaster, the cause is usually quite simple to diagnose and repair. Condensation build up, clogged drains, loose parts, and other common issues can all lead to water overflowing from your AC unit. Don’t panic - fixing an air conditioner water leak is often an easy DIY project.
This article will overview the typical reasons you might see water coming from your AC vent or unit. We’ll also provide actionable troubleshooting tips to find and address the source of the leak, ranging from clearing drain lines to replacing worn-out parts. With a few handy tools and DIY repairs, you can stop the air conditioning system from dripping and repair your cooling system properly. Read on to save your air conditioner and home from excess water damage!
Why is My Air Con Leaking
Leakage water in air conditioners can be caused by a variety of issues that prevent proper drainage and moisture control. Identifying the specific source of the leak is the first step toward fixing the problem. Let’s explore the common culprits that lead to aircon dripping.
Condensation build-up
When an AC unit runs, it removes heat and humidity from the air. This condensation normally drains away safely through designated drain lines. However, if too much moisture builds up, it can overflow the drain pan and leak from the vents or unit housing. This is one of the most common reasons for AC leakage.
Clogged drain lines
The drain lines carry away condensed water from the cooling coils. If they become clogged with debris, algae, mould or kinks, the water has nowhere to go and leaks out. Clogged condensate drain lines are a prevalent cause of drips.
Drain pan leaks
The drain pan underneath the AC unit collects condensed water for drainage. But cracks, holes or rust in the pan can allow water to leak through before making it to the drain line. Faulty drain pans account for many leakage issues.
Refrigerant leaks
If there is a leak in the refrigerant lines, the loss of refrigerant can cause the AC coils to freeze up. As the ice then melts off the coils, it leads to water dripping issues. Professional repair of refrigerant leaks is needed.
Improper Installation
If the outdoor AC unit is properly levelled or the drain line is sloped correctly, it can disrupt proper water drainage and result in leaks. Improper installation is an underlying cause.
Old or Worn Out Parts
Over time, gaskets, pumps, pipes and pans wear out. Cracks and holes then develop, allowing condensate water to leak out. Replacing damaged parts may be needed.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Dripping Water
A leaking air conditioner will show certain symptoms of water drainage issues. Awareness of these warning signs allows you to address AC leaks promptly before major damage occurs.
Puddles or water stains on the floor
The most obvious red flag is the presence of actual water pooling around the AC vents, unit, or surrounding floor. Pay attention to any puddles, drips or water stains near your air conditioner. This signal condensate is overflowing somewhere.
Water dripping from vents.
If you notice water visibly leaking from the air conditioning vents, that clearly signifies a drainage problem. Condensation build up is overflowing inside the unit and being expelled into the room along with the airflow.
Excess humidity in the home
If the AC is running continuously but not lowering indoor humidity, dripping condensate may reduce its dehumidifying capacity. Clogged drains can force water to back up inside the unit rather than draining properly.
Reduced cooling efficiency
A leaky AC system has to work harder to remove humidity, which lowers its cooling effect. Excessive condensation could limit performance if your energy bills and cooling times increase.
Paying attention to these common indicators of leakage will prompt you to inspect and fix the issue promptly. Pay attention to the warning signs of an AC unit dripping water.
Checking Areas Prone to AC Leaks
When trying to diagnose the source of an air conditioner water leak, there are a few key areas to inspect. Start by checking the drain line and pan underneath the indoor evaporator coil, as clogged drains and cracked pans are common culprits.
Trace the drain line to see any kinks, clogs from algae or debris, or separation of the fittings. Examine the drain pan for deterioration, rust holes, or visible water.
Leaks may also stem from a problem with the refrigerant lines or coil, so inspect the connections for loose fittings or ice buildup, indicating a refrigerant issue. The base pan of the outdoor condenser of air conditioners should also be checked for levelness and cracks that could lead to water spillover.
Thoroughly inspecting the drain line, drain pan, coils, and basepan will help pinpoint where the air conditioner’s condensate leaks so the root issue can be addressed.
DIY Steps to Fix an AC Water Leak
Fixing a leaky air conditioner yourself is often feasible with some simple maintenance and repairs. Clean any algae, mould or debris buildup in the drain pipe using a wet or dry shop vacuum.
Check all PVC drain fittings for cracks and reconnect any parts that have become disconnected. If the drain pan is cracked, replace it with a new plastic pan of the same size. Tighten hose clamps and straighten any kinks in condensate hoses.
Refrigerant works to turn the warm air from your room into cool air. If you see a layer of ice on the evaporator coil inside the indoor unit, you should be concerned and stop using the air conditioner immediately. If the refrigerant lines are leaking, have them resealed by an HVAC technician to prevent loss of refrigerant. Adjusting the unit’s level or placing a shim can also help water properly drain out.
Installing a cleanout plug makes clearing future clogs easy. With basic mechanical skills and proper precautions when working with electrical systems, many minor AC leaks can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting.
Preventing Future Air Conditioner Leaks
To help prevent an air conditioner from leaking water again in the future, establish a diligent maintenance routine. Change the air filter monthly to prevent blockages and keep drain lines clear.
Inspect the drain pan, lines, and outdoor unit base pan annually prior to cooling season, checking for any cracks or deterioration. Use drain cleaners or antimicrobial tablets regularly to keep condensate lines free of algae and buildup.
Hire an HVAC technician annually to check refrigerant levels, reseal any small leaks, and ensure proper functioning. Fix quick-connect fittings prone to disconnection.
Insulate all condensate lines to reduce dripping. Keep plants and debris away from the outdoor unit area. Replace worn-out drain pans or parts. With proactive preventative maintenance, AC leaks can be minimised for lasting cooling system operation.
Get Back to Cooling Comfort
Air conditioner water leaks are often caused by condensate drainage issues like clogged lines or drain pan cracks. Inspecting key areas like the drain line, pan, and coils can typically diagnose the leak’s source.
Many common air conditioning unit leaks can be fixed with simple DIY troubleshooting, like clearing lines and tightening fittings. For major repairs, rely on a trained HVAC technician. Preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid future leakage problems.
If you need professional assistance diagnosing or repairing a leaky air conditioner, contact the experts at Enersol Electrical. Our skilled technicians service all makes and models of cooling systems.
We can identify the source of the leak, make any necessary repairs, and get your AC running optimally again this cooling season. Don’t tolerate inefficiency and water damage - call Enersol Electrical today to stop AC water leaks!