Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?!

Summer is the season associated with fun vacations and relaxation, but it also brings along hot months that may make your air conditioner work overtime. Have you noticed excessive dripping from your air conditioner or a pool of water forming underneath?

Any air conditioner leak is a cause for concern, especially during peak Summer temperatures. You can’t afford to let it go unfixed in the season you need it to work the most!

This guide will cover the main reasons you’ll find your air conditioner leaking water, what you can do to stop it and when to call in the professionals at Pro-Tech HVAC Home!

First…How Does Water Form In Your AC System?

Why is there water in your air conditioning system in the first place? Water occurs in your air conditioner unit naturally. To create cold air, the AC unit sucks in hot and humid air and blows it over a cooled coil called the evaporator coil. As the air passes over the evaporator coil, the humidity builds condensation on the coil, and that creates water in the AC unit.

When everything is running properly, water that builds on the coil is drained through a pipe and into a drain pan. The water is then drained away from the house through a condensate drain line, usually a PVC pipe. 

If your air conditioner is leaking an unusually large amount of water or it’s dripping inside your house, it is a definite sign that something is not right. There are a number of possible causes for your air conditioner to be leaking and unfortunately, most of them are going to require a professional HVAC technician to correct.

Reasons Your AC System Can Leak Water

AC leaks can be caused by simple problems like dirty air filters or more serious threats like frozen evaporator coils. If you notice a leak, you should turn off the system to check what the cause of the problem is. 

Let’s examine a few reasons why this could be happening, how to fix it and when to call in the pros:

1. Clogged Drain Line

The main perpetrator behind a leaking air conditioning unit is a clogged condensate drain line. This is the line that is responsible for taking condensation outside of your home, and it can sometimes be clogged by dust, dirt, or other particles.

When this drain line becomes clogged or otherwise blocked, it stops the water from being disposed of, and liquid will start to pool up in the pan. At this point, the condensation will overflow and leak outside of your air conditioning unit.

You can attempt to use a wet/dry vac to clear the blockage yourself, but you could potentially damage parts of the HVAC unit if done incorrectly. When in doubt, call a professional to handle the clogged drain lines.

2. Drain Line Is Disconnected

If your drain line is not attached properly, it will disconnect and result in your AC leaking water. The drain line can disconnect due to improper installation, after an improper repair, or it can become loose over time.  

In case of a disconnected drain line, water can pool on the floor or leak through the ceiling. The leakage source can vary depending upon the location of your AC unit.

Contact Pro-Tech HVAC Home to reconnect the drain line. To avoid this problem in the future, make sure to always call a professional for repair and installation work.

3. Broken Condensate Pump or Float Switch

If your central HVAC unit is placed in a location such as the basement or attic, it’s not always very easy for water to flow out of your drain line. Here, the condensate pump plays an essential role in removing water from the system.

When the water level in the condensate pump reservoir rises, the float switch on the pump is turned on. It then triggers the condensate pump to drain water outside of your home.

If the condensate pump is broken or the float switch has malfunctioned, it won’t pump water outside the unit. As a result, the water will accumulate and start spilling from your air conditioner.

Unfortunately, this is not a problem you can fix yourself. Contact Pro-Tech HVAC Home to have the condensate pump repaired or replaced, depending on the damage.

4. Damaged Drain Pan

Another common cause of an AC unit leaking water is a rusty drain pan. The drain pan is an essential component of your HVAC system, as it collects the water that your AC removes from the air in your home. Over time, the drain pan can become corroded or develop small cracks. If the damage is severe enough, it can cause water to leak out of the pan and into your home.

If you notice that your AC unit is leaking water and suspect that a rusty drain pan might be the cause, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue. First, you should inspect the drain pan for signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any damage, you should take steps to repair or replace the pan as soon as possible.

If the damage to the drain pan is minor, you may be able to repair it using a sealant. However, if the damage is extensive, it’s best to replace the drain pan altogether. You can typically find replacement drain pans at most home improvement stores.

It’s important to note that if you’re not comfortable inspecting or repairing your AC unit’s drain pan, it’s best to leave the job to a professional. Our experienced technicians can assess the condition of your drain pan and recommend the best course of action to fix any damage or leaks.

In addition to repairing or replacing a damaged drain pan, there are steps you can take to prevent future issues. Regular preventative maintenance of your AC unit, which includes inspecting the drain pan, can help catch any potential problems before they become more serious.

5. Dirty Air Filter

When it comes to maintaining your air conditioner, one of the easiest and most important steps is to check and change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause a buildup of pet hair, dust, and dirt, which can prevent airflow into your HVAC system’s evaporator coil. When air isn’t freely flowing, your evaporator coil will freeze. When that frozen condensation melts, it will cause water to leak out of your unit. This extra moisture could make your home prone to mold, which can be harmful to your health.

To prevent this from happening, you should check the size and location of your air filters. Some air filters are located in the air handler unit, while others are located in the return air ducts. Make sure you know where your air filter is located and what size it is so you can purchase the correct replacement filter. You can buy new filters at several home improvement or big-box stores.

It’s recommended to change your air filter every 30-90 days. However, if you have pets, you should change your filter monthly. Pet hair and dander can clog your filter quickly, reducing airflow and causing your evaporator coil to freeze up.

RELATED: Why It’s So Important to Change Your Air Filter Regularly

6. Your Unit Is Low on Refrigerant

Typically a leak is the cause for low refrigerant.  If this is the problem, it will require an HVAC professional or things will go from bad to worse. If the refrigerant is low, it could freeze up the evaporator coil causing water to leak when it melts or it could mess up pressure inside your unit. That leak is apparent by a tell-tale hissing or bubbling sound. If you don’t catch the leak in time, it will ruin your HVAC system and will need to be replaced. 

To mitigate this potential issue and ensure your HVAC system lasts as long as possible, have your preventative maintenance done in the Spring to catch any leaks or potential issues before the hot Summer temperatures hit. 

Call the Pros at Pro-Tech HVAC Home!

If you can’t find the leak or if it reoccurs, it’s time to call in your local experts at Pro-Tech HVAC Home to fix your AC unit. The longer you wait, the more prone you are to water damage or damage to the AC itself. One of our PROfessional TECHnicians will diagnose your problem and get your AC back to working condition so you can STAY COOL all Summer!

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Pro-Tech HVAC Home offers new installation, replacement, repairs and maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems in the Annapolis area. Our customers rely on us for honest and reliable service for air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, Mitsubishi systems, and more. We’re happy to answer questions, troubleshoot, and help you choose the best HVAC system for you and your family. We’re always happy to help answer your questions, so please give us a call or send us an email.