An AC leaking water is a frustrating problem that can cause water damage to your home, health implications from mold and mildew growth, and further damage to the air conditioner. Learn why air conditioners sometimes leak water, how to identify the most likely causes, helpful tips for repairing a leaking air conditioner, and when it’s time for a professional AC repair.
Common Causes of AC Water Leaks
Air conditioners endure a lot of wear and tear in Georgia’s hot summers. Here are the most common causes of water leaking from an AC unit.
Damaged drain pan
Your air conditioner accumulates water on the coils via condensation while it’s running, and that water must be redirected away from the unit in order to protect it from damage. Your condensate drain pan is part of this process. The drain pan catches the drips of water that come off the evaporator coils and channels them outside of the home. If the drain pan becomes rusted or damaged, water may leak from the air conditioner.
Clogged condensate drain
The condensate drain line can become clogged, causing your AC unit to leak water inside. The drain line accumulates dirt, dust, algae, and debris over time. If it isn’t regularly cleared, the line backs up and causes water to spill out inside your air conditioner.
Dirty air filters
A simple air filter replacement might be the answer to the issues you’re having with your AC. Water dripping inside the unit is sometimes caused by a dirty, clogged air filter, which restricts airflow to the evaporator coils and causes excessive condensation, which then begins to leak. Change out your HVAC filters every 30 days for optimal performance.
Frozen coils
There are many reasons the condensation on your AC’s evaporator coils might freeze. When the ice melts, it overflows the AC’s drain pan, causing the unit to leak. The most common culprits of frozen coils are low refrigerant levels, restricted airflow from a dirty filter, or grime on the coils.
Damaged condensate pump
Your AC’s condensate pump moves water from condensation outside of your home. If the pump is damaged, it won’t be able to redirect the water, leading to water coming out of your AC unit. A broken condensate pump can cause severe water damage, depending on the location of your unit, so get this issue repaired as quickly as possible.
Improper installation
Poor AC or condensate drain line installation may result in water leaks. Even a small installation mistake can cause serious water drainage problems, damaging your home and limiting your AC’s efficiency.
Low or leaking refrigerant
When refrigerant levels are too low, the evaporator coils can freeze. As this frozen condensation finally thaws, the excess liquid can create major problems. If your air conditioner is leaking water inside, have an HVAC professional check refrigerant levels and repair any refrigerant leaks if necessary.
How To Fix an AC Unit Leaking Water Inside
If you’ve noticed your air conditioner leaking water inside, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix the issue.
Step one: Turn off the air conditioner
Before doing any work on your air conditioner, make sure the unit is turned off. For safety, turn off the power to the unit at your fuse box to eliminate the risk of electric shock. This also ensures the air conditioner won’t continue to leak while you try to fix it.
Step two: Mop up leaked water
Clean up any water from the inside of the unit. Standing water corrodes your air conditioner’s components, leading to further damage over time. Cleaning up the water also makes it easier to find the source of the leak.
Step three: Check for a leak source
Unfortunately, there isn’t one single place to search for the source of water dripping inside your AC. If the necessary repairs are outside of your skillset or if you’re not sure what the problem is, contact an HVAC professional rather than try to fix it on your own.
Step four: Check the filter
A dirty, clogged filter is often the cause of a leaking air conditioner, and it’s simple to replace yourself. Find the filter housing and pull out the old air filter. If it looks visibly dirty and you can’t see the filter material through all the dust, it’s time to replace it.
Step five: Check refrigerant levels
Only attempt this step if you have the proper tools and knowledge. You’ll need to remove your air conditioner’s access panel and find the refrigerant level gauge, which is usually on the side of the unit. Attach your refrigerant level gauges to the correct service valve — the red, high-pressure gauge goes on the high-pressure valve and the blue, low-pressure gauge goes on the low-pressure valve. Then check the readings to determine if refrigerant levels are the issue.
- High-pressure readings indicate an overcharged system (i.e., too much refrigerant).
- Low-pressure readings mean that refrigerant levels are low.
- Ideal pressure levels vary depending on your specific system and the ambient temperature in your area.
If the refrigerant levels are low, you can add more to the system if you know how. However, if a leak is the cause of the low coolant, you’ll be doing this again before long if you don’t get the leak repaired. For these reasons, it’s best to contact a professional if you suspect low refrigerant is causing AC leaks.
Step six: Check drain pan
Dust, debris, and even hazardous mold may clog your AC’s drain pan over time, causing the drain pan to overflow and leak water within the air conditioner. Visually inspect the drain pan at the base of the air handler, checking for signs of buildup or blockage. Remove debris from the drain pan. Using a flashlight, inspect the pan for any cracks. If you find cracks, have the drain pan replaced by an AC repair pro.
When To Call for Professional AC Repair
If you can’t identify the cause of your AC dripping water inside with the steps above, it’s time to contact a professional. The HVAC pros at Ricky Heath have years of experience and can quickly diagnose the issue and repair it, saving you countless hours and the financial strain of a leaking, inefficient air conditioner.
If you discover broken components, such as a damaged drain line, broken condensate pump, or a refrigerant leak, contact a professional to fix it rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Contact Ricky Heath for AC Water Leaks
An air conditioner water leak is a hassle at best and an emergency at worst. Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with this troublesome issue when you work with the pros at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. Our team is here to find the source of AC leaks, repair them promptly, and provide quality workmanship to help your air conditioner run smoothly for years to come. Contact us today to book a service appointment!
