Seeing water trickle down your air conditioning machine can be stressful. This situation is strange even if your air conditioner eliminates air moisture. However, a leaky AC unit may indicate a more serious problem. If you see water seeping from your air conditioner, turn it off and contact an HVAC expert immediately. If your air conditioner keeps running, the pooling water may cause it to malfunction. Most AC leaks can be fixed fairly quickly by an HVAC specialist.
If you find that your air conditioning unit is leaking and you’re a resident of the Salt Lake City, UT, area, reach out to the experts at Scott Hale. We are leaders in the HVAC and plumbing industries, with services including air conditioning maintenance, repairs, and plumbing repair and maintenance.
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What Is Causing My AC to Drip?
Condensation
Water leaks from an air conditioning unit are often a result of condensation from the cooling process, which pools and spills into the condensate drain pan from the evaporator coil. The pan may overflow if it’s rusty, misaligned, or backed up due to algae development.
Solution
- Regular Maintenance
- Cleaning the evaporator coils
- Inspecting the condensate pan and drain line
- Checking the refrigerant level
- Replacing air filters
- Install a Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
- Use a Dehumidifier
- Ensure Proper Insulation
- Check and Repair Leaks
- Adjust the Thermostat Settings
- Upgrade Your AC System
Ice Melt
Ice in the evaporator coil and refrigerant lines can also be caused by ice melt, which can occur from clogged filters or issues with the blower fan. Contact an expert immediately if you notice ice in your condenser unit, refrigerant lines, or air handler. While filters may be changed, refrigerant leaks can cause expensive problems.
Solution
- Turn off air conditioning system until ice melts
- Check and clean/change filter if necessary
- Restart system and check if issue is resolved
- If problem is still there, call a professional
Avoid
- Do not touch icing on air conditioner to prevent internal component damage
- Never attempt refrigerant replacement yourself
- Avoid scraping off ice to prevent further damage
Condensate Drain Line
Air conditioners often leak due to dirt and debris buildup during dehumidification. If the condensate drain pipe isn’t cleaned, water accumulates and overflows the drain pan into the home. Some modern air conditioners have cutoff valves that turn off the machine if a congested drain line is detected, but this is not always available.
Solution
- Shut down the unit and check for standing water.
- Empty the drain pan and clean thoroughly to prevent mold growth.
- Check the clogged drain line with a long wire brush.
- If clogged, use a special pump or vacuum.
- Check for cleanliness by pouring water and ensuring it flows out of the other end.
- Pour bleach down the drain line every six months to clean the condensate drain line and prevent mold.
- Increase frequency to avoid corrosion.
Rust or Cracked Drain
The drain pan in an air conditioner collects condensation, which enters the drain line and exits the building. If the drain pan is rusty or broken, water may leak instead. The air conditioner gets less efficient over time, and a corroded drain is a sign of aging, which can cause water leaks.
Solution
- Clean the drain pan thoroughly.
- Identify any cracks using a flashlight and water.
- Use a waterproof sealant to patch cracks.
- Test the repair by pouring water again.
- Replace the rusted drain pan for proper AC functioning.
- Make sure the drain pan is the correct size for AC operation.
Drain Line Disconnect
If your AC’s drain line disconnects due to improper installation, it may loosen over time or detach due to poor repair or maintenance. This can cause water to accumulate on the floor or seep through the ceiling. The unit’s position can also affect the leak.
Solution
Reconnecting the drain line requires contacting an HVAC expert. Always use a professional for installation and maintenance services to avoid issues down the road.
Broken Pump or Float Switch
In remote attics or basements, the condensate pump’s float switch activates when reservoir water levels rise, preventing water from draining outside the house. Inadequate pump or switch function can lead to water buildup and leakage from the air conditioner.
Solution
Unfortunately, you can’t solve this issue on your own. Schedule a technician to have the condensate pump fixed or replaced.
Buildup of Condensation
Excess condensation in air conditioners can lead to leaks, insulation damage, and mold growth due to improper insulation, ductwork, clogged filters, and blocked drain pumps. High humidity, roof leaks, and lack of ventilation can increase condensation buildup.
Solution
- Cover any ductwork with insulating material to prevent any warm air from reaching cold ducts.
- Repair the damaged ductwork promptly.
- Insulate the attic, especially if ductwork passes through it.
- Contact a roofing contractor to fix a leaking roof.
- Maintain scheduled AC maintenance to prevent water leaks by removing dirt and debris.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Your indoor unit’s evaporator coils may freeze due to a refrigerant leak or restricted airflow. This may result in an accumulation of moisture, which might overflow the drain pan and let water seep out.
- Identify the source of the freezing issue.
- Check air filters, return vents, ducts, and fin coils for airflow blockage.
- Clean these to restore airflow and fix freezing.
- If filters don’t solve the issue, the unit may be low on refrigerant.
- Insufficient refrigerant causes evaporator coils to become too cold, causing ice formation and water dripping.
- An HVAC technician is needed to identify the leak, fix it, and refill the refrigerant.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty filters can cause evaporator coil freezing, causing water leakage in your air conditioner. Over time, air filters can become blocked, causing damage and poor HVAC airflow. Clogged filters make heated air difficult to move through, causing the coils to freeze and leak water inside your home as they thaw.
Solution
- Collect dripping water and avoid damage to your floor or walls.
- Clean the filters thoroughly and let them dry completely before reinstalling.
- Clean the filters more frequently during the peak seasons.
- Replace filters every 3-4 months. Set a reminder if necessary.
Air Conditioning Installation
New AC leaks can be caused by poor installation, disrupted water flow from drain pans, unleveled central air conditioners, or flat window units. The issue can also occur from unleveled ACs or flat window units, causing water to leak into the home and causing a significant mess.
Solution
- Position the AC unit on a flat surface.
- Use an AC pad for uneven surfaces.
- Tilt the front of any window AC upwards for outside water drainage.
- Verify the installation is done by an experienced professional.
Is Water Dripping From the AC Dangerous?
Air conditioner leakage can cause significant damage to internal components, potentially leading to compressor failure. If water leaks from the unit, you must switch it off immediately. The leak could also damage walls, ceilings, furniture, and other household items, potentially causing mold development. It’s important to address water leaks promptly for proper cooling and safety.
How Do I Stop My AC From Dripping Water?
To prevent water damage from dripping water from a malfunctioning air conditioner, turn it off and clean up the leaked water using a shop vacuum or an ice melter. If the issue is a frozen evaporator coil, there may be a quick fix with the solution mentioned above. However, if there is a problem with the drain pan, drain line, or condensate pump, you’ll have to contact an HVAC professional, like the team at Scott Hale, for AC repair. This will prevent further damage and keep your AC system safe and efficient.
Leaky Air Conditioner?
