Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

There's nothing worse than coming home to a stuffy, hot house on a summer day. You head over to your air conditioner unit to cool things down, only to find that it's leaking water all over the floor. Why is this happening, and what can you do about it?

There are a few different reasons your air conditioner may leak water. Some of these include:

• A frozen evaporator coil
• A leaky drain pan
• A damaged condenser
• Leaking refrigerant
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• A clogged condensate line

The good news is that, in most cases, the above problems are relatively easy to fix. Keep reading to learn more about each issue and how to solve it.

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One of the most common reasons air conditioners leak water is because the evaporator coil has frozen over. This usually happens when the air filter is dirty or insufficient airflow blows over the coils. As a result, the coils get too cold without enough warm air contacting them, so ice forms.

To fix the problem, start by checking your air filter and replacing it if it's dirty. Then, ensure nothing is blocking the airflow around your air conditioner unit.

If your evaporator coil is still frozen, you may need to turn up the temperature on your thermostat to help your unit thaw out, and it should stop the leaking.

Another common issue is a leaky drain pan. The drain pan collects the water that drips off of the evaporator coil as it's cooling the air. If the pan is cracked or damaged, it can leak water onto the floor.

To fix a leaky drain pan, you can purchase a new drain pan and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's usually best to call a professional as they can quickly and easily replace your drain pan so that you don't have to worry about water leaks anymore.

The condenser is the outdoor air conditioner unit. It helps release the heat the indoor unit collects inside your home. A damaged condenser can cause your system can start leaking water.

Signs of a damaged condenser include cracks in the housing or leaking coolant. If you notice either of these issues, it's best to call a professional technician to inspect your condenser and determine if it needs a repair or replacement.

Sometimes, a damaged condenser may just need a new gasket or sealant. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to have the entire unit replaced. A technician can determine the best action to get your air conditioner back up and running.

If your thermostat isn't working properly, it can cause your air conditioner to leak water. This is because the thermostat controls how cold the evaporator coils will get to cool your home. If the coils get too cold, they can freeze and cause water leaks.

To fix this problem, start by checking to make sure that your thermostat is set to "cool" and “auto.” What if your thermostat is already on both? You can turn up the temperature a few degrees to help thaw out the coils.

Are you still seeing your AC leak water? There may be an issue with the thermostat itself, like faulty wiring. In this case, a professional diagnosis will likely be necessary to fix the problem. An HVAC company can help you troubleshoot the issue over the phone and determine if professional assistance is needed.

Refrigerant is what helps your air conditioner cool your home. If there's a leak in the system, it can cause your unit to leak water.

There are a few signs that you may have a refrigerant leak. These include hissing or bubbling noises from your unit, ice on the coils, or water leaks. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous and should only be fixed by a trained professional. Professionals can repair the leak and recharge your system so that it's working correctly again.

The final issue that can cause your air conditioner to leak water is a clogged condensate line. It is a pipe that carries water from the drain pan to the outside of your home. When it's clogged, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the drain pan.

Pour a cup of heavily diluted vinegar into the drain pan to clear a clogged condensate line. We do not recommend using bleach as it can corrode your drains. Then, run some water through the line to flush it out. If that doesn't work, you may need a wet/dry vac to suck the clog out of the line.

Call a professional if you can't clear the clog yourself. They have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and easily clear any clogs in your condensate line.

If you want a prompt AC repair to address your leaking system, contact Advanced Air today. We'll stop your air conditioner from leaking in no time. Our technicians are experts at troubleshooting and repairing all types of air conditioning issues. We'll quickly diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution that fits your needs and budget.

To prevent future issues, we recommend bi-annual air conditioner maintenance so that you have peace of mind that your AC won’t start leaking water again.

Call us today at (888) 853-5143 to schedule a service visit and see why we have more 5-star reviews than anyone else.