Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water? 5 Reasons and How to Fix Them

This summer, finding your air conditioner leaking water is certainly something you don’t want to encounter. Ignore it or don’t address it quickly enough, and it’s a minor nuisance that will escalate into a major problem before you know it.

Modern air conditioners are essential for maintaining year-round comfort and pristine air quality. However, if you discover water leaks coming from your air conditioner, it means there’s an underlying issue that needs attention.

Familiarising yourself with the various possible reasons why you might discover your air conditioning leaking water goes a long way towards keeping it in peak working condition. Here are 5 common causes of air conditioner water leakage and what to do about them.

1. Your Drain Line is Blocked

A blockage in the drain line is one of the most common reasons why you might find your air conditioner is leaking water. Over time dust, debris and mould can build up in the drain pipe and block the condensate flow from your aircon unit. When this happens, water backs up. It starts leaking and can potentially make your air conditioner dangerous as it causes damage to your home.

If you identify and get on top of the problem early enough, you’ll likely find that fixing a clogged condensate drain is relatively straightforward:

1. Turn off the air conditioner to stop water leaking further from the inside unit.
2. Find the drain line near the indoor unit and check for any visible blockages.
3. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a specialised tool to remove debris from the drain pipe.
4. Flush the line with water and vinegar solution to clean and disinfect it.

Keeping your drain line clear will prevent leaks, enable your air conditioning system to run smoothly and maintain good indoor air quality.

2. The Air Filters are Dirty

If you’ve not cleaned or replaced the filters in your air con system for a while, chances are that it’s not working as well as it should. It might be restricted in its ability to give you a cool home, and only deliver warm air. The dust and other allergens trapped by the filters may get blown throughout your house and compromise the air quality.

However, you may also find that your air conditioner is leaking. Clogged, dirty air filters restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. As the ice melts, excess water can overflow into the drain pan or leak from the unit. This not only causes a leaky air conditioner but also puts extra stress on your system’s internal components.

To fix the issue, check your air filters regularly and replace them every 1-3 months depending on usage. Stay on top of this simple maintenance and you’ll avoid costly air conditioner repairs.

3. The Drain Pan is Damaged or Overflowing

A damaged drain pan is another potential cause of your air conditioner leaking water.

Over time, the drain pan (also known as the drip pan) can develop cracks, rust or other damage. The end result? You’ll find water leaking from the aircon unit instead of draining properly. If the pan overflows due to excessive condensation or poor drainage, it can also cause water to leak around your air conditioning unit.

The best way to fix this problem is to inspect the drain tray for any visible cracks or corrosion. For small cracks, use a waterproof sealant to patch them up. If the pan is beyond repair, replace it entirely to maintain effective drainage and prevent water dripping.

4: The AC Unit Has Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can cause your air conditioning system to malfunction and even leak water. When the AC unit’s refrigerant gas levels drop, the evaporator coil may not be at the right temperature and often becomes too cold. This causes the coil to freeze and when the ice melts excess water can overflow the drain pan or drip from the unit and cause a leaky air conditioner.

Since refrigerant issues involve the system’s internal components and pressure balance, it’s best to call a professional air conditioning technician to inspect and fix the problem. They’re also the only people who can legally handle refrigerant gases, which rules it out of being a DIY job.

Maintaining proper refrigerant levels will keep your air conditioning system running smoothly while also preventing water leaking and other serious problems.

5. The AC System Wasn’t Installed Properly

Poor installation can cause many problems, and your air conditioner leaking water is certainly up there. If the air conditioning unit is not level, condensation will not drain properly. Water will collect and ultimately overflow. If you have a poorly installed drain pipe or drain pan, that too will not handle the water flow properly. Again, it’ll leave you with dripping water.

To fix this, have a professional air conditioning technician inspect your system and correct any installation errors. A properly installed air conditioning system will run smoothly, prevent water leakage and extend the life of your unit.

Why Call a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician

Some causes of the air conditioner leaking water, like the low refrigerant issue, will need the expertise of a professional technician. Attempting a DIY fix for certain complex problems can cause more damage or void warranties. Here’s why it’s best to seek professional help for serious issues with your aircon unit:

• They can find and repair refrigerant leaks while maintaining safe pressure inside the system.
• They’ll clean or replace damaged internal parts like a broken condensate pump or evaporator coil.
• They do regular maintenance to prevent condensate drains from getting clogged or mould growth.
• They follow safety regulations and your air conditioning system’s warranty.

A licensed technician can provide thorough air conditioner servicing that ensures your system runs smoothly and safely and saves you time and money in the long run.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Water Leakage-Free!

A leaking air conditioner is not just inconvenient, it’s a sign there is simply something not right with your system.

Whether it’s a clogged drain line, dirty air filter or damaged drain pan, fixing these problems ASAP will help to prevent your air conditioner leaking water and costly repairs that often come with it. Regular maintenance like cleaning air filters and inspecting the drain pan is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and your home cool.

For complex issues like low refrigerant levels or improper installation call a qualified technician to ensure your system runs safely and reliably. Be proactive and have a leak-free home!

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