Is Your Air Conditioning Leaking Water? Here Are 8 Possible Causes

An air conditioner (AC) keeps your house cool and comfortable by removing heat and humidity from the air. As the AC extracts humidity from the air, it creates condensate, or water, in your furnace or air handler. This water is typically collected in a drain pan and routed through piping into your home’s drain system. 

Unfortunately, an error or sludge buildup may cause the piping to become clogged. When this happens, water backs up in the drain pan within your furnace or air handler. It can then spill into your home. This is namely troublesome if your furnace or air handler is located in the attic or above a finished ceiling. 

In most homes, building codes demand a secondary or safety drain pan that is put underneath the furnace or air handler. This secondary drain pan uses piping that is routed to the outside of the home. Usually, the outlet of the pipe is located above the outside of a window so it’s more noticeable if water begins draining from this pipe outlet. It is not normal for this to occur. If you see water dripping from piping on the outside of your home, this is usually a sign the primary drain is clogged and water is now draining from the safety drain pan. 

Here are the most general causes for why your AC is leaking water and how to take care of the issue. Some homes could also possess a safety device that should automatically switch off your AC in the event the drain becomes clogged. In this case your system will stop cooling unless the drain is free of any obstructions. Regardless, if you see water leaking, ensure you set your thermostat to “off” to stop anymore water damage and get in touch with a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing service provider to correct the issues. 

Leaking air conditioners routinely need professional repairs, which is why we’re here to assist you at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We consistently deliver Expert air conditioning repair across the U.S., backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.* 

1. Condensate Drain Is Blocked 

When hot, humid air reaches the evaporator coil, water appears on the cold metal surface. Ultimately, the water drains into a pan underneath the indoor coil in the furnace or air handler. As the cooling sequence occurs, the condensate flows out of the pan and into drain piping before the pan fills up. 

However, mold, mineral deposits, dirt and other debris could clog the drain. This keeps the water from draining away correctly. Leave the unclogging process to an Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for the peace of mind it’s completed properly and without causing further damage. Service Experts can also install a safety device that will autonomously turn off your AC if the drain becomes clogged again in the future, thus preventing water damage in your home. Of course, regular maintenance on your AC will help keep your condensate drain flushed and unhampered. 

2. Drain Line Is Disconnected 

While unusual, the drain line connection to the drain pan could become loose or disconnected. This can be the cause if someone is working nearby the unit or when changing out the air filter. AC leaks might occur when the drain line is lose from the pan. Inspect your AC to determine if the drain line is still connected to the coil drain pan. If it is no longer connected, we encourage calling an HVAC technician to resolve this issue right away. Make an appointment with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today. 

3. Condensate Pump Isn’t Working 

Some air conditioners use a condensate pump to properly drain the water. These pumps are compulsory when the home’s drain system is put above the AC unit. Even if the drain is clear, water may back up in the pan and leak out if the condensate pump is not functioning. First, determine that the pump is being powered. If that’s not the root cause, the AC leak may be due to a broken condensate pump. You should contact an air conditioning contractor like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to resolve the issue. 

4. Evaporator Coil Is Grubby or Broken 

If you see tiny drips rather than a larger puddle close to the outside of your furnace or air handler, water may be bouncing off the evaporator coil compared to properly moving into the drain pan and condensate line. This can take place if the coils are soiled, or if holes in the insulation protecting]1119] the coils redirect the water. The {smart approach to prevent the evaporator coil from going downhill is to keep up with annual air conditioning maintenance using a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing membership. 

5. Low Refrigerant Level 

If you discover a leak and the AC isn’t cooling well, the refrigerant level may be insufficient thanks to a leak. Air conditioners require refrigerant to produce cold air, so getting it looked at regularly during seasonal maintenance is highly useful for the longevity of your unit. Without a full supply of refrigerant, the evaporator coils can freeze over and cause the drain pan to overflow as they thaw. Contrary to some expectations, your AC does not need to be recharged unless there is a leak. The system is sealed and recharging is only necessary when a leak happens in the system. Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing as soon as you can to resolve AC refrigerant issues quickly. 

6. Dirty Air Filter 

Your air conditioner’s filter should be changed regularly to ensure enough airflow. Without adequate ventilation, the evaporator coils may become too cold and freeze. The evaporator coils will then thaw, causing excess water to accumulate in the drain pan—potentially causing an overflow. To resolve this, try changing your air filter. If the problem sticks around, additional repairs might be required. Fortunately, HVAC technicians from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to serve you, ensuring the problem gets resolved. 

7. Outdoor Temperature Is Too Cold to Run AC 

Air conditioners are designed to run during warm weather. Running your AC when outdoor temperatures are 60 degrees Fahrenheit or colder can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. Once thawed, the water and ice will drop off the evaporator coils and possibly result in an overflow thanks to ice blocking the drain pan opening. If a water leak persists, schedule a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician backed by our 100% service guarantee* to help solve the problem. 

8. Damaged Drip Pan 

Air conditioners are made to last, but nothing survives forever. If you possess an AC that is 12 years or older, the drip pan might be damaged or corroded after years of normal use. If the drain pan has holes in it, a water leak can appear as condensate seeps directly through it. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can replace the drain pan and ensure your AC gets back to working properly. 

Our Experts Can Meet All Your Air Conditioning Repair Needs 

Whatever the reason why your AC is leaking water, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can solve the issue. We’ll troubleshoot and fix your air conditioner, getting it back to running again right away. 

Our technicians are well trained, knowledgeable and certified to perform dependable work. We have full confidence in our repairs—in fact, we back up everything we perform with a one-year 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!* 

We’ll even suggest a worry-free membership plan. This could help you catch AC issues, like water leaks, promptly so you can avoid future breakdowns while keeping your house comfortable. 

Contact us at 866-397-3787 to schedule your air conditioning appointment in North America today! 

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