How to Stop And Prevent Your AC Leaking Water
Now that summer is here, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning unit isn’t leaking water. If you find a pool of water around your air conditioner, you may be able to diagnose the problem and know when to seek the help of a professional HVAC technician. There are a few steps you can take to fix and prevent the problem. Learn more about how to stop and prevent AC leaks in this guide.
How is Water Formed in Your Air Conditioning System?
As your air conditioning system runs, it removes moisture from the air in your home. This condensed water is then collected and drained through the condensate drain line. If this drain line becomes blocked or clogged, it can cause a buildup of water inside your AC unit which will eventually lead to leaking water.
Why is Your AC Leaking Water?
Although a leaky air conditioning system may still be functioning, it can still cause a lot of damage to your home. That is why you should not continue to use it and should take immediate action to fix the problem. Common issues that may be causing your AC unit to leak include:
- Clogged drain line
- Dirty air filter
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Low outdoor temperatures
- Disconnected drain line
- Poor AC installation
- Damaged drain pan
- Low refrigerant level
- Broken condensate pump
Clogged Drain Line
When the condensate drain line is clogged, it can lead to water leaking from the air conditioning unit. The easiest way to solve this is by unclogging the drain line with a wet/dry vacuum. You should be careful to avoid damage to sections of your HVAC unit while unclogging it. If you need assistance, contact a licensed HVAC contractor.
Dirty Air Filter
If your air filter isn’t clean and free of obstructions, it can cause water to leak from your AC unit. A dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning unit to work harder and lead to the freezing of the evaporator coil due to the reduced flow of oxygen. You should clean or replace your air filter regularly to avoid this problem. For best results, replace the filters every month.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
If the evaporator coil of your air conditioning system is dirty, it can hinder the flow of refrigerant into the unit and cause it to freeze up. This can lead to the freezing of your air conditioning unit and a shutdown. To fix this, you should turn off the AC unit and then contact a professional HVAC contractor for help.
Low Outdoor Temperatures
When the outdoor temperature is too low, you should avoid running your air conditioning system as it can cause a build-up of moisture inside the unit. This will eventually lead to the freezing of the coils and water leaking from the AC and should be avoided if possible.
Disconnected Drain Line
If your drain line is disconnected, it can also cause water to leak from the air conditioner unit into your home. To solve this problem, you need to contact a professional HVAC technician to repair the issue.
Poor AC Installation
If your air conditioner is not properly installed, it can lead to water leaking from the unit. This is why you should always make sure you hire a qualified and experienced HVAC technician for the installation of your system. A poorly sized air conditioner can also lead to water leakage and should be avoided by seeking professional counsel before the purchase and installation of your unit.
Damaged Drain Pan
If the drain pan of your AC unit is damaged or rusted, it will cause water to leak from the system. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the drain pan. However, if this fails to solve the problem, you need to contact a professional HVAC technician who can inspect and repair the drain pan as needed.
Low Refrigerant Level
A low refrigerant level can cause water to leak from the air conditioner. This is because the low pressure reduces the efficiency of the system and causes condensation to build up which eventually leads to leakage. If you hear a hissing sound or your home feels unusually warm, you should contact a professional HVAC contractor to check and refill the refrigerant level as needed.
Broken Condensate Pump
The condensate pump is responsible for removing moisture from the AC unit. If it fails, water will build up in your air conditioning system and can lead to water leakage from the unit. If you empty the drain pan and the pump still fails to work, you will need to replace the condensate pump.
By following these steps and consulting a professional HVAC technician when needed, you can stop and prevent your air conditioner from leaking water. Remember to regularly check the drain line, air filter, evaporator coil, and condensate pump for any issues. Taking preventative measures now can help to ensure that your air conditioner operates efficiently and without leaks all summer long.
Contact The Experts at Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning
For more tips on how to stop and prevent AC leaking water, contact the HVAC experts at Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning today. Our licensed technicians will be able to inspect your AC system and conduct any needed repairs or maintenance to keep it working efficiently all through the summer. Contact us now at (951) 760-4215 for more information!
