Have you seen water leaking from your air conditioner and wondered if it’s harmful? Homeowners are often concerned when they see water leaking from their air conditioners. It’s important to understand possible causes, prevention, and solutions for air conditioner leaks so you know when it’s time to call a professional. Keep reading to learn more about common causes of a leaking air conditioning unit and potential solutions.
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What Are The Most Common Causes Of AC Leaks?
While all air conditioners dispel some water, certain conditions cause your air conditioner to leak more. Below, I’ll discuss the most common causes of AC leaks, which include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a disconnected or clogged condensate drain or a broken condensate pump.
Dirty Air Filter
Air conditioners must be able to pull air into the air handler. A clogged air filter in your HVAC system can restrict the flow of warm air, causing a frozen evaporator coil. When the evaporator coil freezes and thaws, it will leak more water than the condensate pan can accommodate.
Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Usually you can tell the unit is low on freon because you’ll find ice on the indoor unit and the line connecting the outdoor unit to your home. This isn’t a repair you can DIY. If you have a refrigerant leak, you’ll need to have a licensed AC repair contractor fix it.
Disconnected Or Clogged Condensate Drain
Air conditioners create condensation as the evaporator coil cools the air pulled into the air handler. Your AC system has a condensate pan and an evaporator coil that catches water. If the condensate drain line has a blockage, the drip pan can leak water. Your AC will also leak if the condensate drain pipe gets disconnected from the AC unit.
Related: Is Your Air Conditioner Not Draining Water?
Broken Condensate Pump
Air conditioners contain a condensate pump that moves water from the condensate plate. If the pump isn’t working, the drip pan will overflow.
What Are The Dangers Of Water Leaking From Your AC?
The water produced by your air conditioning system under normal circumstances isn’t enough to cause harm. However, when your unit has too much condensation because it’s continuously running or the drain is clogged, there are several potential concerns, including mold and mildew growth, sheetrock and insulation damage, and electrical complications.
Mold and Mildew
If you have a clogged drain line causing the drip pan to overflow, there could be water dripping onto your insulation. The hot air and moisture provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Depending on the size of the leak, you could have a significant mold problem before you realize it. While bleach is commonly used to clean mold and mildew, I recommend using vinegar instead. Vinegar tackles the membrane, or root, of the mold and mildew and is significantly less toxic than bleach.
Sheetrock and Insulation Damage
Sheetrock is delicate and doesn’t hold up well when it gets wet. If your air conditioner leaks onto sheetrock and insulation, it can cause significant damage in a relatively short time.
Electrical Complications
Water leaking from your AC onto electrical components could cause a short and damage your AC system. If you suspect dripping water has damaged your electrical system, you should call an electrician before attempting any repairs.
What Should You Do If Your AC Unit Is Leaking Water?
All air conditioners create some condensation. If your system is operating correctly and the condensate drain pipe is clear, there shouldn’t be enough water to overfill the drip pan or cause water damage. If you notice water leaking from your HVAC system, there are a few maintenance tasks you should do to prevent damage.
1. Turn Your AC Off
As soon as you see your air conditioner isn‘t draining or is leaking, turn it off. Once you locate the source of the leak, you can address it and turn the unit back on. If frozen, the evaporator coil will need to thaw before a service technician can work on your system. It’s best to leave your unit off when diagnosing the issue.
2. Check For Ice
Check your system for ice buildup. First, check the lines on your outside unit. If there is ice, the unit likely needs refrigerant. A technician can service your unit once the ice melts.
Next, check the evaporator coils in the air handler for ice. If your AC unit has ice anywhere I recommend turning the unit off.
3. Address Water Leaks
Any time you have a water leak or standing water in your home, clean up the water immediately to avoid the growth of harmful mold and mildew. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any standing water or water in the drain pan.
Then, use fans to dry out the affected area. If you believe you have mold growth in your home, you should contact a professional mold remediation company.
4. Change Your Air Filters
Make sure the air filters have been properly installed and are clean. Keep in mind that air filters need to be changed every three months. If you have pets and live in a multi-person home, though, you should change your air filters every 60 days or as soon as they get dirty.
5. Clean Your Condensate Drain Pipe
Condensate drain pipes collect condensation, but also dust and debris. Because of this, clogs can easily and quickly form. If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner, be sure the drip pan is clear to prevent overflow and potential water damage.
For further information on how to drain your condensate pipe, watch this video.
6. Don’t Use Your AC When It‘s Cold Out
Running your AC when the outside temperature is 60°F or below can cause the system to freeze. To avoid freezing your AC when temperatures drop, turn the thermostat to a higher temperature or open a window.
7. Contact An HVAC Professional
If you’ve tried the suggestions above and your air conditioner is still leaking, contact an HVAC professional, who can give your system a tune-up or top off the refrigerant. You can take it a step further by getting a cost-effective HVAC home warranty to supplement your AC’s maintenance, repair and replacement.
Final Thoughts On Leaking Air Conditioners
You can reduce the risk of damage from a leaking air conditioner by properly maintaining your HVAC system. The best way to do that is to schedule frequent inspections with a trained HVAC specialist. To find local HVAC technicians, you can fill out the following form.
FAQs About Leaking Air Conditioners
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
Leaking air conditioners are a common issue that can have many causes, including clogged condensate lines, low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, faulty expansion valves, high humidity, frozen evaporator coils and damaged drain pans.
Why does my AC have a clogged condensate drain line?
Clogged condensate drain lines are a common issue with air conditioning units. Lines can get clogged for many reasons, including algae and mold growth, buildup of dirt, debris, and sludge, hard water minerals, insects, high humidity, and lack of maintenance.
Cleaning out your condensate drain pipe regularly can help prevent a clog.
If my AC is leaking, does it need a sealant?
Usually, sealant is not the solution for a leaking AC. Most often, leaks in air conditioners are symptoms of other problems and not the root of the issue.
