You’re not alone. This issue usually happens when the condensate drain line is blocked, though several other factors could be at play.
If you don’t fix your AC, the water leaking from it could reach its electrical components, stain your walls and ceilings, encourage mould growth, or damage your floors. This article reveals why your air conditioning is leaking water and how to fix the issue before it balloons into something more complex.
You know your air conditioner doesn’t use water to run, so how come you’re finding water dripping from the unit or pooling nearby?
Air conditioners generate water through a process called condensation. When the AC draws in warm, humid air from your room, this air passes over a cold evaporator coil. The moisture in the air then condenses into water droplets, much like the moisture that forms on the outside of a cold glass. These droplets fall into a drain pan beneath the coil and flow out of the system through the condensate drain line.
The quantity of water an AC produces depends on humidity levels, system size, and running time. When indoor air is hotter and more humid, the AC has to remove more moisture, leading to heavier water leakage.
If you’ve observed your AC’s outdoor unit while the system is running, you may notice l water dripping from the outdoor end of the condensate drain line. This is normally a sign that the moisture is draining as it should.
However, when water drips from the indoor unit or pools around it, that usually means the drainage process has been disrupted.
Several problems can interrupt the drainage process and cause an air conditioner to leak water.
One of the most common is a blocked condensate drain line. Dirt, algae and other buildup can collect inside the line and stop water from flowing away from the drain pan. As the water backs up, the pan may overflow and leak into the surrounding area.
Frozen evaporator coils can also cause water leaks. Poor airflow from a dirty filter or a refrigerant problem may cause ice to form on the coil. When the ice melts, the resulting water may overflow the drain pan or leak from the indoor unit.
The drain pan itself may also be damaged. Metal pans can rust over time, while plastic pans may crack or become brittle. If the pan is corroded or split, it may no longer hold the condensed water dripping from the evaporator coil.
Incorrect installation may also prevent proper water drainage. The indoor unit is typically tilted at an angle so that water can flow towards the drain outlet.
If you’ve brought in a condensate pump to force out collected moisture and the pump fails because of a faulty float switch, motor problem or buildup inside the reservoir, water can collect and eventually overflow.
A few solutions exist:
Before attempting anything, turn off the AC and clean pooled water.
Servicing an air conditioner on a regular basis helps catch problems that may later lead to water leakage, such as blocked drain lines and damaged drain pans. If you sense that the issue has gone beyond what you can handle on your own, don’t hesitate to bring in licensed professionals.
BG Electrical & Air Con services homes and businesses throughout the Brisbane area. Our experienced team can identify the source of the leak and recommend the right repair. Contact us to arrange a free onsite quote.
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