Why Exactly Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

 In HVAC

Air conditioners are essential for surviving the heat and humidity, and around 90% of American households have one. However, they do require occasional maintenance to keep them working their best.

When your air conditioner starts to have problems, the comfort level of your whole home is affected.

What are some reasons why your air conditioner is having issues? Why is your air conditioner leaking water?

Keep reading for a list of reasons as to why that might be happening.

Damaged Drain Pan

How old is your air conditioner? If your air conditioner is old, it may have a cracked or damaged drain pan.

Your air conditioner’s drain pan is located under the indoor air handler. Its job is to catch any condensation that drips down. After being used for a long period of time, this can accumulate too much water, to the point where it begins spilling out.

With your air conditioner turned off, inspect the drain pan with a flashlight for signs of damage. Looks for cracks, leaks, or anything else that looks off. You can use water sealant as a temporary fix, but you should look into replacing the pan altogether.

You can also use a wet-dry vac to get rid of the overflowing water.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

A clogged drain line can also cause water to leak and is one of the most common causes. Over time, fungi, algae, dust, and debris can clog it, causing water to leak out. This water can then back up in your home. 

One DIY solution you can try involves using a wet-dry vac on the line to suck out the water. You can also pour a small amount of vinegar down the drain line. Doing this every few months will kill any developing algae or fungi.

Although you can try these methods, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that the problem is treated and resolved.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can block air from flowing over the evaporator coil. This can cause the evaporator coil to become cold and freeze over.

After it freezes over, the water stuck inside will then melt. This can cause an excess of water to leak out and overflow the drain pan. 

Inspect your air filter and see how dirty it is. Depending on the season and the level of dust and pollen present, it may need to be changed out every 1 to 3 months.

Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water? Let Us Help You

Why is your air conditioner leaking water? It may be due to one of these reasons. 

Inspect your air-conditioner for any of these three problems. Some at-home fixes might help in the short-term, but hiring a professional is ultimately the best course of action. 

J&M Smith Heating & Air Conditioning is an affordable and dependable service in southwest Missouri. We’ll work with you to inspect, service, and repair your HVAC system.

Contact us today for help with any of your heating and air conditioning needs!

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