Is Your AC Leaking Water? What You Should Know

Posted on

Your central air-conditioning system is a workhorse through the summer months. Combatting the heat and humidity outside is no small feat, so it's no surprise that sometimes things malfunction. One of the most common problems that people encounter with a central air-conditioning system is leaking water. It's so common, in fact, that some homeowners don't even realize that it's actually a sign of a problem. Here's a look at what you need to know about your air-conditioning unit and its water leaks.

Drain Line Problems

Your central air-conditioning system includes a condensate drain line that's supposed to drain the excess water that's drawn from the air in the cooling process. Unfortunately, that drain line can be the source of the problem.

If there's dirt, leaves, grass, or other debris clogging the condensate drain line, the water won't flow out the way that it's supposed to. Instead, the water will accumulate in the drain pan and leak out the base of the unit. Even if the drain line is clear, it can disconnect from the drain system, which then leaves the accumulated water with no outlet other than to overflow the drain pan.

While you may be able to clear or reattach the drain line yourself, it's best left to an AC repair technician because it usually requires opening the air-conditioning unit's enclosure. Additionally, your air-conditioning repair technician may be able to add a sensor that will shut the air conditioner down if the drain system isn't functioning properly. This can help you prevent water damage to your home and the area around the unit.

Refrigerant Leak

Sometimes, water leaking from your air conditioner is a result of a refrigerant leak that has led to an insufficient refrigerant in the system. When the refrigerant level isn't sufficient, the evaporator coils can intermittently freeze and thaw, creating excess water in the drain pan. This can cause your drain pan to leak. If your air-conditioning doesn't seem to be blowing air as cold as it usually does, this is likely the culprit.

You'll need to reach out to an AC repair technician to address this, determine the source of the leak, and repair that problem first. Then, the system can be recharged, and this should restore its proper operation.

These are a couple of the most common reasons why a central air-conditioning system may leak. Talk with your AC repair technician today to determine the cause of your AC leak.


Share