If you notice your AC keeps leaking water, you might be wondering what it means and what you can do to address the situation. Water leaking from AC units is a common problem for homeowners, but that doesn’t mean you want to be asking why your AC keeps leaking water every other week.
Solving the problem starts with understanding what the problem might be. Let’s learn how to pinpoint a few common issues that could be causing water to leak from your AC, so you can be back to enjoy the cool comfort of your home in no time at all.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A clogged drain line is a common problem that causes water to leak from your AC. Drain lines carry water from your air conditioner to the outside, and if blocked, your drain pipe will start to back up or flood the drain pan.
A dirty air filter can clog your condensate drain line by inviting dirt and debris into the air conditioning unit.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If a clogged drain line doesn’t answer the question of why your AC keeps leaking water, take a look at your evaporator coils. Reduced airflow caused by dirty air filters and a refrigerant leak can both cause evaporator coils to freeze.
To fix a frozen evaporator coil, you can try a few tricks. Turn your AC fan on instead of keeping it on auto. The fan blowing will process warm air and thaw off the frozen coil. Don’t forget to immediately change your air filter, as even if the troubleshooting helps, a dirty air filter will still restrict airflow.
Broken Condensate Pump
A broken condensate pump is another reason why your AC keeps leaking water. Condensate pumps help push the water through to your drain pan. Air conditioning systems located in attics or basements usually have a condensate pump, and when it breaks, the dripping water begins to pool along the bottom of your unit. Reach out to your local air conditioner repair company to repair your condensate pump and prevent water damage to your system.
Damaged Drain Pan
If your AC is leaking, a damaged drain pan might be letting the pooling water escape. Steel or polymer drain pans can rust, leading to small leaks that pool under your system. In addition, a small or ill-fitting drain pan won’t be able to handle the amount of water pooling, thus causing the pan to overflow.
Don’t try to seal the drain pan, as you’ll likely develop leaks in other locations. It’s best to call a specialist to replace your HVAC system’s drain pan.
Don’t Let Air Conditioner Leaks Ruin Your Summer
Fortunately, water leaking from AC systems isn’t the end of the world, and you have plenty of options to address the pooling water underneath your unit. If a few troubleshooting steps don’t work, New Orleans Metro area residents need not fear, as Keefe’s A/C, Heating & Electrical is here!
Get in touch with our HVAC specialists for AC maintenance services and to repair your leaking AC today.
