A water leak from your air conditioner can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damages—yikes! First, let’s clear up some initial confusion about this topic. No, your air conditioner does not use water to run (unless it is an evaporative cooler, systems which are only common in dry desert climates). So where is the water coming from?
More importantly, what can you do to prevent water from leaking in the first place, and what should you do when you notice a problem? We’ll cover all of that in today’s guide. For more information, reach out to our friendly team!
Where Is the AC Water Leak Coming From?
Water dripping from your air conditioning system, in that general vicinity, or from a ceiling underneath the indoor air conditioning unit, usually comes from condensate. You already know about condensation from any time you’ve had a glass of water that was cooler than the air in the house. A glass of ice water will develop condensate on the outside of it in a short period of time.
The reason for this is similar to the reason moisture collects on the indoor evaporator coil of your AC system. This coil gets quite cold as refrigerant inside of it absorbs heat. Warm, humid air blows past this coil and loses its heat, which also causes the water vapor to condense on the coil.
Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Leaks Water
That condensate collecting on the coil in your AC system needs somewhere to go. Of course, engineers have planned for this, which is why there’s a drainage system in place. Water drips into a condensate tray, which is angled so that it can flow to the bottom of the tray and out through a drain pipe. However, things don’t always go smoothly.
- The condensate tray might get knocked out of place or it could be installed improperly in the first place.
- There may be too much condensate at once due to particularly humid air.
- The indoor coil might freeze due to poor airflow or low refrigerant.
- Most commonly, the drain pipe becomes clogged up with debris.
What to Do When Your AC Is Leaking Water
If your air conditioner is leaking, you must call in a professional technician for AC repair ASAP! They might recommend a condensate pump, they may clean the pipes, or make a quick adjustment.
Most importantly, you should get the problem under control ASAP. Shut off the AC, and clean up as much of the mess as you can to prevent water damage and mold growth.
How to Prevent Future Air Conditioner Water Leaks
We recommend calling technicians in for air conditioning maintenance each year before the hotter weather begins, or as early in the season as possible. This way, a technician can check the condensate drain and help to control leaks before they begin.
Another way to prevent leaks is to change your air filter monthly. That helps to moderate airflow and prevent the coil from freezing and thawing out all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
Answer: An air conditioner usually leaks water because condensation is not draining properly. Moisture naturally forms on the cold indoor evaporator coil, then should drip into a condensate tray and flow out through a drain pipe. If the tray shifts, the drain clogs, or the coil freezes, water can leak indoors.
Question: Where does the water from my AC come from?
Answer: Your air conditioner does not normally use water to run. The water comes from condensation, similar to moisture forming on a cold glass. As warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil, moisture collects on the coil and should drain safely through the system’s condensate line.
Question: What are the most common causes of AC water leaks?
Answer: Common causes include a clogged condensate drain pipe, a condensate tray that is out of place, very humid indoor air, poor airflow, or low refrigerant that causes the indoor coil to freeze. When the ice melts or the drainage system backs up, water can overflow and leak around the unit.
Question: What should I do if my AC is leaking water?
Answer: Turn off the air conditioner and clean up standing water to help prevent water damage and mold growth. Then call a professional HVAC technician for AC repair. The technician may clean the drain line, adjust the condensate tray, recommend a condensate pump, or check for airflow and refrigerant problems.
Question: How can I prevent my air conditioner from leaking water?
Answer: Schedule air conditioning maintenance once a year before hot weather begins, or as early in the cooling season as possible. A technician can check the condensate drain and catch problems early. Changing the air filter monthly also helps maintain airflow and reduces the chance of the coil freezing.
Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. was established in 1912—that’s over 100 years of service! Call our team today for AC service in Union, NJ.