An air conditioner is a vital home appliance, especially during hot summer months. However, it can sometimes develop issues, such as leaking water. If you’ve noticed water pooling around your AC unit, it’s essential to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage. Let’s explore the common reasons why air conditioners leak water and how to resolve the issue.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line removes moisture your AC pulls from the air. Over time, dirt, dust, and mold can build up in the drain line and block it. As a result, water backs up and leaks out of the unit.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters trap dust and debris to help your AC work well. But when filters are dirty or clogged, airflow is reduced. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the coil thaws, extra water drips, which may cause leaks.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is needed for the cooling process. If the level is too low due to a leak or not enough charge, the evaporator coil can freeze. When it thaws, water can leak.
Improper Installation
If your AC wasn’t installed properly, it might have problems like being uneven or having a poorly fitted drain pan. These issues can cause water to leak instead of draining correctly.
Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan collects water that drips from the evaporator coil. Over time, it can crack, rust, or develop holes, which leads to leaks.
Excessive Humidity
In very humid areas, your AC might struggle to remove all the moisture, leading to too much condensation. This can cause water to overflow from the drain pan.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Several things, like restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or dirty coils, can make the evaporator coil freeze. When it melts, it may produce more water than the system can handle, causing leaks.
