Help! My air conditioner is leaking water!

If your air conditioner’s indoor unit is leaking water, there could be several reasons why. Read more below about the most common reasons why your air conditioning unit could be leaking and how to fix them.

Broken condensate pump – If your condensate pump breaks, it’s unable to properly expel excess water. To check whether you have a broken pump, pour water into the condenser pan to see if it is properly pumping out the excess water.

Improper installation –PVC fittings that were never cemented properly can cause the drain pipe to disconnect from the AC unit and condensate to drain through the ceiling or onto the floor. If you find that the drain line is secure, then your leak could be caused by another reason.

Too much pressure – Closed or blocked vents increase pressure to your AC unit’s valves, causing them to leak water. Inspect your vents to ensure they’re not closed or blocked.

Clogged drain hole – Accumulating dirt and debris can block your drain line, causing water to back up in your drain pan and overflow.  The best way to remove a drain line blockage is to have a professional vacuum it out.

Loose seals – Loose air conditioner seals allow warm air into your unit that forms a pool of water when it condenses with the cold air inside. Call a professional to reseal your unit from outside air.

Dirty air filter – When air is unable to penetrate your filter, condensation can freeze around the evaporator coil and spill out of the condensation pan.  Changing your filter regularly allows your air conditioner to run more efficiently.

Low refrigerant – Low refrigerant lowers the pressure in your AC system, causing the evaporator coil to freeze over. When the unit shuts off and the coil melts, water starts to drip onto the ceiling or floor. Make sure to schedule regular preventative maintenance so a professional can check your refrigerant levels.

Most of these problems can be prevented with regular preventative maintenance, so it’s best to complete your AC service check sooner rather than later. Schedule an appointment with ARS®/Rescue Rooter® today by calling 1-800-277-9400.