One of the most frequent calls is about water leaking through the ceiling from a Air Conditioner. Most of the time (assuming the leak is coming from inside the home) the problem is a clogged condensate drain line.
As a result, your coil will stay colder, and any condensation that collects on the coil will freeze. Eventually, the ice will melt and as it does, it can flood your drain pan, causing a ceiling leak.
Here are the most common reasons for water leaks from ceilings: Roof Leaks: Seeping through cracked tiles or loose flashing, roof leaks are the primary causes of water trickling down your ceilings. Piping Issues: Aging pipes, corrosion, or bad installations can lead to plumbing leaks.
How Much Water Leaking From My Air Conditioner Is Too Much? Small amounts of condensation near your AC's drain pipe is normal and to be expected. When your air conditioner works hard during extremely hot and humid days, you can expect to see more water leaking than average.
If your AC is leaking water, something is halting its normal cooling cycle. There are signs you can watch for. Notice a puddle around your basement or closet unit, or smell something musty? The water from a leaking attic unit can flood your ceiling and drip down your walls while you're out.
Leaks in the attic primarily result from roof-related problems, such as damaged shingles, loose flashing, or faulty sheathing. Weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures and ice dams, can also contribute to attic water damage.
When the summer season is in full swing and humidity is high, it's normal for your air conditioner to drain anywhere between 5 and 20 gallons of water each day.
On average, it costs $750 to repair an AC Freon leak, but many people pay between $250 and $1,600. A pro will evaluate the leak's severity and other factors to provide a custom quote.
A leak from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to the system. Whether there's more moisture on or near your AC than usual or water is ponding near the drain line, consider it an emergency. The damage from water can quickly escalate and spread to nearby equipment, materials, and furnishings.
Home insurance will cover water damage if the ceiling leak is sudden and accidental, but it will not cover every cause, as listed above. Roof damage due to poor maintenance and neglect and aging roofs needing replacement are the most common reasons that home insurance does not cover ceiling leaks.
Bring a flashlight and look for wet spots, discoloration, or mold. Keep in mind that water can travel along pipes or beams, so the leak's origin might not be directly above the ceiling stain. Plumbing leaks often originate from fixtures in rooms located above the stained ceiling area.
When ceiling leaks occur, they should be immediately addressed. If droplets come through the ceiling or even damp, soft water spots appear on the surface, it's important to take immediate action. When left untreated, water damage in a ceiling can lead to mold and structural damage, making the space unsafe to occupy.
Water leaking from your rooftop HVAC unit could result from a damaged or cracked drain pan. This essential component collects and removes condensation, so water drips from the HVAC vent when it is not functioning correctly.
Turn Off the Water Supply: If you suspect a plumbing issue, turn off the main water supply to prevent further leakage. This can help limit the amount of water damage. Contain the Leak: Use buckets, towels, or other containers to catch the dripping water.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.
An air conditioner refrigerant leak is a relatively common issue that's not always easy to identify. This problem, like many HVAC issues, is characterized by inefficiency and an inability to deliver the comfort you need in the summer. It may also cause health issues if the AC refrigerant leak isn't resolved promptly.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
If the system is still under warranty, most repairs are worth it. But if the warranty has expired or is invalid, repairing a leak can be very expensive. Plus, if it's out-of-warranty, chances are the unit has either been neglected or is too old to consider repairing.
You should shut off your air conditioner immediately if you see any signs of leakage. If there is excessive moisture inside your home, it could cause serious health problems. Mould growth can cause respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, and even asthma attacks. If you see any leaks, call an HVAC technician right away.
Operating an air conditioning system with a refrigerant leak could cause considerable damage to the system. The compressor, a key component of your AC, relies on refrigerant to function and cool.
Water is leaking from your AC unit: Water leaking from your AC unit can be a sign that it has stopped running and the frozen condensation from the evaporator coils is melting. You hear hissing or bubbling sounds: Refrigerant leaks through small holes or cracks in the coils of your AC.
As mentioned earlier, Freon leaks may produce a faint, sweet odor, similar to acetone or nail polish remover. If you detect this scent near your HVAC system or air vents, it may indicate a refrigerant leak.
How do I find my AC drain line? Your AC has a condensate drain line running from the indoor to the outdoor unit. You'll find the end of the drain line somewhere near the outdoor unit (usually a copper or white PVC pipe). As for the access point, look for a vertical pipe with a cap near the indoor unit.