To prevent an air conditioner from leaking water inside and outside its case, ensure regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing the air filter and clearing the condensate drain line to avoid blockages. Check for proper installation with a slight tilt towards the outside to allow proper drainage.
Water dripping from an air conditioner is typically due to condensation. When warm air passes over the cold evaporator coils inside the unit, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets. Normally, this water is collected in a drip pan and drained away.
It is normal for air conditioners to produce water when they are operating. This water is called 'condensate'. It is not normal for air conditioner condensate to leak into your home! There are many different types of air conditioners and depending on the type, they can also be installed in different configurations.
Can I still use my AC if it's leaking water? It's not recommended to use your AC if it's leaking water. Water leaks often indicate problems like a clogged drain line, frozen evaporator coils, or a damaged condensate pan. Running the AC could worsen the issue, leading to water damage or further mechanical problems.
As soon as you notice that your air conditioner is leaking, go ahead and turn it off. This is important even if the air in your home doesn't feel any different, because it will stop the flow of water. The more water leaks out of your air conditioner, the more susceptible it becomes to further damage.
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.
It's completely normal for your AC to drain 5-20 gallons of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain). It's NOT normal for your AC to drain any amount of water inside your home (around your indoor AC unit).
Clogged drain line or trap
Here's another problem that crops up when your unit is dirty from lack of maintenance. The condensation collected by your air conditioner carries the dust and debris into your drain line and your drip pan. Eventually, the drain line can clog, causing water to back up and eventually leak.
If the cause of the dripping is condensation, you can insulate the air ducts to prevent warm air from meeting cold air. If the cause of the dripping is a clogged condensate drain line, you can clear the clog with a wire, wet vac, or by pouring a water/vinegar solution in the pipes.
Water leaking from your AC unit isn't dangerous, but refrigerant leaks are. Exposure to refrigerant leaks for extended periods is poisonous to your body. Air conditioners use refrigerant to turn warm air into cool air.
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.
Fixing an AC leak yourself can be possible depending on the severity and cause of the leak. Simple tasks like cleaning the drain line or replacing the air filter are within reach for many homeowners.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Water leakage from a split AC indoor unit can be due to a clogged condensate drain line, dirty air filters, or low refrigerant levels. To fix water dripping from the split AC indoor unit, start by cleaning the drain line to remove blockages. Replace or clean the air filters to ensure proper airflow.
Under normal operation, your air conditioner should only leak or produce condensation while operating. Then, the small puddle of water should dry up on a hot day. A telltale sign you could be in need of air conditioner repair is if the water leak persists for a day or more.
In general, the water will be released in 300ml increments, which is why you may hear gurgling noises every so often when running your gas boiler.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
Over time, this line can become clogged with algae, dirt, dust, and debris. When this happens, the line backs up and overflows from the drain pan, causing the water to leak into your home. You can unclog the drain line by removing the debris with a wet/dry vac.
Drain pans are located in the indoor unit, underneath the evaporator coils. Make sure to turn off the power to the air conditioner unit by flipping the switch that's located near the air handler or furnace. Open the access panel or cover to access the pan to inspect for damage.
If your AC is leaking water, definitely turn it off. This means you'll need to turn off the indoor AC and disconnect the switch installed outside next to the air conditioning unit.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen AC evaporator coil can leak water. One of the most common reasons air conditioners leak water is because the evaporator coil has frozen over. This usually happens when the air filter is dirty or insufficient airflow blows over the coils.