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Why is My Home Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside?

Considering the fact that your AC is connected to electrical systems and keeps your home comfortable, the last thing you want to see is a pool of water. Water leaks are indicative of some bigger AC issues. Some of them are easy fixes and others require major repairs.

Whichever you end up with, it’s important to call someone right away. Dynamic Air Services has qualified tech teams available 24/7 for emergency calls. Save our number in case one of the issues below shows up in your home: (949) 979-4748

AC Unit Leaking Water

There are two parts to most in-home air conditioners: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is the big one and has your electrical components, condenser coil, compressor and fan. The evaporator coil is probably installed on top of a furnace or somewhere inside. Of course, your thermostat will also be located inside, which points to the additional parts of your air conditioning system.

In addition to the major unit components, your air conditioning system is tapped into pipes and ducts. The general cycle required to cool your home requires everything to work in harmony. The cooling process uses electricity to force refrigerant back and forth along closed lines. Your warm air is pulled out, while cool air is pushed in. While there’s obviously a lot more to it than that, those basics can help you understand where you might get leaks.

If your AC unit is leaking water, it could be an issue in a few areas of your system. Let’s break them down so you can start troubleshooting even before the pros arrive.

Already know you need an expert? Click here for info on our air conditioning services.

Cracked Drain Pain

Starting with the easiest issue: you may just have a cracked drain pan (or no drain pain). Depending on how attentive you are to your appliances, this is a small plastic or metal pan that sits beneath your evaporator coil. It could become cracked or rusted over time. Or, it could simply have been moved or misplaced. If it isn’t there, the water has nowhere to collect and will pool on the floor. This is the easiest issue because all you have to do is buy a new one.

Now, if you do get a new one and notice it’s full of water right away or pretty often, you need to dig deeper into the issue.

Clogged Condensate Line

Condensation is a natural part of the cooling cycle, in which the moisture collected by evaporator coils can leave the system. This is usually minimal enough to evaporate into the air and not pool.

A clogged condensate line is a common issue that will cause leaks in your air handler. You should already have the aforementioned pan underneath this part of your AC. If it has standing water in it at any time, that is unusual and should be a cause for concern. Your whole system is plugged in. If electrical plugs get wet, you have a fire hazard. Dripping water can also cause mold to grow or pipes to corrode. Any way you slice it, it’s a problem that needs expert attention.

If moisture can’t leave the system, you will get drips and a collection of water. If this water smells, it probably points to a clog. You may want to try using a shopvac to get the water out of the drain and unclog it. If you are unsuccessful or have this problem repeatedly, call an HVAC technician to help.

Clogged Air Filter

The indoor air handler needs the right kind and rate of air flow. Air conditioning systems come with a variety of filters. These are typically just slide in/slide out pieces of pleated fiber. Most commonly, you’ll buy a disposable, low-strain filter that collects pollutants and dust. These should be replaced every month or two, depending on the size.

If your air conditioner has pools of water near it, a highly soiled filter could be the problem. If the filter is too dirty, the air can’t cycle through like it’s supposed to. This leads to a backup and strain on the other components of the system, which could lead to higher condensation, frozen coils or even leaks. It’s a simple issue to avoid with regular, DIY maintenance.

Blocked Drain Lines

There are a couple of built in exit points for moisture in your HVAC system. The system isn’t meant to have a steady flow of water. However, because of condensation, there is some moisture that needs to regularly exit the system. This is done through an outside drain line or exit pipe.

A couple of issues may be in play that could cause water to pool near your system:

• Ice has formed on your coils or outside the drain line. These may block moisture release.
• The exit pipe itself is clogged. This can happen over time with things like microbes, rust or dirt. It may also be a physical block. Either way, it needs to be unclogged.

No matter what the root cause is, we can help. Contact us for emergency or routine service, to deal with or prevent major issues like this.

Hire an AC Technician

Dynamic Air Services has provided quality service to homeowners in Southern California for multiple decades. Our qualified team is well-equipped to diagnose and fix any air conditioner issue you have. If your AC is leaking water, you may need emergency services. We are available 24/7 to take calls and send out service techs. You’ll quickly see our commitment to exceptional work and great communication. We’re honored to be the AC service company of choice in Corona, CA and beyond. Tap here to schedule service or call (949) 979-4748