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Why Exactly Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

By October 28, 2020January 10th, 2024Air Conditioning Repair, Blog
air conditioner leaking water

Floridians know how valuable the air conditioning is nearly year-round. Even as fall pushes in, the heat can still be torturous.

Some parts of the country are beginning to feel that cool winter air blow in.  Meanwhile, in the bay area of Florida, we still need to drop the thermostat as the temp touches the 90s in October.

As this is the case, you need to keep the AC in working order. There are many reasons they can break, but one warning sign is the air conditioner leaking water.

If you see your unit leaking, read on to discover some of the common causes.

Drip Pan Damage

The drip pan is a device that sits below the coils on your AC unit. The pan will catch the condensation from these coils and run out of a pipe. It is normal for some water to be collected in the pan.

A potential reason for a leaky AC unit is damage to the drip pan. It is possible, over time, for it to crack or the standing water to corrode the pan.

If this happens, the condensation will spill from the cracks of the pan instead of running to the drainpipe.

Clogged Drainpipe

The next issue for the AC leaking water is the drainpipe. This is a common problem. The drainpipe is the line that connects to the drip pan and runs the condensation outside.

However, dirt and mold can build up in the drainpipe. At some point, this accumulation of debris will clog the pipe. When this happens, the condensation will fill up the drip pan until it overflows onto the floor.

Fortunately, AC repair technicians see this all the time and have the tools to remedy it. A good idea is a set up a bi-annual service plan for your unit to ensure this won’t happen.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Another reason you’ll find the AC leaking water inside is the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils absorb heat using refrigerant which cools down your home. If these coils freeze up, you will see leaking water. There are two main ways this happens.

Dirty Air Filter

If your air filter is not changed, it can build up a lot of dirt. The coils need airflow to work. Clogged air filters inhibit the airflow causing the evaporator coils to freeze over.

Low Refrigerant

Alternately, your air conditioner could be low on refrigerant. The refrigerant creates cold air. Low refrigerant would keep your house from reaching temperature. The overworked coils will ice over.

Because the air conditioner doesn’t burn up refrigerant, low levels suggest there is a leak somewhere in your unit.

Stop the Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Now that you know a few of the reasons for an air conditioner leaking water, it’s time to put a stop to it. After all, how will we Floridians survive without our favorite appliance?

Allied AC has been servicing the bay area of Florida for 30+ years. Contact us today to set up an appointment to fix your leaking air conditioner.