Introduction – Why does my Air Conditioner Leak Water?
When you turn on your air conditioner, it should cool your home, and not cause water damage to flooring or walls. However, some types of air conditioners are prone to leaking water.
This can be especially annoying and disruptive in a house that has finished flooring or wall coverings.
Read on to learn why your air conditioning unit leaks water, how to identify the source of the leak, and what steps to take if you have a leaking air conditioner that won’t repair itself.
What to Do When Your Air Conditioner Leaks Water?
If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner, there are a few things you can do:
– Shut Down the Unit: The first step is to shut down the unit that’s leaking. You can turn off the unit at the thermostat or the circuit breaker, or if you think the leak is coming from the outside unit, you can turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
– Dry Out the Unit: If you notice water leaking from the inside unit, there’s a good chance it’s dripping down into your house. It’s important to try to dry out the unit, especially if there is a high water table in your area and you don’t want to risk water damage to your home. You can open the unit and use a fan to blow out the water.
– Add a Unit Drain: If you’ve tried to dry out the unit and the leak continues, it could be that the water is coming from the unit drain. You might want to get a plumber to install a unit drain or add an additional drain line.
– Contact a Contractor: If the unit won’t stop leaking, or you can’t figure out where the leak is coming from, it’s best to get a professional to come out and diagnose the problem.
Where Does the Water Leaking from an Air Conditioner Come From?
Leaks can occur in almost any part of an air conditioner and can vary in appearance as well as cause. This means that even when you know where the leak is coming from, you may not know why it’s happening.
The best way to find out what’s causing a leak is to have a professional come out and perform a thorough inspection. This way they can find the source of the leak and recommend the best way to repair it. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common sources of leaks in air conditioners:
– Drainage System Leaks: An air conditioner’s drainage system is responsible for channeling condensate away from the unit. Condensate is water that evaporates from the air that the unit is cooling. If the drainage system is clogged or the pump is faulty, the unit will leak water.
– Drain Line Leaks: A drain line is a tube that runs from an outdoor unit to the indoor unit. If this line is damaged, the unit can become clogged and leak water.
Air Conditioning Units That Tend to Leak Water
Air conditioning units that are prone to leaking water include those with the following types of cooling systems:
– Rear-Discharge Units: Rear-discharge air conditioners are designed so that the condensate is pumped back into the air. Leaks in these units are common, and they can show up anywhere in the system.
– Direct Discharge Units: Some air conditioning units have a “direct discharge” system, which allows the condensate to flow into a drain line and not back into the system itself. This type of unit often has leaks at the drain line connection.
– Drain-Line Models: Drain-line models are designed to pump water from the indoor unit through a drain line to the outdoor unit. If there is a leak in the line, it can cause a flood.
A Guide to Identifying the Cause of Your Air Conditioner Leak
If you’ve noticed a leak in your air conditioner, there are a few things you can do to determine the source of the leak. You can also use these steps to rule out some causes if you aren’t sure what’s causing the leak.
First, shut off the unit. If there is water coming from the unit, use a bucket to catch it and then dry out the unit. Next, turn off the power to the unit, unplug the unit, and remove the front panel.
Using a flashlight, look for water coming from the inside of the unit. If you find water, use your hands (or a shop vacuum) to dry it out. You can also use a shop vacuum to look for the source of the leak.
Repair Options for a Leaking Air Conditioner
If you’ve determined that the leak is coming from inside the unit and you want to repair it yourself, you’ll want to find the source of the leak first.
Then, follow these tips for how to repair a leaking air conditioner:
– Repair Damaged or Blocked Drain Lines: If the leak appears to be coming from the drain line, you’ll want to check the line to make sure it’s not damaged or blocked. You might also want to get a plumber to fix the line or install a new one.
– Check for a Leak in the Condensate Line: If the leak appears to be coming from the condensate line, you’ll want to check the line for a leak and replace any parts that are damaged.
– Replace a Broken Drain Pump: If the leak seems to be coming from the pump, you’ll want to replace the pump.
Conclusion
When your air conditioner doesn’t shut off and you start to see water leaking from it, it can be a sign of a serious problem.
If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner, it’s important to find the source of the leak and address it as soon as possible. If you aren’t sure what’s causing the leak, you can follow a few steps to try to track down the source of the leak.
You can also use these steps to repair a leak, whether the leak is in the drain line, the condensate line, or the pump.
