Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

To fight the Dallas heatwaves in the summer, an air conditioner is essential to cool down your home. While your AC provides you comfort and makes your life easier, it can also be a hassle when problems pop up. As a Dallas homeowner, you might be wondering “why is my air conditioner leaking water?” Keep on reading to find out the common reasons why your air conditioner is leaking water and why you may need the help of a qualified Dallas HVAC expert.

First of all, don’t worry, because in most cases your air conditioner leaking water does not mean it needs to be replaced. Instead, air conditioner maintenance, repair, or replacement parts may be necessary. You may be wondering, how can my air conditioner even leak water? Air conditioners work by using liquid refrigerant as a means to convert into a cool gaseous refrigerant. The evaporator coils use the refrigerant to convert it into cool air, but this can freeze evaporator coils or other issues.

Whether you simply need to change your dirty air filters, or if you need a condenser replacement, keep reading to identify the main causes and solutions for air conditioners leaking water.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Clogged Condensate Drains

Because of the warm air that passes through the system, as well as the refrigerant cooling process, condensate lines play an important role in collecting all the moisture that runs through the unit. When your air conditioner is leaking water, it may be due to a clogged condensate drain. These drain lines filter out an accumulation of dirt and other debris. This dirt buildup can result in a stubborn clog.

Most condensate lines are made from PVC pipes rather than traditional drain lines to prevent clogging, but unfortunately, this still happens. Additionally, your drain line can get kinked up, twisted, or disconnected, which can cause the water to overflow into the unit and damage your evaporator coils. Our team is well-equipped to deal with drain line issues. With our special hydro jetting services, we can clean out the pipe to get your system running properly again. We can also repair disconnected drain lines or replace damaged ones.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Damaged Drain Pans

If your drain hose isn’t clogged or twisted, then you could be dealing with a damaged drain pan. Drain pans collect the water that drips off of the evaporator coil as it cools the air. Drain pans are made from a wide variety of materials, from vinyl to metal, but if they are cracked or damaged, you may notice that your air conditioner is leaking water onto the floor. We can replace your damaged drain pans so they can properly drain excess water during the air conditioning cycle. Our professionals have the knowledge and expertise to safely replace the drain pans and ensure that excess water is drained properly during the cooling cycle.

Before seeking air conditioning repair professionals, check to make sure your drain pan isn't clogged up with debris. If you notice water pooling around your air conditioner, the first step is to check if the drain hose is clogged or twisted. If the pan is clean then the issue may lie with a damaged drain pan. In such cases, it is essential to address the problem promptly to prevent further water damage to your home.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Dirty Air Filters

Another reason your air conditioner is leaking water may be due to dirty air filters. As strange as it sounds, dirty air conditioner filters can cause your evaporator coil to work incorrectly due to the blocked airflow. This can cause frozen evaporator coils, which in turn causes your drain pan to overflow due to all the melting ice within the unit. Make sure you are changing your air filter every 1-3 months. If you live in hotter areas or in a home with excess dander and debris (from pets or dusty homes), then changing your AC filter every month is ideal.

Not only does a clean filter help your air conditioning system function efficiently, but also improves your indoor air quality. In addition to preventing water leaks, clean air filters also improve your indoor air quality. Dust, allergens, and other particles can accumulate in dirty filters and circulate throughout your home, affecting the health and comfort of your family. Regular filter changes can help reduce these pollutants and create a healthier living environment.
Before you call experts for AC repair, make sure your AC air filter is clean.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Frozen Condenser Coils or Broken Condenser Pumps

For the most part, air conditioners are leaking water because of your hose or drain pan. But if you’re dealing with a more extensive problem then your air conditioner may be leaking due to a damaged condenser. Condenser coils are attached to the outdoor unit of your AC to collect the heat to help cool down the inside of your home. When these components are damaged, it can lead to water leakage and other problems.

Another possible cause of a leaking air conditioner is a broken condenser pump. The condenser pump is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the coils to help cool down the air inside your home. If the pump is broken or malfunctioning, it can lead to leaks and other issues with the air conditioner. In some cases, the condenser pump may simply need to be repaired, but in more severe cases, it may need to be replaced entirely.

When your condenser is damaged it can also leak coolant and cause damage to your housing such as cracked walls. In some cases, it can just be an issue with the condenser's gasket or sealant, but sometimes it needs to be replaced, such as when the condensate pump cracks. Whether it is due to frozen condenser coils or broken condenser pumps, seeking professional help to diagnose and repair the issue is crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of your air conditioning unit.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Refrigerant Leaks or Low Refrigerant Levels

If your air conditioner is leaking water, it is very important to be cautious that it may not be leaking water, but refrigerant. Your condenser coils use air conditioner refrigerant to remove heat from inside your house. If you notice unusual noises from your unit (typically a spitting, hissing, or bubbling sound), ice on the coils, and water leaks, then call your professional.

Breathing in refrigerant fumes can cause respiratory issues and other health problems, so it is essential to address the leak promptly from our HVAC professionals. We can find the cause for the refrigerant leakage, and fix the issue. Some of these techniques include recharging the AC unit to make sure the refrigerant levels are in full supply.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Due to Improper Installation

If you recently got your AC installed and it is leaking water, then the cause is likely due to improper installation. When installing an air conditioner, all of the components must be secure to ensure all of the connections are tight. If you suspect an improper installation, it is best to reach out to the service professionals who provided the service to see if they warranted their parts and labor. If not, you can reach out to our service providers who can take care of loose HVAC connections to fix your leaking AC unit.

Improper installation is a common cause of water leakage, so it is essential to have the unit inspected by professionals who can ensure all connections are secure. By addressing the issue promptly, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable living space without the worry of water damage.

If Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Water, Choose Our Professional HVAC Services for AC Repair

If your air conditioning unit is leaking water, then reach out to us promptly to fix the issue and prevent further water damage. Whether you're dealing with frozen coils or clogged condensate drain lines, we can pinpoint which of the AC components is causing the water leakage.

Count on us at Aire Serv of Dallas when you're dealing with an air conditioner leak. We provide prompt service and all of our HVAC service providers have experience dealing with a wide range of AC leakage problems. Whether we suspect refrigerant leakage, clogged drain pipes, broken condensate pumps, or poor installation, we can help bring your unit back to peak performance.

We also have regular maintenance services for your AC system to prevent expensive repairs and air conditioner water leaks. With routine maintenance provided by our professionals, you can tackle air conditioning issues before they start causing problems so your home is always prepared for air conditioning season.

Don't let a leaking air conditioner disrupt your comfort and convenience. Contact us at Aire Serv of Dallas for reliable HVAC services and AC repair to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently.