If you have ever experienced water leakage from your AC unit, You may notice how annoying it is and how it leaves water stains on the walls and floors damp. But don’t worry!
If you are thinking about how to fix air conditioner leaking water inside your house, you’re in the right place. If you follow these guidelines carefully, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue independently.
This article will guide you in solving the most common types of water leakage issues in AC units, allowing you to return your unit to its original full operational status.
Understanding Why Your Air Conditioner Unit is Leaking Water Inside
#1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line: A Common Cause of AC Water Leaks
A blocked condensate drain line is one of the most common causes of AC leaking water.
Dust, dirty air, indoor air quality, and algae management accumulate in line over time, interfering with water drip.
Because of this, water accumulates and spills into your house, causing damage. The issue may be resolved by routinely cleaning the drain line with vinegar and water.
#2. Rusted or Cracked Drain Pan: An Overlooked Issue
Our AC units’ drain pans serve the purpose of collecting condensation from the evaporator coils. However, they may rust or crack as they age and allow water to leak out.
So check the pan regularly and in case it has cracks replace it. Those with older tanks can’t go wrong by investing in a rust-free drain pan.
#3. Disconnected or Loose Drain Line
If there is a poor attachment on the drain line, water is likely to spill instead of draining out. Make sure the line is tightly fixed to the drain outlet. Sealants or clamps can give added strength to the line against any leakage.
#4. Broken Condensate Pump or Float Switch
In a situation where the condensate float switch or pump is broken, there will be inadequate water drainage resulting in leaks.
Repairing or replacing these components would help in resolving the water drainage issue. Regular servicing may help in averting pump failures.
#5. Condensation Build-up Due to Poor Airflow
Leakages may occur in situations where the evaporator coils are over-condensed due to uncontrolled airflow.
Look out for obstructive items such as furniture that may be blocking the vents and also check if the vents are functioning well.
#6. Frozen Evaporator Coils: A Serious AC Problem
The main disadvantages of frozen evaporator coils are low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, and low airflow rates.
It also, in turn, leads to leaks when the ice melts and the pancake drain pan fills up to the brim and overflows.
There is a need for professional technicians to deal with this problem, to check the levels of refrigerants and the system’s overall efficiency.
#7. Dirty or Debris-Filled Air Filters
The water tends to leak after blocking the warm air flow, giving rise to frozen evaporator coils that eventually melt.
Water leakages can be prevented by replacing the air filters every 1-3 months as it ensures good airflow to evaporator coils.
This will be beneficial in reducing leaks at home, thus, preventing wastage.
#8. Incorrect AC Installation: A Frequent Oversight
Despite that, water flow may pool and leak if the indoor unit has been not leveled during installation, for example.
Never attempt to install the new AC unit yourself; always hire a professional technician to do it correctly so that drainage is possible.
#9. Low Refrigerant Levels Leading to Water Leaks
Also, low refrigerant levels kill the pressure in the evaporator coils, which leads to coil freezing.
When ice melts, too much water can spill over inside your home. Get the refrigerant levels checked once every year to prevent this problem.
#10. Improper Thermostat Settings Affecting Humidity
Failure to properly set the thermostat compromises its functionality to the extent that excessive humidity builds up in a given house, which means increased condensation.
People can obtain more efficient temperature and humidity control by switching to smart thermostats. For better comfort and energy savings, use the Cielo Smart Thermostat for mini-splits.
Also Read: Top 5 Best 1.5 Ton AC in India
What’s the First Thing To Do if Your AC Is Leaking Water?
Let’s say, for example, you saw water outside of the air conditioning system; the first thing people usually do is panic but everything will be just fine!
It is just a matter of doing the right things immediately to ensure that the damage is kept to a minimum while opening up good avenues for the repair to commence:
#1. Turn Off the Power
Any action that is going to be started must first observe safety procedures, such as switching off the AC unit’s power supply.
Find the breaker in the electrical panel designated for the AC system and turn it off. This minimizes the chances of electrocution during the repairs.
#2. Place a bucket or towel under the leak:
Find something like pans, towels, or buckets that you can use to catch the dripping water inside the house that’s leaking.
This basic and easy procedure will temporarily protect your floors or other water-sensitive furniture while you determine the also cause of the leak.
#3. Inspect the area:
Now examine your indoor AC unit quickly. Is the air filter absent or filthy? Is it possible to observe that the drain line is clogged or that the flat surface of the drain pan is broken?
Solving visible issues beforehand assists you in deciding whether you’d want to tackle things yourself or engage an expert.
Also Read: Do Air Conditioners Purify Air
How to Fix Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside your house step-by-step guide
#1. Inspect and Clean the Filters
If the leak creates more humidity than normal, then increase ventilation in that area to avoid the growth of molds or mildew.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, new air filter.
Steps:
- Turn off your AC and open the access panel.
- Look for a clogged filter, remove it, and check whether it is dirty or broken.
- Clean reusable filters by soaking and scrubbing them with mild soap or replace disposable filters.
- Reinstall the filter, and switch the unit on.
#2. Remove the Cover for Better Access
Unplug the screen (if necessary) and gently pull out the AC cover to enable free movement.
This helps you view the exposed internal parts like the drain pan, drain line, and evaporator coils in more detail.
Tools Needed: Screwdriver.
Tip: Aluminum parts are sensitive, so ensure you are not bending any parts. Take out the filters and find some concealed screws that should be removed to expose the inner parts of the unit.
#3. Clear the Condensate Drain Line
The condensation pipe drains water from the AC unit. A blockage might cause water to spill over and leak through the unit.
Tools Needed: Wet/dry vacuum, pipe cleaner, or garden hose.
How to Test: Proceed to gently fill the AC’s drip tray and watch the water pass through the pipe connected to it.
How to Unclog Steps:
- Once you attach the proper fittings, the drain line is usually found around the outdoor condenser unit.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to eliminate obstructions.
- If it’s blocked, clean the condensate drain line with water.
#4. Patch or Replace the Drain Pan
The drain pan, which is located at the bottom of your air conditioning unit, is functional but might wear and tear after some period.
Tools Needed: Waterproof sealant or a replacement pan.
Steps:
- Switch off the air conditioning unit, and inspect the drain tray to identify any sign of corrosion or having been cracked.
- Use a sealant for minor damage or replace the pan if there is obvious damage to the pan.
- Reinstall back everything and conduct a test on the AC unit.
#5. Ensure Proper AC System Leveling
Installation that is not done correctly has the potential to trap water inside your AC unit.
Tools Needed: Spirit level, mounting brackets.
How to Test: Tilt the AC unit slightly lifted upwards, and try to see the water traveling towards the pipe.
How to Fix steps:
- Check to make sure that the unit is slightly sloping in the direction of the drain.
- Level it by making the necessary changes.
- Either brackets or screws should be used to secure the unit in place.
#6. Inspect Refrigerant Levels
A low amount of refrigerant can also freeze the evaporator coils which will cause AC to leak when the ice melts.
Solution: A qualified technician should be contacted to check and top up the refrigerant.
#7. Reassemble the AC Unit
Once the problem has been rectified, all parts should be put back together with caution:
- Double-check that the filters, covers, and screws are fastened to their respective positions.
- If the display screen has been removed, reinsert it.
#8. Restart and fix an AC Safely
Re-engage the circuit breaker and allow a short period for the AC to normalize before turning it on.
Also Read: Top 10 best 3 star air conditioner in India
Can You Use Your Air Conditioning Unit When AC Leaking Water Inside?
It is not advisable to operate an air conditioner that is leaking. Here is the reason why.
#1. Electrical Hazards:
There exists a risk of growing damage from short-circuiting components or even causing the internal parts to be damaged by the unit leaking water.
#2. Increased water Damage:
Leaky units can grow to be an even greater problem if they are allowed to remain in their current state.
#3. Reduced Efficiency:
Electricity costs will increase with a leaking AC since a greater amount of electricity is being used to cool air in the house even though the AC is not cooling properly.
Also Read: Are Haier Air Conditioners Good
Preventative AC Maintenance Tips
These strategies will help to manage water leaking.
#1. Regularly Clean Air filters:
Every 1-3 months, air filters should be changed or cleaned.
#2. Flush the Drain Line:
To keep the drains free from potential clogs, vinegar solutions may be used.
#3. Schedule Annual Maintenance:
Regular professional checks are vital for spotting and rectifying such problems.
#4. Check Installation:
The AC should be installed in such a manner as to allow proper drainage; the angle must be slightly slanted.
FAQs
Can a leak in AC be fixed?
The answers we will find depend on what type of air conditioner leak we are dealing with because each of them is different. In the case of water leaking, it might be best to unclog the condensate drain line or change a broken drain pan. A refrigerant leak, a certified technician can fix such leak and put refrigerant again into the system. But remember, regular maintenance can help in leak prevention.
How can I save my AC from leaking?
To stop the leakage of your AC:
1. Avoid too much buildup by cleaning the condensate drain line often.
2. Check the drain pan if there are any signs of cracks or rust.
3. Unclog the air filter because if it is dirty, it may restrict the air from passing through and lead to freezing.
4. Book an appointment with a qualified engineer at irregular intervals of time so that the problem, if any, can be resolved early on.
How to unclog the AC drain?
There is nothing difficult in unclogging the AC drain:
1. Switch off the AC unit.
2. Try to find the drain line in the vicinity of the outside unit.
3. Within seconds all debris should be sucked out with the help of a wet/dry vacuum.
4. Another option is to pour a mixture of vinegar and warm water down the line. The noxious substance which causes blockages and prevents the condensate from draining is easily dislodged in that manner.
How to remove water from an air conditioner?
To get water out of an air conditioning system:
1. Switch off the AC and disconnect it from the power source to avoid any danger.
2. First, look for the drain pan, which is typically located beneath the unit, and remove any water from it that may be there.
3. To eliminate any remaining water, employ a vacuum cleaner designed for wet and dry applications.
4. Check the drain line for any blockage and clean it if necessary. Protective maintenance will ensure water accumulation is kept at an absolute minimum.
Is it OK if water comes out of the AC?
Yes, it is expected for the water to leak out of the AC unit, mostly from the condensate drain line, since it is part of the cooling cycle. However, if you constantly observe the water leaking in your house, this signals a blockage in the drainage pipes or a cracked drain container or there is a shortage of refrigerant fluids. Quick remedial measures will help in averting damage.
conclusion
In conclusion, the process of how to fix air conditioner leaking water inside entails pinpointing the usual suspects, such as blocked drain lines, dirty filters, or even uneven placement, and resolving them in the right order.
Regular inspection and cleaning are essential to aid in avoiding such situations and enhance the efficiency of your AC. It is also advisable to select an air conditioner that is dependable and easy to handle, so as not to encounter frequent malfunctions.
Suffering from the same problem? Do let others know your experience or helpful hints in the comments below! If you thought this guide was useful, please pass it on and check out other interesting remedies on our w
