Air Conditioner Leaking Water

4 Reasons Why Your AC Is Leaking Water

As a homeowner living in the Sunshine State, having your air conditioner malfunction is simply not an option. But as with any home comfort system, things can go wrong. Water leakage, for example, is one of the most common issues that air conditioners encounter. Learn four common causes of your AC leaking water.

1. Drainage Block

Take a look at your air conditioner’s condenser unit. You will likely notice that at the base of your condenser unit is a drainage hole where excess water is released. If the drainage hole is blocked or clogged, water can start to pool and cause your air conditioner to retain, and subsequently leak water. If you think there is a drainage block, run your air conditioning system for 20 minutes and check the drainage hole. If no water is draining through the hole, then check to see if there is a noticeable clog. If you can see a noticeable clog, gently remove any debris obstructing the flow of water. There are different ways you can remove a blockage from the condensate drain line yourself. If you’re up for the project, check out our in-depth guide to removing a blockage.

Pro tip: Regularly cleaning the condensate drain line will help prevent clogs from forming in the first place, potentially saving you from a costly AC repair. If you would rather leave the maintenance to the professionals, we recommend scheduling a preventive AC maintenance appointment with Energy Air.

2. Broken Condensate Pump

If you have already cleaned your condensate drain line and there’s still a backup of water in your tank, then the problem could be a broken sump pump/condensate pump.

Most pumps have a switch on them that activates the pump after the water reaches a certain level. If you can find the float switch on your pump, you can manipulate it with your hand to test if the pump is kicking on or not.

If you can’t find the float switch, look around to see if there is a cable attached to something submerged. Your installer will normally leave a way to pull the pump up. Once you get it out of the water, you can try to turn it on and see if it’s working – but don’t run it dry for too long because you can damage the pump.

If the pump works in your hands but is not working consistently, the issue could be limescale buildup in the water catching bucket. You can try cleaning the bucket out with bleach and de-gunking it to see if this improves the performance of your pump.

If it’s not turning on at all, you’ll probably need a new pump. These pumps are not meant to last forever, and replacing one is very inexpensive. You can even perform the repair yourself if you’re handy.

3. Air Leaks

When it comes to effectively cooling your home, proper insulation is important. If your home isn’t properly insulated, warm air can enter through the small spaces around your AC and into your home. As the warm air meets the cool air inside, condensation will naturally occur and can cause water leaks around your air conditioner. If you suspect this is the problem, adding foam insulation around your air conditioning unit can impede warm outside air from getting indoors.

4. Improper AC Installation

It’s not enough to have a quality air conditioning system—your system needs to be installed properly to function its best. In fact, if your air conditioning system isn’t installed properly, it can cause a variety of issues, including water leakage. If you think your air conditioner isn’t properly installed, contact the professionals at Energy Air to inspect your system. Not sure how to tell if your system has been installed improperly? Look for any of these five signs of improper installation:

Incorrect size: If your air conditioning system is too big or too small, it won’t be able to supply the appropriate amount of cooling or heating throughout your home. Not only will this result in discomfort, but increased energy usage too.

Insufficient airflow: Too little airflow is a sign that components of your air conditioning system (think ductwork and the like) may not have been installed properly.

Slow response: This is often due to too much or too little refrigerant in your system, which can cause an imbalance.

Faulty wiring: Faulty wiring is a costly and not to mention, dangerous, issue. If you suspect faulty wiring, turn your air conditioning system off and schedule a repair with a professional.

Strange noises: Any weird noises, such as clacking, popping, grinding or whistling may be a sign your air conditioning system was not properly installed.

Contact Energy Air and Stop Water Leaks Today

Is your AC leaking water? Contact the professionals at Energy Air. Our team of NATE certified technicians will quickly and efficiently diagnose and assess the underlying issue. This way, your AC will be leak-free and can provide the most efficient cooling power possible. Contact one of our friendly team members today to learn more about our services, or schedule your service appointment online today.