Is your AC leaking water? Before you worry, we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help you narrow down what the issue might be. The first thing you will want to do when you see your AC leaking water is to turn off your thermostat immediately in order to prevent further damage to your home.
Are you wondering why your AC even produces water in the first place? Your AC unit contains an evaporator coil that cools down the warm air that is coming in. Because hot and cold air are being mixed together, it creates condensation. This process is similar to leaving an ice cold water outside in the heat and then coming back to it to find that the outside of the glass has formed water droplets. The condensation from your AC drips onto a drain pan which leads the water outside of your home through a PVC pipe. Since it is normal for an AC system to form water, it is also very common for it to leak. So why is your AC leaking?
One of the most common reasons why an AC system leaks is due to a clogged condensate drain line, also known as the PVC pipe that leads water outside of your home. Mold, dust and dirt can commonly build up in the drain line causing it to push the water back into your home. Some ways that you can unclog your condensate drain line is by using a wet/dry vaccum to collect the build up, or by having a professional use a special vacuum to suck the blockage out.
Another reason your AC could be leaking is due to a damaged or rusted drain pan. If your AC system is over 10 years old, it is a good idea to check your drain pan. A damaged pan allows water to pass through so it never makes it to the pipes and results in leakage. If your drain pan is the cause of the issue, you will need to buy a new one and replace it.
Is your AC unit located indoors? If so, you could be dealing with a broken condensate pump. Check the PVC piping to your ac system to ensure that there are no damages. If your pump is broken, you will need to replace it to stop the leaking.
Have you changed your filter recently? If it’s been a while, you could be seeing a leak because of a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can block the airflow causing your evaporator coil to freeze up. When your evaporator coil melts, it can overflow the drain pan, resulting in a leak.
Lastly, your AC system could be leaking because you are low on refrigerant. This problem will look similar to a dirty filter. Some ways that you can tell if your AC is low on refrigerant is if your system is not cooling well or you hear a hissing or bubbling noise. Depending on how bad the leak is, you will either need to repair it or replace your system. You should call a professional immediately to try and stay ahead of the damage escalating.
If you are having HVAC troubles, 72 Degrees is always here to help! Call 515-965-7272 or visit 72desgrees.com to schedule an appointment with us today!
Comments