Drip, drip, drip. Your peaceful morning was interrupted by the unwelcome realization that there is a leak in your air conditioning system.
You are no HVAC expert, so you haven’t got the slightest idea of where to start, let alone the know-how to figure out what the problem is or how to fix it. Relax, we are here to explain possible issues that lead to a leak in your AC unit and what to do.
Let’s explore the potential causes for a leak, what you can assess on your own, when to call in a professional, and who to call in Portland and Beaverton.
Table of Contents
- Why Is My AC Unit Leaking Water?
- 3 Minor Maintenance Issues You Can Fix
- 5 Reasons To Call the Pros
- Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioning Units Leaking Water
- Easy Steps To Prevent Air Conditioner Leaks
- AAA Heating and Cooling: The Trusted Pros for AC Installation, Inspection, and Repairs
Why Is My AC Unit Leaking Water?
There are several different reasons why your AC unit could be leaking water. It is probably an issue due to either a lack of maintenance or a unit problem. It is important to have your AC unit serviced annually.
There are many linked parts of an air conditioning system, and they all require maintenance to run smoothly. A clogged condensate drain, a cracked condensate tray, or low refrigerant levels are some common issues that can lead to water leakage. A couple of the potential issues are things you can assess yourself, and if those don’t resolve the problem, it’s time to get professional help.
AAA Heating and Cooling offers trusted HVAC system installation and maintenance in Portland. Contact us today to schedule your next annual service.
3 Minor Maintenance Issues You Can Fix
Maintenance issues can sometimes be fixed by yourself. Here are a few things to check out if you have a leaky unit that you may be able to resolve without professional assistance.
#1: Dirty Air Filters
When the air filter becomes dirty in your unit, moisture can collect and not be able to drain properly. Depending on the type of unit you have, your filter may be disposable or reusable. Be sure to change the disposable air filters according to the schedule recommended by your system.
If you have a washable and reusable filter, during the seasons when the unit is used regularly, the filter should be taken out, cleaned, dried, and reinstalled monthly. It’s important to turn off the AC unit while cleaning out or changing the filter, and ensure the filter is fully dry before reinstalling it.
#2: Clogged Condensate Drain
A clogged condensate drain line is a very common cause of air conditioner leakage, and luckily, it’s usually a simple problem to fix. Over time, the pipes can clog with debris, dirt, dust, and even algae.
To unclog it, you will need a wet/dry vac. Connect the hose to the pipe and vacuum out the debris causing the clog. If this does not work, the clog may be impacted and require more specialized equipment to clear. AAA Heating and Cooling has the equipment needed to clean out the drain line. Reach out today if you suspect this is the problem. You can rest easy going forward, as our technicians will always check and clean drain lines during your annual HVAC maintenance service.
#3: Condensate Drain Tray Problems
If you have a rusted or damaged condensate drain pan, the leaking could be coming from there. This can happen to older units, and generally, the pan will need to be replaced once the unit is 10–15 years old. Routine maintenance is important from the date of your AC unit installation, but it becomes even more critical as the unit ages.
You can easily assess the condition of the drain tray and order a replacement part if you can see that it is rusty or otherwise damaged.
5 Reasons To Call the Pros
Sometimes the problem causing a leak is outside the scope of the things you can address yourself. If you aren’t able to troubleshoot by looking into the maintenance issues discussed, it may be time to seek a professional assessment.
#1: Poorly Installed AC Unit
A poorly installed AC unit can leak because the drain lines don’t flow properly or the parts are not well-connected. If you attempted to save money by going with an unestablished company or doing a self-install, you may now need to hire a reputable company to check the installation and troubleshoot what is causing the leak.
#2: Damaged Condenser
If you notice that your air condenser is making strange noises and/or leaking, it’s important to get it looked at quickly. Continuing to run the system when the condenser is damaged will result in poor functioning and can potentially lead to greater system damage.
The leak can be caused by an issue with the refrigerant levels, the pump, or the drain lines/pan. Whatever the cause, your trusted HVAC professional can assess and recommend the necessary action to resolve it.
#3: Low Refrigerant Levels
When refrigerant levels become too low, the evaporator coils become too cold and freeze. As a result, the system will not cool properly, and you will observe a leak when the coils thaw.
Never attempt to handle refrigerant by yourself; always consult a professional, as it can be dangerous and requires special knowledge and tools.
#4: Evaporator Unit Problems
The evaporator coils need good air circulation, regular cleaning, and enough refrigerant to function properly. When any of these three things is amiss, the evaporator coils can freeze, resulting in leakage every time they thaw.
An HVAC professional can assess the condition of the evaporator unit and conduct any necessary maintenance.
#5: Broken Pump
Whenever an AC unit is installed in the basement of a home, a condensate pump is needed to pump the water generated by the unit outside your home. If the pump is broken, water will accumulate in the basement. It’s important to get the pump repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid water damage to the structure of your home or further damage to your HVAC system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioning Units Leaking Water
Does Where the AC Unit Is Leaking Water From Help Determine the Issue?
It can! The location of the leak can help narrow down what the possible problem is. Here are some common places where you may observe a leak in your unit, and what the cause might be:
- From the AC unit itself: This indicates a potential problem with the drain pan, which is responsible for collecting and draining the condensate.
- From the drain line: This indicates a blockage in the drain line, preventing the water from flowing out.
- From the outdoor unit: This can be due to a problem with the condensate pump, a faulty float switch, or a refrigerant leak.
- From the air vent: This can be due to a dirty air filter, which restricts airflow and causes the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to water buildup and overflow.
If you have a window unit or a portable AC system, you may be wondering why is my window AC leaking water, or why is my portable AC leaking water? Great questions! There are some similarities and some differences between central AC systems, window units, and portable units. Checking the filter for a buildup of visible dirt and debris is a great first step for any type of unit.
Luckily, AAA Heating and Cooling can help with all types of air conditioning, including window and portable units.
Should I Turn Off My AC if It’s Leaking Water?
Yes, you want to turn off your AC unit as soon as you realize that it’s leaking. Continuing to run it can lead to water damage to your home, mold growth, and further damage to the HVAC system and its various components.
You can check for simple maintenance issues, but if you are unable to troubleshoot a simple filter replacement or drain clog, you will want to contact a professional HVAC company to assess the leak and the system as a whole.
How Do I Fix My AC From Leaking Water?
The first step is to turn off the unit and clean up the water. Then, check for dirty air filters, a clogged drain line, and a faulty drain pan. If it’s not these issues, or you fix them and still have a leak, it’s time to call the pros.
AAA Heating and Cooling is your professional choice for quality, efficient service in Portland and Beaverton. Reach out today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll get your unit running again in no time.
Easy Steps To Prevent Air Conditioner Leaks
As with most things, prevention beats emergency mitigation every time. In the case of your air conditioning system, here are our top tips to prevent leaks:
- Clean and maintain on a regular schedule. Many leaks are caused by dirt, debris, and clogs in your system, which can be prevented with regular cleanings and maintenance.
- Check and replace filters on the recommended schedule. Skipping this important part of maintenance results not only in an inefficient system and higher bills, but can also result in a buildup of condensation in your system and leaks.
- Regularly check the condensate drain line and tray. Use a wet vac to clear the line of debris buildup.
- Schedule professional maintenance annually. Your HVAC professional will check all components of your system and clean out the parts you cannot by yourself. They will be able to tell you about issues before they escalate and become serious problems. A good time of year to schedule routine annual maintenance is near the beginning of the first season when you regularly use air conditioning.
By sticking with these preventive measures, you can ensure that your cooling system operates at peak efficiency and avoid problems with leaks.
AAA Heating and Cooling: The Trusted Pros for AC Installation, Inspection, and Repairs
If you live in Portland or Beaverton, look no further than AAA Heating and Cooling for top-notch professional HVAC services. Our family-owned business has been serving families in our area since 1961. Our top priorities are your health, comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Our expertly trained technicians in Beaverton and Portland are here for you and your family, whether you are shopping for a new system, need routine maintenance, or have an HVAC emergency.