What it Means When You Have a Leaking Air Conditioner

A leaking air conditioner may not prevent this appliance from working, but it still is a concern. To find out how much of a concern it is, you must determine what is causing the leak.

You May Have a Clogged or Disconnected Drain Line

The first place any professional will look when you report a leaking air conditioner is your drain line. The condensate drain line is supposed to carry away excess moisture, but the water also can contain bacteria or dirt. Over time, a nasty slime can build up on the inside of the line, clogging it and causing leaks or overflow.

If you have a wet-dry vacuum, you may be able to avoid a service call for this issue by attaching it to where the drain line comes out of your home and turning it on. Use duct tape to create secure the connection and improve suction, and let the vacuum run until the line is clear.

If this doesn’t work to stop the leak, you may need to have a professional take a closer look to make sure the line isn’t disconnected or damaged.

The Drain Pan Could Be Broken

If the drain pan is cracked, it won’t hold condensation. Over time, the constant presence of moisture can make drain pans rust and crack. Time to call My Buddy the Plumber, Electric, Heating & Air!

You May Have a Frozen Evaporator Coil

A frozen evaporator coil that quickly melts will deliver too much water for the drain pan to handle, leading to leaks. Why is the evaporator coil freezing?

It could be due to your air filter. A dirty air filter obstructs proper airflow over the coil, so it gets too cold and freezes. See if changing your air filter fixes the problem.

If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, the coil can get too cold. This can cause it to freeze and melt, making the leak worse.

A Basement Condensate Pump May Need Repair

If your unit was installed in a basement, it probably uses a pump to move the water to the drain. When the pump breaks, you could see water leak indoors. Get a professional on site to make the pump repair needed to stop water damage before it worsens.

My Buddy the Plumber, Electric, Heating & Air is here to help! Give us a call when you have a leaking air conditioner.