Why is my air conditioning leaking water?

Are water leaks from the aircon normal?

When your aircon is running the moisture in the air condenses on the internal components.

Water dripping from the aircon unit is entirely normal. But if it is excessive to the point where the water is causing stains on the walls or it is pooling under the unit, there is definitely something wrong with the system.

In this article, we discuss the possible reasons behind water leaks. Water leaks are serious issues when the water is coming from the inside unit or the bottom of the outside unit.

Is your aircon leaking water?

Water leaks can become apparent quickly. Below are some obvious:

• Stagnant water around your aircon unit
• Water spots near the unit or on the ceiling
• Mouldy smell in your home
• Damaged plaster on the ceiling

Here are some reasons for water leaks

The drain line may be clogged

The drain line can get clogged due to dust and debris. If it is blocked, the water has nowhere to go and it starts leaking.

Solution

Regular servicing of the air conditioning unit can keep the drain lines clean. It is advisable to call professionals who can diagnose the issue and fix the problem.

Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

Drain pans are durable but they can get damaged over time. If there’s a hole or crack in the drain pan, water will leak out.

Solution

The pan will need to be replaced.

The air filter is dirty

A dirty air filter can block the airflow towards the evaporator coils. This will cause the temperature to drop and coil to ice over and when it thaws, the water will collect in the drip tray.

Solution

Cleaning the air filter can resolve the problem.

Low Refrigerant or Refrigerant leaks

If the refrigerant levels are low the coils can freeze when the aircon is running. When the aircon is turned off, the ice melts and overflows on the drip pan. If you see ice on the evaporator coils it is most likely due to refrigerant leaks.

If your aircon is not cooling well this can be an indicator of low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous and can cause health issues so ensure you get this problem checked out.

Solution

Call a licenced air conditioning refrigeration repair specialist (look for the ARC Tick) and depending on the extent of the problem they can either repair the issue or replace the unit.

The condenser pump may be broken

The condenser pump pushes the water collected into the drain pan. If the condenser pump is broken the water will collect inside until the pan overflows and begins to leak.

Solution

The condenser pump will have to be either replaced or repaired. You need to call your local air conditioning technicians to fix the pump.

Lack of insulation

Insulation prevents water leaks from the aircon unit. If the insulation is broken or there’s none left, the condensate from the pipes will seep into the ceiling.

Solution

You need to get the insulation replaced and that should fix the problem.

How to prevent a leaking air conditioner?

There's no alternative to regular maintenance of the unit. Routine (at least yearly) air conditioner maintenance can prolong the life of the unit, save money on electricity bills, catch issues early, and maximise the performance and efficiency of the unit.

• Ensure your filters are cleaned monthly
• Have your unit inspected annually by a qualified HVAC technician. They can check the drain pan, insulation, coils, filters and refrigerant levels to ensure the unit is functioning properly. If you have a reverse cycle air conditioner, it is recommended to get the unit serviced twice a year (in spring and autumn)
• For commercial units, it is recommended to get the unit serviced every 6 months or more frequently.

How to fix a leaking air conditioner?

The problems related to water leaks need professional expertise. At All Purpose Air Conditioning, we use leading industry techniques and quality materials for all our jobs.

We provide air conditioning services throughout Brisbane, Logan, Redland Bay and the Gold Coast. If you have any questions regarding your aircon problem or need a technician to visit your premises today, call us on 0435 031 169 or complete our online job booking form.