3 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Might be Leaking

The summer heat is on full blast and your AC unit is working overtime to keep your home comfortable and cool. With all this extra work, your unit may be showing signs of a possible leak. Here are three common reasons why your unit may be leaking water.

Condensate Line is Clogged

A clogged condensate line is the most common reason for a leaky AC unit. Condensate lines usually clog due to algae growth, making it impossible for water to pass through. The water’s only option then is to flow to the overflow drain pan. Once the overflow pan floods, you will begin to see water coming out of your unit. On many newer units, there is a shut-off switch that will trigger and turn off the AC unit if it detects a clogged condensate line. The automatic shut-off of the machine helps to prevent water damage to your home, but may also make you think there is a problem within your unit.

Do not fear! If this happens, your unit is not broken. To clear the line, you will need a shop vac to remove the clog. To prevent this problem from happening, routinely pour a cup of bleach in the access opening to the drain line. This will kill any algae, mold, or mildew that will grow and stop up the line.

Air Filter is Dirty

Another very common reason for a leaky AC unit is a dirty air filter. Having a dirty filter causes ice to form on the evaporate coils. When the ice melts, water will drip down causing your “leak”. A dirty air filter is an easy fix.

By routinely changing your air filter, you can completely avoid this issue. A filter’s lifespan is usually between two and three months depending on how often you are using your unit. As a regular precaution, you should be checking your unit every month to make sure it is still in good condition. If the filter seems dirty, it needs to be replaced.

Crack in the Overflow Drain Pan

If your overflow drain pan is cracked and either of the other two scenarios above occur, water will most likely be leaking out of it. The overflow drain pan is what catches any condensation coming from the air conditioning unit when a primary drain failure occurs. To detect where the leak might be coming from, simply use your flashlight to check the edges and the corners of the pan. If you notice a crack, it is best that you replace your drain pan.

If you are concerned the leak you are seeing coming out of your AC unit is a bigger issue, give us a call or fill out our form to request a service! Our technicians would love to come take a look at your unit and pinpoint the problem.