Learn why your AC unit is leaking water and how to fix the problem.
Normal AC Leakage
Anair conditionerremoves moisture from the air and condenses it into water.
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Clogged Drain Line
The AC unit’s drain line might be clogged.
This prevents water from the unit’s drain pan from flowing to the outdoors.
The drain line may be clogged by mold or general dirt and debris.
Unclog the Drain Line
Call an HVAC technician to unclog the drain line.
A DIYer can also snake out the drain line with an AC drain line cleaner.
Attach the vacuum to the exterior end of the pipe.
Too much debris will prevent water from draining out of the base pan.
Also look for excess grass or weed growth.
Clean out the debris to expose the base pan’s drain holes.
Cut a minimum of 12 inches of clearance around the unit.
Do not let cut vegetation settle around the unit.
Sweep it away and dispose of it.
The unit is tilted indoors, not outdoors, sending condensed water inside the house.
The condensate pump is designed to remove condensed water from the AC’s evaporative coil automatically.
Without a pump to move the water, it will overflow the condensate tank.
If ice forms on the coil, it leaks water when it begins to thaw.
Cleaning will not fix the problem if there is a refrigerant leak.
This should only be repaired by an HVAC technician.
Dirty Filter
A dirty AC filter blows dirt or insufficient air over the evaporator coil.
Cleaning or replacing the filter is an on-goingHVAC maintenancetask.
Recharge the Refrigerant
Call an HVAC technician to recharge the AC’s refrigerant.
The technician can match the refrigerant with the AC and charge it to its correct pressure.
Depending on your AC model, drain pans cost from $50 to $150.
You should turn your AC off if it’s leaking.
After that, assess why your AC unit is leaking water.
An indoor AC unit should not be dripping water outside of the unit.
Split air and window ACs drip water to the exterior.
A portable AC collects water in an onboard tank, and this tank occasionally needs to be emptied.
