You should never see water pooling near your air conditioner. While a bit of moisture might seem harmless, it can be a sign that something’s wrong. From clogged drain lines to frozen coils, AC leaks often result from several fixable issues. At Wolfer’s Home Services in Portland, OR, we’ve helped numerous homeowners identify the source of unexpected AC leaks and quickly resolve the issue.
Clogged Drain Line Stopping Water From Draining
Your air conditioner pulls humidity out of the air while it cools your home. That moisture condenses into water and drips into a drain pan. From there, it flows out through a pipe called the condensate drain line. If that pipe gets clogged with mineral deposits or sediment, the water has nowhere to go. It can build up in the pan and eventually start leaking out onto the floor. Sometimes, you’ll even see water dripping from the unit.
This is one of the most common reasons for an air conditioner water leak. Dirt, dust, or mold can cause clogs as well, especially in summer when your AC runs frequently. In some cases, you can flush the drain on your own using vinegar or a wet/dry vacuum. If the clog keeps coming back, it’s time to call our team for assistance.
Dirty Air Filters Can Block Airflow
Your AC system utilizes a filter to protect interior components from particulate matter. When your air filter gets dirty and you fail to change it, your system may not be able to pull in enough air. This makes the coil inside get colder than it should, and it can start to freeze. Eventually, that ice melts, and that meltwater must go somewhere. If too much water enters the drain pan at once, it can overflow and cause a leak.
If your problem of your AC leaking water is intermittent, your filter might be part of the problem. Check your filter every few weeks and swap it out with a new one when it is dirty. Most homes need a new filter every one to three months, depending on how often the AC runs and the type of filter you’re using.
Low Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant is used to cool the air running through your air conditioner. It runs through the system in a closed loop. When refrigerant levels drop too low, the evaporator coil can freeze up, just like with a dirty filter. When the ice melts, you get water in places you don’t want it.
If you hear a hissing noise from your AC equipment, notice that your home isn’t getting as cool as it typically does, or you spot water around your AC unit, you might have a refrigerant problem. This is not something you should try to fix on your own. Handling refrigerants can be dangerous and require special training and equipment. You’ll need an HVAC technician to check for leaks, recharge the refrigerant, and make sure your system isn’t losing the coolant again after a repair.
Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan sits under the coil to catch all the condensation your AC experiences. If the pan is cracked or rusted, it might leak water onto the floor or in the unit. Older systems are more likely to have this problem. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, have your drain pan inspected as part of routine maintenance. We may be able to seal a small crack temporarily with epoxy, but in the long term, the pan may need to be replaced.
When to Bring in a Professional
Some water problems have easy fixes. Others hide deeper issues with how your AC runs. If you’ve tried clearing the drain line and swapped the air filter and your unit is still leaking, it’s time to call for AC repair. Water near your system could mean your air conditioner is freezing up, overworking, or suffering from more than one problem at once.
A professional HVAC technician from our team knows how to diagnose AC water leaks. We can spot things you might miss and keep your system from breaking down on a hot day. If there’s water damage starting, we can catch the problem before it spreads.
Fix Your Leaking AC Today
A leaking AC doesn’t have to ruin your day and damage your home. We can help diagnose an AC leak quickly and provide a plan of action. We also offer furnace tune-ups, indoor air quality upgrades, and ductless system installations. Schedule a checkup today with Wolfer’s Home Services in Portland and get your AC running properly again.
