Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

If you have started noticing water pooling around your air conditioner or water spots on your ceiling, your unit may be leaking water. This water leakage can be caused by several issues, and addressing them quickly is crucial to avoid costly repairs. Some of these issues include:

1- Clogged Drain Line

The most common reason for water leakage is a clogged drain line. This is often caused by the accumulation of dust and debris. The drain line is responsible for removing the condensation formed during the cooling process. When it is blocked, the water has nowhere to go, resulting in leaks.

Solution: Schedule regular maintenance to keep the drain lines clean. Our licensed technician at DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling can service your air conditioner and easily unclog the drain line to prevent future blockages.

2- Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

Your air conditioner has a drain pan that collects condensation. Over time, this pan may become rusted or damaged, allowing water to leak out.

Solution: Replacing the damaged drain pan is necessary to prevent further leaks. Make sure to only hire a licensed professional from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to handle the replacement to avoid additional damage to your system.

3- Dirty Air Filter

When the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, airflow to the evaporator coils is restricted, causing them to freeze. As the ice starts melting, water overflows from the drip tray, leading to leaks.

Solution: Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter can solve this problem. If the coils have already frozen, turning off the unit and allowing them to defrost before cleaning the filter may help.

4- Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which can result in water leakage when the ice melts. This is often due to a refrigerant leak, which is both dangerous and inefficient for your system.

Solution: Our licensed air conditioning professional from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling should be called to repair the leak and top-up the refrigerant. Our technicians will also ensure your system is safe and operating efficiently.

5- Broken Condenser Pump

The condenser pump moves the water collected from condensation out of the unit. If the pump is broken, water will overflow and leak from the air conditioner.

Solution: Our technician at DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling can either repair or replace the faulty pump, restoring the unit’s ability to properly manage condensation.

6- Lack of Proper Insulation

Insufficient or deteriorated insulation around the refrigerant pipe can cause condensation to form on the pipes and lead to water leaks in your home.

Solution: Replacing the insulation around the pipes will resolve this issue, ensuring condensation does not leak into your living spaces.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

The best way to avoid water leaks from your air conditioner is through regular maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your system functioning properly:

• Clean the air filters frequently to maintain optimal airflow and prevent ice formation.
• Schedule annual inspections with a licensed HVAC technician from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to check the drain pan, insulation, coils, filters, and refrigerant levels.
• For reverse cycle air conditioners, it’s recommended to service them twice a year—once before summer and once before winter.

What to Do if You Have a Leak

If you’re experiencing a water leak, it’s best to contact a licensed technician from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling to inspect and repair your air conditioning unit. Ignoring leaks can lead to further damage to your home and increase repair costs down the line.

At DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling, we provide expert air conditioning services throughout Melbourne. Our skilled technicians can diagnose and repair water leaks, ensuring your unit operates efficiently. Call 03 7038 6918 to schedule your service or learn more about our services. Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a big problem, contact us today!