What is more frustrating than a leaking air conditioner is figuring out why your air con is leaking water in the first place. When it is hot and humid, generally in an all-around uncomfortable environment, the last thing you would want to do is listen to the rhythmic sound of your aircon dripping water and dreading how long the leak is going to last. There can be multiple reasons causing a leaking air conditioner and while it is a normal issue many homeowners face, let us avoid the stress by learning how you can prevent and fix water leaking from the air conditioner.
Albstadt What can cause an air conditioner to leak?
order Clomiphene cheap Why is water dripping from my AC?
Your aircon could be leaking water inside and outside but let us find out the possible causes. Here are some common causes why your AC may be leaking or dripping water:
- Air Leak
- Blocked Air Con Filter
- Broken Pump
- Improper Installation
- Poor Maintenance
- Clogged Condensation Line
- Rusting of the Drain Pan
- Disconnected Drain Line
- Damaged or Faulty Coils
- Outdoor Condensation
How do I stop my air conditioner from leaking?
Depending on the cause, there are various ways to stop your air conditioner from leaking water. Here are three areas you can easily stop your AC from leaking at home by cleaning them with these steps:
- Condensate Drain
Essentially, what a condensate drain does is that it removes the hot air from your space and releases cool air instead. The hot air then condenses and becomes water. Eventually, the water gets drained down a pan and through a pipe which can result in clogging as there would be dirt and debris collected over time.
Step 1: Shut down your AC and unplug it.
Step 2: Locate your condensate drain pan. It is usually below the evaporator coils.
Step 3: If the water is overflowing from the pan, it is likely that the pipe is clogged. Firstly, wash the pan and clean it with a dry cloth before proceeding to the pipe.
Step 4: Next, you would need a wet vacuum cleaner to suck out the dirt and debris clogging the drain pipe. To prevent it from going the other way, you should vacuum from the endpoint of the pipe which is located outside of the house.
Step 5: As Step 4 could be a time-consuming task, you should also tidy up and dispose of the dirt and debris once you are done.
Step 6: Pour distilled vinegar down the drain pipe to remove any stubborn dirt or rust in the pipe. This solution should be kept in for at least an hour.
Step 7: Now, drain the pipe of the solution and clean it thoroughly with water and ensure water can be flowed seamlessly in and out of the drain pipe.
Step 8: Place everything back as it should be and you should get a non-leaking air conditioner experience!
- Condenser and Evaporator Coils
These can be summarised in outdoor and indoor coils respectively. You can find condenser coils in the condenser unit whereas the evaporator coils can be found in the air handler itself. While the condenser coils can be hosed down with water, evaporator coils do not have the liberty to do so.
Before beginning, make sure to shut down your AC and unplug it.
How to Clean Condenser Coils
Step1: Locate your condenser coils and remove the top and side condenser covers.
Step 2: Take this moment to briefly inspect the insides of your AC unit to identify any other issues such as loose wiring, broken pipes and etc. If you do encounter any issues, be sure to call a professional technician.
Step 3: Start removing the debris carefully and be sure to dispose of them properly. If need be, you may use a vacuum to remove the excess dirt and grime.
Step 4: This is optional but if you do have a coil cleaner, spray it on the inside of the cabinet and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before spraying it with water.
Step 5: Reassemble your parts and switch your AC back on.
How to Clean Evaporator Coils
Step 1: Locate your evaporator coils which will usually be on the supply side of the AC unit behind the access door.
Step 2: Inspect the coils if they are attached properly. The innermost parts of the coils are where most dirt and dust get trapped.
Step 3: Using a nylon brush, begin to softly brush the debris down and vacuum them to remove it.
Step 4: Again, use the coil cleaner and leave it on for about 10 minutes before removing it by spraying a little bit of water. Try to use as little water as possible here.
- Fan
This is one of the key components in making your air conditioner work the way it should as it helps direct where the cool air should go.
Step 1: Shut down your AC and unplug it.
Step 2: Remove the panels and you should be able to locate the fan.
Step 3: Use a suitable cleaning spray and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Use warm water to gently rinse away the cleaner.
Step 5: Wait for it to fully dry before placing it back in its appropriate position.
Can you fix a leak in an air conditioner?
Yes, you most certainly can. Most of the time, your air conditioner leaking water can be fixed with a little DIY remedy. Leaving it as it is, however, may cause or escalate this into much bigger problems which are not something we want.
Should I turn off the AC if it is leaking?
Yes. The second you notice your air conditioner leaking, switch it off. While this may seem like a temporary solution, it would help stop the flow of water. To prevent further damage not only to your AC but to your home as well, it is pertinent that you do so.
How do you know if it’s time to replace your aircon?
As all homeowners are aware, air conditioners can be quite costly to have. Hence, homeowners would naturally want to get the most out of it. Sadly, there will come a time when your air conditioner is fully spent and it is time for a new one.
One out of five of the signs that it is time for you to replace your AC unit would be that it frequently breaks down. On and off water leakage could also be the cause of that. It is ideal that you get your air conditioning unit fixed professionally or replace a brand new one altogether.
How can you maintain your aircon so it doesn’t happen again?
Maintaining your aircon can either be every day or a monthly routine, depending on how often the air conditioner gets used. Additionally, maintaining your AC is not just to prevent leaks but for any other problems that may arise. Ways of maintenance can be broken down into specific areas and here are three which we think many homeowners may find helpful.
- Air Conditioner Filters
This is one of, if not, the most important tasks of your maintenance routine. Ensure that your air conditioner filter is regularly replaced or cleaned for higher AC efficiency. This should be done every month or two, depending on your usage. Your environment will also determine the number of times you change them. For example, if you have pets in your home, you may want to change them more often.
- Air Conditioner Coils
It is only natural that your evaporator and condenser coil be covered by dirt and debris over time due to their usage. While filters help filter the clean and fresh air, these coils would still collect dirt which will end up impairing the coils. Do check them twice a year and clean them accordingly for better airflow in your home.
- Condensate Drains
When your AC unit drains get clogged, it prevents your AC from performing to its fullest and it may result in your aircon leaking water. This excess moisture can discolour the interior of your home.
Now, in the event that your AC may encounter problems or require a little more than your regular maintenance routine, it is ideal to always have your local professional technician on speed dial. Not to mention, they would be able to identify any underlying problems and fix them before they escalate. Down the line, that can save you a lot of time and money. Thus, you and your loved ones can confidently and comfortably enjoy your time at home with the best air conditioning experience.
Who can help with your aircon needs?
There will be moments when the dripping of water can get rather disruptive. Especially when you need a good night’s sleep, which is why at All Air Services, our experts are ready to help repair your AC unit. When it comes to air conditioning solutions, All Air Services is ranked one of the best in the market here in Australia. We have been providing solutions for over 15 years and we do not plan on stopping anytime soon. From providing top-notch customer service to choosing your next best AC replacement, All Air Services is only a click, call or visit away. Do not hesitate to contact us today!
