Air conditioners are essential for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially during the hot summer months. However, one issue many homeowners face is a leaking indoor unit, which can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.
If your aircon indoor unit is leaking water, it’s important to understand the potential causes and how to fix the problem before it worsens.
In this post, we’ll explore why air conditioners leak water and provide practical steps for fixing this issue.
Why Is Your Aircon Indoor Unit Leaking Water?
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your aircon’s indoor unit might be leaking water.
There are several possible reasons for this issue, and identifying the root cause will help in fixing the problem efficiently.
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Clogged or Dirty Condensate Drain Line
The most common reason for a leaking aircon unit is a clogged or dirty condensate drain line. Air conditioners work by removing moisture from the air.
This moisture is collected in a pan and then drained through the condensate line. If the drain is clogged with dust, debris, or algae, the water will back up and leak from the indoor unit.
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Frozen Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils freeze, they will eventually thaw out and drip water. This can happen due to various reasons, including low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or a dirty air filter.
When the ice melts, it creates excess water that the drain line cannot handle, resulting in leaks.
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Improper Installation
Another reason your aircon may leak water is due to improper installation. If the unit is not leveled correctly, it can cause the condensate pan to become misaligned, leading to water leakage.
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Faulty Pump
Some air conditioners have a pump that helps move the condensed water out of the unit. If this pump fails, water can accumulate and leak out of the indoor unit.
How to Fix an Aircon Indoor Unit Leaking Water
Now that we’ve explored the potential causes, let’s look at how you can fix a leaking indoor unit. Depending on the issue, some solutions may be quick and easy, while others might require professional help.
Our trained technician can quickly set your aircon indoor unit leaking water fix.
1. Clean the Condensate Drain Line
A clogged drain line is the most common cause of water leakage, and luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix.
Steps to clean the drain line:
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Turn off your aircon: Before starting any work, make sure the unit is turned off to avoid any accidents.
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Locate the drain line: This is usually a small pipe near the base of your air conditioner.
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Use a wet/dry vacuum: Attach the vacuum to the drain line’s end outside your home to suck out any debris. Alternatively, you can use a long, flexible brush or a pipe cleaner to clear the line manually.
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Flush with water: After removing any blockages, flush the line with warm water to ensure it’s completely clear.
Regular cleaning of the condensate drain line every 6 to 12 months can help prevent water leakage in the future.
2. Check and Replace the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can block airflow and cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to water leakage once the ice melts.
Steps to clean or replace the air filter:
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Turn off the air conditioner: Again, make sure the unit is powered off before you start working.
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Locate the air filter: The filter is usually found behind the front cover of your indoor unit.
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Clean or replace: If the filter is dirty, clean it with water or replace it if it’s too clogged to clean effectively.
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Reinstall the filter: Once it’s clean or replaced, place the filter back into the unit.
Make it a habit to clean or replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months to keep the air conditioner functioning efficiently.
3. Defrost the Evaporator Coils
If your evaporator coils have frozen, they need to be defrosted before the unit can operate correctly. This can happen if the refrigerant levels are too low or the airflow is obstructed.
Steps to defrost the coils:
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Turn off the unit: Switch off the air conditioner and allow the frozen coils to thaw naturally. This may take a few hours.
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Inspect the coils: Once the coils have thawed, inspect them for any signs of damage or dirt buildup. If they’re dirty, clean them gently with a coil cleaner.
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Check refrigerant levels: If you suspect low refrigerant levels, you’ll need a professional technician to recharge the refrigerant. This can be a tricky and dangerous task, so it’s best left to the experts.
4. Ensure Proper Installation and Leveling
If your aircon unit is leaking water due to improper installation, it may be time to call a professional to check the level and alignment of your unit.
A technician can ensure that the condensate pan is correctly aligned and that the unit is level to avoid future water leakage issues.
5. Replace the Condensate Pump (If Necessary)
If your air conditioner has a condensate pump and it’s malfunctioning, it could be causing the water to accumulate and leak. In this case, the pump may need to be replaced.
Steps to replace the pump:
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Turn off the air conditioner: As always, make sure the unit is turned off before starting any repairs.
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Locate the pump: The pump is usually located near the condensate pan.
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Replace the pump: You can either replace the pump yourself if you’re comfortable with DIY repairs or call a professional technician to do it for you.
When to Call a Professional
While many of these fixes can be done on your own, there are times when you’ll need to call a professional.
If you’ve tried the above solutions and your aircon is still leaking water, or if you suspect refrigerant issues or pump failure, it’s best to consult with a certified technician.
They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem quickly, preventing further damage to your air conditioner.
Conclusion
A leaking aircon indoor unit is a common issue, but it’s one that can usually be fixed with a little maintenance and attention to detail.
By cleaning the condensate drain line, replacing dirty filters, checking for frozen coils, and ensuring your unit is properly installed, you can often prevent water leakage from occurring.
However, if the problem persists or if you're unsure of how to handle the issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help. A well-maintained air conditioner will run smoothly, keep your home cool, and save you from costly repairs in the future.
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