Empire HVAC Explains: Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Air Conditioning Unit outside a brick building

When you discover water leaking from your air conditioner, you may seem at a loss for what to do. Oftentimes the dehumidifying process of the air conditioner can cause condensation, but leaking water is different than that. There are many factors that can cause a leak, and many of them need to be addressed quickly in order to keep the appliance working efficiently. Don’t try to fix it yourself; it is better to leave air conditioning repair to the Atlanta air conditioning professionals who are experienced with this type of air conditioner problems.

Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

  1. Improperly installed: When air conditioners are installed improperly, they can leak water. If the unit itself is not level or “pitched” towards the drain, water may begin to pool. Check to see if the unit is level and if there are any closed vents in the house. The added pressure here can sometimes cause valves to leak.
  2. Pump is broken: The condensate pump may be broken. This can be tested by pouring water into the condenser pan to see if the unit pumps out the excess. If it doesn’t, check the power to the pump. If the power is fine, then it is most likely the condensate motor. Consult Atlanta air conditioning experts to determine the source of the problem.
  3. Drain line is blocked: The drain line is responsible for removing water from the unit. When it becomes blocked with dirt or debris, it cannot do its job properly. Check the line and clear the blockage if there is one.
  4. Air leakage: If the seal on the unit isn’t tight, excess warm air can get inside of the unit. This will cause moisture from the air to condense when it meets the cold air inside of the AC unit. The excess moisture then pools beneath the unit. Resealing the outside of the unit should help this problem.
  5. Outside temperature is too cold: When the temperature begins to change, extra water build-up can occur.

When you need help addressing the question of why is my A/C unit leaking water, contact Empire Heating and Air Conditioning. The Atlanta air conditioning experts have 30 years of air conditioning repair experience. They serve the metro Atlanta area, including Gwinnett, South Forsyth, Fulton and DeKalb counties.

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