Seeing water dripping from or collecting around an air conditioner can be concerning. Air-conditioning systems naturally remove moisture from indoor air, but that moisture should normally drain away through the system rather than leak into your home.
Several common problems can interfere with that process.
1. Check Where the Water Is Coming From
First, determine whether the water is actually coming from the air-conditioning system.
Look around the indoor unit, nearby drain lines, walls, ceilings, and flooring.
Do not remove electrical panels or reach inside the unit while trying to locate the leak.
2. The Condensate Drain May Be Blocked
As your air conditioner removes humidity from the air, condensation normally flows through a drain line.
Dirt, algae, debris, or other buildup can restrict that line.
If the water cannot drain properly, it may overflow from the drain pan or appear around the indoor unit.
3. Check the Air Filter
A severely dirty filter can restrict airflow through the system.
Restricted airflow may contribute to the evaporator coil becoming too cold and developing ice.
When that ice eventually melts, the amount of water may overwhelm the normal drainage system.
4. Look for Ice or Frost
Visible ice around accessible parts of the indoor unit or refrigerant lines can indicate that the system is freezing.
If you notice significant ice, turn the cooling system off and allow it to thaw naturally.
Do not chip or scrape the ice away.
If the system freezes again, have an HVAC technician determine why.
5. The Drain Pan May Be Damaged
Many systems have a pan designed to collect condensation.
An older, damaged, rusted, or improperly positioned drain pan may allow water to escape instead of directing it toward the drain.
6. Don’t Ignore Water Damage
Water from an AC leak can damage ceilings, walls, floors, cabinets, and other materials.
If water is accumulating inside the home, address the problem promptly rather than simply placing a container underneath it indefinitely.
When Should You Call an HVAC Professional?
Consider calling a qualified HVAC technician if:
- Water continues leaking from the AC
- The condensate drain repeatedly becomes blocked
- Ice forms on the system
- Water is leaking through a ceiling or wall
- The drain pan appears damaged
- You cannot identify where the water is coming from
- The system is not cooling properly
A small amount of condensation is normal inside an air-conditioning system. Water leaking into your living space is not and should be investigated.