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Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Sep 11, 2020
Why is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Your air conditioning system produces anywhere from 5 to 20 gallons of water a day. All that water drains to the outside through the condensate line when it’s working correctly. Otherwise, you end up with leaks inside your home.

How the Water Forms

Your central air system cools your home by pulling humidity out of the air. The moisture collects on the evaporator coils inside the indoor unit and drips off into a pan. The pan funnels the water to the condensate line which is a white tube that leads outside.

Why Air Conditioner Leaking water Happen

If water is pooling around the indoor unit, it’s usually due to a clogged condensate line.


The drain line can become blocked with algae, mold, dust and debris. When this happens, the water will back up into your home. New HVAC units will shut down automatically to prevent water damage. Older units, of course, will keep chugging along oblivious to the mess they’re creating.

How to Fix Air Conditioner Leaking

Before you try remedying the issue, shut off the AC system.

  • Find the condensate line. It’s typically located near your indoor air handler. The vertical portion has a cap. Remove the cap.


  • Attach a wet/dry vac to the end of the drain line and seal it with duct tape. Turn on the vacuum to remove the blockage.


  • Put on rubber gloves and pour a mix of one part water and one part bleach into the line.


  • Find the other end of the condensate line outside and see if the water is coming out. If so, the drain is clear.

Other Causes of a Leaking AC System

The drain pan is responsible for collecting the water that drips from the coils. If the pan is rusted or damaged, the water will leak through the pan and fall onto the floor. In case you face this issue, it is advisable to contact an HVAC professional to replace the drain pan.


Another possible reason for water leakage is a dirty or clogged air filter, which can prevent air from blowing over the coils. This, in turn, causes the coils to freeze up, and when the ice melts, it drips more water than the drain line can handle.


In conclusion, regular maintenance can help identify minor issues before they escalate and become major problems. Our experienced Mid-Florida Heating & Air HVAC technicians will inspect your drain pan and condensate line as part of a comprehensive AC tune-up. Please call (352) 377-4414 to schedule a maintenance visit.


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