Many households experience water leakage from their air conditioners after prolonged use. This can be annoying and may damage other electronic devices, cause damp walls and health issues. To fix this issue, we need to understand its causes.
Why is your AC leaking water?
Water leakage from the evaporator coil of your AC is a common issue with multiple causes.
Installation Errors
Improper installation of the drain pipe or a kink in the pipe can prevent water from flowing out, causing it to back up into the evaporator coil. Thus, the AC unit should be installed at a higher position than the drain pipe to allow water to flow out naturally.
Dust and Dirt Build-up
If the AC’s air filter is not cleaned regularly, it can get clogged with dust and dirt, leading to water condensation and leakage. Over time, the drain pipe can also get blocked by dust, mold, or insects, causing water to back up into the evaporator coil.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When the AC is low on refrigerant, its cooling capacity decreases, leading to ice formation on the evaporator coil. As the ice melts, water may overflow and back up into the unit.
Old AC Unit
If your AC has been in use for a long time without proper maintenance, components such as the drain pan and drain pipe may deteriorate, crack, or break, preventing water from draining properly.
Water leakage from the AC unit can cause damage to electronics and promote mold growth. (Image: The Spruce)
How to Fix a Leaking AC
If your AC is leaking water, follow these steps:
Clean the Drain Pipe
First, check if the drain pipe is kinked or clogged. If so, adjust or replace the pipe. Then, use a pump or high-pressure water spray to clean the inside of the drain pipe to remove any dirt, mold, or obstructions.
Clean the Air Filter
Turn off the power to the AC, remove the air filter, and wash it with warm water and a mild detergent. Allow the air filter to dry completely before reinstalling it and turning on the AC to test.
Refill Refrigerant
If your AC is leaking water and not cooling effectively, check the refrigerant level. You may need to call a professional to inspect and refill the refrigerant if necessary.
To prevent refrigerant depletion, maintain your AC regularly every 6 months to 1 year.
Replace Damaged Components
If the drain pan or drain pipe is damaged, replace it immediately to ensure proper water drainage. Other components such as the drain valve and evaporator fan should also be inspected and replaced if faulty.
How to Prevent AC Water Leakage
To prevent water leakage from your AC unit:
– Regular Cleaning: Clean your AC at least every 6 months to ensure optimal performance and prevent blockages. Clean the air filter monthly.
– Replace Air Filter: Replace the air filter every 4-5 months to prevent water leakage and ensure effective air filtration for healthy indoor air quality.
– Regular Maintenance: Schedule maintenance every 3-4 months to keep your AC functioning efficiently and detect and fix any potential issues, including water leakage. Regularly check and refill the refrigerant to maintain cooling performance.
– Check Installation: Ensure your AC is installed correctly with a proper slope to allow water to drain naturally.
– Proper AC Usage: Use your AC according to its capacity to avoid overloading, which can lead to ice formation and water leakage. Turn off the AC when not in use to prevent continuous operation and potential water leakage.
Source: VTC News
How to Fix a Leaking Air Conditioner?
To address the issue of a dripping air conditioner evaporator, your first step should be to inspect the drain pipe for any bends or blockages.
