My Air Conditioner is Leaking Water – What Now?

Where Is the Water Dripping From?

When diagnosing an air conditioner leaking water, it’s important to identify where the water is coming from. Is your aircon leaking water inside your home, or do you notice aircon leaking water outside?

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside

If your AC is leaking water inside, you may notice little water puddles forming around the indoor unit, damp spots on your walls or ceiling, or water dripping from vents. This could indicate several issues, including:

• Clogged condensate drainpipe.
• Dirty Air Filters
• Damaged or rusty drain pain
• Improper AC installation
• Low refrigerant levels
• Excessive humidity

These issues can cause water to build up inside your aircon, eventually overflowing and leaking into your home. Indoor water leaks should always be treated immediately. They can lead to mould growth, damage to your walls, and higher indoor humidity levels. Switch of your aircon immediately when you notice any water problems. Follow up then immediately with Verda Vento to book an emergency service call.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside

If your aircon outdoor unit is leaking water, you shouldn’t be generally worried. In fact, seeing water dripping from the outdoor unit is most of the time a normal thing, definitely when humidity levels are high. Only when you really notice excessive abnormal leaking, it could mean that you have one of following:

• An incorrectly installed drain line: we, at Verda Vento, will always try to install a drainpipe that drains the extra water away in your garden or sewage. In case it is improperly installed or clogged, it might result in water build up beneath the outdoor unit.

• A refrigerant leak: the coil of your outdoor unit will start freezing and therefore you will generate excess water.
• Lack of maintenance: If you do not service your aircon yearly, your coil will gradually have dust build-up. This will result in poor performance and water will start accumulating.

If you are in doubt, feel free to book in a service call with Verda Vento through our online booking system.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Dripping Water?

Before we explain the potential solutions, it’s important to understand why your air conditioner is leaking water in the first place. In general, aircons produce water as part of the cooling process. Warm air will pass over the evaporator coil inside your AC unit and this air contains moisture. That moisture will condensate into water droplets. Normally this water is collected in a drain pain and flows out normally through a condensate drainpipe. However, in some cases there can be several issues that cause leaking.

Common Causes of Water Dripping from AC:

1. Clogged Condensate Drainpipe

   One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner dripping water is a clogged condensate drainpipe. Over time, dirt, dust, and algae can accumulate in the drainpipe, causing a blockage. When this happens, your water has nowhere to go and starts overflowing outside the unit.

2. Dirty Air Filters

   Another common problem is dirty air filters. When filters become clogged, the airflow is restricted and it causes the coil to freeze up. It will affect your performance, but also when the coil starts thawing, the excess water may overwhelm the drain pan.

3. Damaged or Rusty Drain Pan

   The drain pan underneath your evaporator coil collects all the water produced by the cooling process. If this pan becomes cracked, rusted, or damaged over time, it can no longer contain the water effectively. As a result, you might see your air conditioner leaking water inside your home.

4. Improper AC Installation

   If your air conditioner is not installed correctly, it may not be properly levelled. A unit that is tilted can prevent water from flowing smoothly into the drain pan or through the drain line, resulting in aircon leaking water outside or inside the house. Incorrect installation is unfortunately very prevalent in South Africa. Choose therefore the best aircon installer of Cape Town: Verda Vento.

5. Low Refrigerant Levels

   Low refrigerant levels have a similar effect as a dirty air filter: it causes the evaporator coil to freeze. When the frozen coil eventually thaws, it can produce excess water, causing your AC to leak water. A refrigerant leak is a serious problem that requires professional repair, but the signs often start with the presence of water dripping from your air conditioner or the lack of cooling/heating. Book a service or maintenance of your aircon immediately with Verda Vento to avoid this!

6. Excessive Humidity

   In areas with extremely high humidity, your air conditioner will naturally produce more water as it removes moisture from the air. If your system is too small or not powerful enough to handle the humidity load, you may find that your air conditioner water builds up faster than it can drain, leading to aircon leaking water inside. This can be avoided by choosing a good installation partner.

How to Fix a Leaking Air Conditioner

The good news is that some causes of aircons dripping water are relatively simple to fix. However, others may require professional intervention. Below are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Check the Air Filter

The first thing you should do when you notice water dripping from your AC is check the air filter. If it’s clogged or dirty, clean it immediately. This simple fix can improve airflow and prevent the coil from freezing.

Check your step-by-step guide how to clean the filters of your aircon.

Cleaning your air filter regularly (every 1-3 months, depending on usage & application) can prevent many common AC issues, including leaks.

2. Unclog the Condensate Drainpipe

If your AC is leaking water, the condensate drainpipe might be clogged. You can often clear the blockage with a few simple tools.

How to Clear a Clogged Condensate Drainpipe:

1. Turn off your aircon.
2. Locate the condensate drain line, typically near the outdoor unit.
3. Try to vacuum/blow the clog out of the drain line.
4. Pour a mixture of vinegar and water down the drain line to clean it out and prevent future clogs.
5. Turn your AC back on and see if the leak has stopped.

If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to call an aircon expert like Verda Vento to have your air conditioner fixed!

3. Inspect the Drain Pan

A broken or rusted drain pan can cause your air conditioner water to leak out before it reaches the drain line. If you suspect this is the problem, inspect the drain pan for any damage.

How to Fix or Replace a Damaged Drain Pan:

1. Turn off your AC unit.
2. Remove the access panel to reach the evaporator coil and drain pan.
3. Look for cracks or rust in the pan. If you see damage, you’ll need to replace the pan.
4. You can temporarily seal small cracks with waterproof sealant, but for long-term reliability, a new drain pan is necessary.
5. Turn your AC back on and monitor for leaks.

If you’re not comfortable inspecting or replacing the drain pan yourself, it’s best to contact us to have professional aircon service done.

4. WhatsApp Verda Vento

We have years of experience with installing servicing air conditioners. Our goal is a worry-free operation. In case you bought your aircon with someone else, we are still happy to solve the problem for you.

In some cases, like low refrigerant levels, you always will need to contact an expert. You can WhatsApp us 24/7 on: 072 989 5695

What can you do yourself to prevent water leaks from your aircon?

Preventing air conditioner water leaks is much easier and cheaper than dealing with them once they occur. Here are some steps you can take to keep your AC running smoothly:

1. Clean Air Filters Regularly: Cleaning your air filters every 1-3 months ensures proper airflow and prevents your evaporator coil from freezing.
2. Book a yearly service with Verda Vento: ensure a worry-free operation by booking a maintenance call with Verda Vento
3. Clean the Condensate Drain Line: Every few months, flush the drain line with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any algae or debris (only for experts).