About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water & What Should I Do?
By Travis Baugh
An air conditioner leaking water is often a sign of an underlying issue, most commonly a clogged condensate drain line, a dirty air filter, or a frozen evaporator coil. Addressing the leak quickly is crucial to prevent water damage to your home and more significant damage to your HVAC system.
If your AC is leaking, it can be a frustrating problem that requires immediate attention. Understanding why your air conditioner is leaking water is the first step toward finding a reliable solution. While some issues can be resolved with simple DIY steps, others demand professional expertise. This guide will help you identify the cause and determine the right course of action. For immediate help, contact your local Bryant dealer. central air conditioner local Bryant dealer.
What Are the Top Reasons for an AC Leaking Water?
An air conditioner leaking water can happen for several reasons, from simple maintenance oversights to more complex system malfunctions. Below are the most common causes.
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The most frequent cause of an AC leaking water is a clogged condensate drain line. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, which collects and flows out through this line. If the line becomes blocked with dirt, algae, or debris, water will back up and leak from the indoor unit.
“The best way to prevent this is through regular AC maintenance, including treating the drains with drain tablets or pads,” David Fowler, owner of Family Heating and Air in Pensacola, Florida, said.
Fowler warns against homeowners trying to perform this task themselves.
“Homeowners should call a licensed dealer for this maintenance or treatment,” Fowler warned. “Doing it incorrectly could damage the equipment.”
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil is another common culprit. When the coil freezes, the ice melts and can overwhelm the drain pan, causing water to leak. This is often triggered by poor airflow from a dirty filter or low refrigerant levels.
3. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow across the evaporator coil, causing it to get too cold and freeze over. When the ice melts, the excess water overflows the drain pan. Regularly checking and replacing your air filter is a simple, effective way to prevent this. Learn more about air filter replacement.
4. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low AC refrigerant levels reduce pressure in the system, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. As the ice thaws, water leaks. A refrigerant leak requires professional repair from a certified technician.
5. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
Over time, the condensate drain pan can become damaged or rusted. If the pan is cracked or corroded, it can cause water to leak from the unit. This issue is more common in older air conditioners.
6. Improper Installation
If an air conditioning system is not installed correctly, the unit may not be level. This can prevent the condensate drain pan from collecting water effectively, leading to overflows and leaks.. Learn more about the importance of AC installation.
7. Disconnected or Damaged Drain Line
The drain line that carries condensation away from the unit can become disconnected or damaged, causing water to leak inside or outside the unit. This can happen due to wear and tear, or improper installation.
8. Blocked or Dirty Evaporator Coils
When evaporator coils are covered in dirt and grime, they can't transfer heat efficiently. This can lead to freezing and excessive condensation, which results in leaks. Learn how to clean AC coils and how to clean air conditioners.
9. High Humidity Levels
During periods of extreme humidity, your AC system works harder and produces more condensation. If the system is not sized correctly for your home, it may struggle to drain the excess moisture, causing leaks.. Learn more about the importance of a properly sized air conditioner.
10. Malfunctioning Condensate Pump
Some installations use a condensate pump to actively remove water. If this pump fails, clogs, or loses power, the water will back up and overflow.
What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water?
If you notice your AC leaking water, taking immediate action can prevent costly damage to your home and HVAC system. Follow these steps to diagnose and address the issue safely.
- Turn Off the AC: Your first step should be to turn off the power to your central air conditioner at the thermostat and the breaker box. This stops the system from producing more water and prevents electrical hazards.
- Check the Air Filter: A clogged filter is a common cause of a frozen evaporator coil. Inspect your filter and replace it if it appears dirty.
- Inspect the Condensate Drain Line: Check the drain line for any visible clogs or blockages at the point where it exits the unit. You can often clear minor clogs yourself with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Examine the Drain Pan: Look at the drain pan located under the indoor unit for cracks, rust, or standing water, which may indicate a clog or damage.
- Allow Frozen Coils to Thaw: If you see ice on the evaporator coils, let them thaw completely with the system turned off. This can take several hours.
- Call a Professional: If you cannot identify the source of the leak, suspect a refrigerant issue, or are uncomfortable performing these checks, it’s time to call a professional.
“There are some pretty dangerous elements to an HVAC system,” Samantha Houchin, owner of The Weather Changers in Denver, Colorado, said. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could damage the system or even put yourself in harm’s way. It’s best to rely on someone who is trained, understands the system inside and out, and knows how it works.”
Connect With A Bryant Dealer To Fix An AC Leaking Water
A Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer has the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and perform reliable reliable air conditioning service. They can ensure the repair is done safely and correctly. Schedule an appointment with your local Bryant dealer to get the process started today.
AC Leaking Water FAQs
Water leaking from the bottom is usually due to a clogged drain line, frozen evaporator coil, or cracked drain pan, all of which prevent proper condensation drainage.
To stop your AC from leaking, your local Bryant dealer will check for a clogged condensate drain line, dirty air filter, or damaged drain pan, and clean or repair as needed to restore proper drainage.
It’s best to turn off the unit and call your local Bryant dealer, as running a leaking AC can cause water damage and potentially lead to mold growth or system failure.
Insurance may cover water damage caused by an AC leak, but not the cost to repair or replace the unit itself unless a covered event caused the leak.
If water or refrigerant is leaking, turn off your system and contact a professional. Water leaks can cause ceiling or floor damage, and refrigerant leaks should be addressed immediately for safety and performance.
Water leaks usually appear as pooling near the unit, while refrigerant leaks often cause hissing sounds, frost buildup, or reduced cooling performance. A certified HVAC technician can test to confirm the cause.
Learn More About Air Conditioners
- Explore AC replacement
- Understand the value AC tune ups
- Get help with an AC not working
- What to do with mold in an air conditioner
- How to troubleshoot AC smells or an AC not blowing cold air
- Find out how long do AC units last?
