A leaking AC can damage the walls, the internal electric circuit and even cause temperature fluctuations at different times of the day. Fortunately, it is often easy to detect a leak and even schedule repair, many of which are remarkably affordable. Want to know the common causes of an AC leak? Keep reading!
Common Causes Of Water Leakage in Condensing Units
Air Condensing systems are pretty reliable and durable. However, sometimes they trouble us with functional problems like leaking water due to these 4 common causes.
Drainage Clogging
This is hands down the most common reason behind an AC that is leaking water. When the drain is clogged, water from the Drain Pan overflows into other parts of the system and starts falling from any open slit on the hardware.
A clogged drainage is usually caused by large particles of dust, debris and even algae. The best way to remove this at home is to suck out the drain pipe using a wet vacuum. A dry vacuum also works but you need to be more careful.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filter in your air condenser unit needs to be changed once a month. When this is not done properly, the machine might suffer from over-condensation which in turn leads to the leaking of water.
Further, dirty air filters not only fail to clean the air but also reduce the rate of air inflow, making it harder for your unit to work. Extra dirt flowing into your AC is a major factor behind clogged drainage!
Damaged Condensing Pump
A pump that is not working properly will not safely transfer water out of your air condenser. This means instead of being pumped out of your house, the water remains inside the unit disturbing its internal pressure and the capacity of the condenser.
A broken pump is not only an inconvenience; it can be rather dangerous for the interior as well as exterior of your house. If not fixed in time, it can lead to bigger drainage problems.
Improper Installation
Installing a residential unit is all about selecting the right place and making sure each part of the AC is properly connected to the electrical circuit as well as other areas of the system.
Amateur work in AC installation often leads to water leakage issues because the water simply cannot pass from one part of the system to another smoothly. Call in a professional maintenance team as soon as possible if you are facing this issue!
How To Troubleshoot Your Air Condenser?
Troubleshooting your AC unit is not difficult, especially when it comes to water leakage issues. However it must be done in time to reduce the chances of damaging more complex machine parts or other equipment in your house.
Start by checking for clogged drain lines which could obstruct the flow of water.
Next, Inspect the air filter for any blockages to the drainage system.
Make sure there is a proper drainage slope in your unit. If not, it might be an installation problem. If your unit has a condensate pump, clean it thoroughly to ensure it functions correctly.
If the issue persists, consider calling in an experienced professional for further assistance.
Final Thoughts
Your condenser may be leaking water due to clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, improper drainage slope, refrigerant leaks, or a malfunctioning condensate pump. To prevent this in future, appoint a professional maintenance team to look into your conditioning system every few months and save money in the long term!