During blistering Perth summers, the last thing homeowners want is to have their air-conditioner malfunction. However, you spot your air conditioner leaking water. In that case, it’s crucial that you shut off power immediately and investigate further to determine the cause of the leakage.
Don’t let a watery disaster ruin your air conditioning experience — get the facts about why your ac is leaking water and everything you need to know to tackle possible leaking issues from split and ducted air conditioning types.
9 Reasons Why Water is Leaking Out of Your Split System Air Conditioner
The evaporator coil within your split system air conditioner is crucial for setting the air conditioner temperature in summer and winter. Regrettably, it can also cause condensation, like leaving a cold glass of water on the table! This moisture build-up on the coils must be resolved to ensure optimal performance from your AC unit.
Your AC works hard to keep you comfortable, and it helps prevent damage to your home in the process! Moisture from the operation is collected into a drain pan which runs through a condensate pipe. This white PVC line guides any excess moisture away from the house structure.
Have you noticed that water leaks unexpectedly instead of a steady, controlled drip from your home? Solving this mystery can be tricky – it might be time to explore reasons for water leakage from split ac.
Your Condensate Drain is Clogged
Clogged drains can lead to severe water damage from air conditioners. These blockages prevent proper drainage and prompt indoor units to back up with liquid caused by dirt build-up on the exterior or an animal getting stuck in the split system drain pipe. Unblocking your drain is easy, and you may have to trim off parts of the system for removal.
You Got a Filthy Filter
Dirty filters can be a silent cause of water leaking from your split system air conditioner. However, if left unchecked, build-up of dirt and debris on the system’s filter clogs it up, so less air reaches its evaporator coil. This leads to the air conditioner spitting ice or melting ice dripping from coils. To avoid this issue, ensure filters are regularly cleaned and maintained.
Regular filter maintenance keeps your split system air conditioner in top shape. Doing so every six months will ensure optimal performance and efficiency. In addition, servicing your air conditioners often ensures that your air conditioner stays in tip-top shape.
Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
To ensure your AC is working correctly, it’s essential to check your drain pan. Located underneath the evaporator coils or in the air handler, this component catches all condensation drips from your system so it can be routed safely outdoors via a dedicated drain line. Of course, if damage or rusting has occurred, you’ll need to take care of it ASAP!
Time can be cruel to your air conditioning unit, with rust and corrosion often appearing on the drain pan or other components. So if you notice that your AC is leaking water, this could mean it’s time for a replacement — especially if it has been in operation for over 15-20 years.
Running Low on Refrigerant
When your AC’s refrigerant levels drop, tell-tale signs suggest it has become affected. These may range from lower pressure to a frozen evaporator coil – similar to what would happen with an unclean air filter. Water can also flood out if the frost melts away due to this lack of coolant. Learn more about refrigerants in aircon from our essential guide.
A bubbling or hissing sound from your air conditioner is a sure sign of trouble — refrigerant leakage. It may be possible to repair the damage, but there’s also the potential for needing to replace the entire unit.
You Got Pests Lurking
Your split system AC unit doesn’t stand a chance against Australian pests! From wasps to possums and even geckos, these critters love building their nests in the small spaces of your air conditioning’s drainage points. Unfortunately, this can lead to condensation build-up, which results in leaks — not ideal for an Aussie summer!
To get to the root of your pest problem, you need a technician to identify common access points and eliminate any unwelcome critters.
High Humidity
Split systems are a great way to keep your home cool. Still, you live in an area with higher humidity, like in Western Australia. In that case, the performance of some lower-quality models may drop.
In particular, it’s common for condensation upon these kinds of air conditioners to cause slight dripping or leakage — nothing alarming unless there is excessive water present. So Panasonic and Mitsubishi Air Conditioning create split system products that can manage Australia’s extreme weather conditions efficiently and safely. One example is the Panasonic Air Conditioner With NANO G Technology And WIFI Adaptor.
Evaporator Coils are Frozen
Evaporator coils are a crucial component of the indoor unit, but if left unchecked can cause significant problems. For example, refrigerant leaks and blocked airflow restrict airflow across their surface, which causes them to freeze up—leading to moisture build-up that could overflow from your drain pan and water leaking into unwanted areas.
Disconnected Drain Line
Unattached drain lines can lead to disastrous consequences — water leaks from your AC system. In addition, these drains are vulnerable and may become loose due to improper installation or repairs or age-related wear and tear. Your AC unit can cause various water-related issues, from puddles on your floor to evaporative cooler leaking water on the roof.
Your Air Conditioner Was Not Installed Properly
Suppose you recently had an air conditioner installed and suddenly have a leak. In that case, there may be something amiss with the installation. To ensure the optimal functioning of your AC unit, it’s best to have installers come back to diagnose and repair any issues during the setup process.
9 Reasons Why Water is Leaking Out of Your Ducted Air Conditioner
A properly maintained air conditioning unit is essential for a comfortable home. To ensure your AC runs optimally, be alert for leaks that can cause costly damage. Take quick and effective preventive measures to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a leak.
Is your air ducted aircon leaking water? Don’t fret! Common problems can often be culprits. But first, discover the underlying causes of your ducted air conditioning leaking water.
Hot Weather
Perth and its environments are renowned for their hot and dry climate. As a result, many locals opt to install air conditioning units to combat this muggy atmosphere. However, they can also lead to condensation build-up despite relieving the heat.
Little To No Insulation
Poor insulation of air conditioning units is often the root cause of watermarks appearing on ceilings. Without proper insulation, condensation from air conditioner drain pipes in roof cavities will directly link to ceiling surfaces, leaving unsightly leaks and damage that can be difficult – if not expensive- to repair. Ensure your AC unit has complete coverage with an appropriate layer of insulating material.
You Got a Filthy Filter
Keeping your air filter clean is essential to preventing water leakage in an air conditioning unit. However, overlooking this simple maintenance task can decrease airflow, potentially causing unwanted and expensive problems.
The evaporator coils inside an air conditioning unit become susceptible to freezing when the surrounding air is too cold. As a result, it can create ice buildup, which, once heated again by outside temperatures, leads to a leak in the system.
Keeping clean air filters in your AC unit is one of the simplest steps to prevent coil freezing. However, air filter efficiency decreases over time and should be replaced every 1-2 months for optimal performance.
Keep your water unit running smoothly by regularly checking and potentially replacing the filters. Cleaning or changing them can stop minor issues from worsening while providing a clearer understanding of potential problems.
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is a vital component of your AC unit. Without it, your aircon won’t blow cold air. However, you don’t need to replace or top off refrigerants like cars if there’s an issue with the system, like an aircon leak. Only HVAC experts should repair and handle it: Refrigerants can lead to deadly ‘refrigerant poisoning‘ if ingested or absorbed through skin contact.
Low Gas Levels
Is your air conditioner’s cooling performance diminishing? It may be due to a gas leak, which causes the temperature of its coils to drop – leading to decreased efficiency, and potentially ac water dripping inside from the front or even within the ductwork. Changing filters can help prevent this issue and keep you comfortable.
If your air conditioner’s gas drops too low, you must fix it. Preventative maintenance is critical.
Drain Blockage
Maintaining the indoor unit’s drainage system is essential to ensure optimal functioning. For example, blocked drains and gutters can cause water to build up within the system. At the same time, an uncleaned safety drip tray underneath may lead to leakage.
Damaged or Cracked Drain Pan
One overlooked cause of air conditioner leaks is a cracked drain pan. This part is just beneath the evaporator coil, which helps capture moisture accumulating during cooling cycles. However, it can be easily compromised if it experiences significant damage or wears over time.
Over time, drain pans can degrade due to rust buildup. This degradation may prevent the pan from properly draining water into your air conditioning system, leading to potential damage and breakdown of equipment.
An air conditioning unit older than 15 years is much more likely to be affected by leak issues. Replacing the drain pans can help prevent such problems, but this type of work needs a professional’s expertise and experience. Regularly clear any debris from the drain pan to keep your drains free-flowing.
Clogged Condensate Line
To keep your condensate drain line in optimal condition, it’s important to regularly clear away dust and debris that can build up over time. Though uncommon, there is even a chance of a critter or two making the outside hose their home. So grab some distilled vinegar or an industrial-strength shop vac to unclog.
Poor Installation
Installing your air conditioner is a complex procedure requiring precision and attention to detail to avoid potential issues. Failing to account for factors such as the elevation of drainage pipes may have disastrous effects, allowing excess water or other debris into the main unit and resulting in costly leaks.
Finding the best air conditioning installation services in Perth is essential to ensure your AC’s optimal performance and avoid potential problems. Experienced professionals can determine whether reinstalling units or installing air deflectors are necessary to improve efficiency and airflow for improved comfort levels.
Is Water Leaking From Air Conditioners Dangerous?
No need to worry when you see water leaking from your air conditioner – it could be nothing serious. Nevertheless, schedule an appointment with HVAC professionals to prevent permanent damage and future problems.
While a leaking air conditioner is not always causing immediate concern, it’s essential to know that the fluid could be refrigerant when there is liquid leakage. This can be dangerous as evaporated gases are created in the process.
The Difference Between Water and Refrigerant Leaks
No need to worry if your air conditioner leaks water — that could be normal. But beware, water leaking from the outdoor ac unit might signify an issue with the refrigerant. In this case, taking action is paramount as the substance may become hazardous when evaporated.
Refrigerant leaks may be rare, but they can still pose serious health and environmental dangers. An air conditioning system is designed to transform the refrigerant between liquid and gas states.
That leak occurs in your unit. It could release this substance into the atmosphere as an invisible vapour. Therefore, it’s essential to recognise these risks.
Water Leak
An air conditioner’s evaporator coils are designed to collect and carry away condensation produced by the unit. But if a malfunction occurs, water can leak from or pool below the appliance – alerting you that something is wrong!
If you suspect your air conditioner may be leaking, look out for tell-tale signs such as moisture build-up beneath the unit and water damage near it and on its fan or floor. Remember to check if there’s a full drain pan, too – this can indicate further issues. You should also take note of mouldy solid or mildew odours in your home.
Refrigerant Leak
A tell-tale sign of water leaking from the a/c is the presence of puddles. However, if you suspect an air conditioner malfunction, note that refrigerant leaks cannot be detected by looking for liquid pools on the floor. Instead, it’s about recognising improper functioning and understanding that leaking coolants are gaseous.
Do you notice that your air conditioner runs more frequently and costs more to operate? It could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which can cause warm air to blow out of the vents and lead to ice build-up on evaporator coils or copper lines. Save yourself time and money by scheduling an AC inspection as soon as possible if any of these issues arise.
Don’t delay addressing refrigerant leaks to ensure your A/C is in optimal condition. Refrigerants are hazardous to humans, and the environment, so shut off your air conditioning system immediately if you detect a leak. Next, open windows and turn on fans for ventilation.
A Step-By-Step Guide on How To Fix Aircon Leak
When tackling a project outside your expertise, it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands. For example, here are things you can do if your air conditioner leaks.
However, for both safety and success, it’s always wise to call the aid of HVAC specialists who can guarantee quality results without risking further damage.
- Inspect the connected pipes for any signs of disconnection to prevent water from leaking from your air conditioning unit. Suppose this is found to be the source of leakage.
- If your drain pan is cracked, the fix is easy — coat it with epoxy. However, take action if there’s a water buildup in the pan. Be sure to empty and clean it out for optimal performance.
- Keep your pipes running smoothly — start by using a vacuum to remove any dirt that has built up in the line. Then, if necessary, use a wire brush and specially formulated cleaner to remove moss, algae or additional grime blocking the drain. Finally, ensure all pieces fit snugly together for an effective seal before putting everything back into place.
- Regularly inspect the condition of your air conditioning unit to ensure it is running efficiently. If you continue to experience leakage, contact a professional immediately. Let an expert investigate and determine if any underlying issues within your AC need repairs or maintenance attention.
- Keeping your air conditioner in top shape is essential for a comfortable home. For optimal performance, have it professionally serviced every six to twelve months and inspect external parts from time to time — any water overflow should prompt an immediate callout from your trusted HVAC service provider.
Routine maintenance is vital to keeping your air conditioner performing at its peak. If you’ve identified a leak, take advantage of this guide which will help determine the source and how best to repair it safely.
Also, ensure all necessary precautions when handling pipes and avoid damaging any components or the drain pan.
Call Global Cool Air For Any Aircon Leaking Water in Perth
If your air conditioner begins to emit water, turning it off immediately is the safest course of action. Determining whether what’s leaking is simply water or a refrigerant is essential – this will help you pinpoint potential causes and start fixing the issue quickly.
Is water leaking from outside? Who to call? Don’t risk handling potentially hazardous air conditioner problems alone – call in an expert from Global Cool Air. Our knowledgeable experience will give you peace of mind.
Beat the Perth heat with Global Cool Air! Our top-quality air-conditioner repairs and service make it easy to restore chill vibes in no time. We take pride in getting your A/C back up and running — get a quote today!
