From time to time any system will have some problems, and your air conditioning (A/C) system is no different. One of the most common problems that occurs is your A/C leaking water. This isn’t as crucial to operation as damage to other parts of your A/C but will nonetheless affect how well your unit functions.
While there are many potential causes of your A/C leaking water, there are three in particular that are very common.
1. Malfunctioning or broken condenser pump
Some condensation is perfectly natural and planned for during operation of an A/C unit. Any water is intended to drain off into your condensate pan, which can then be removed using a condenser pump. If this pump is broken or not functioning correctly it will not be able to remove the water from the condensate pan, which will cause water to accumulate.
2. Blocked condensate drain
Perhaps the easiest problem to check for is an obstruction in the condensate drain. This is where water that your air conditioner removes from the air collects and is drained outside. If there is dirt, mold or accumulated debris stuck ialong the line the water will accumulate in the drain pan and around the air conditioning unit. A quick clean of the condensate drain may easily resolve the water problem.
3. Equipment error
There are many parts to an air conditioner and it is easy to make an error during installation. One possible error is for the unit not to be completely level, which can cause water to flow or collect somewhere it shouldn’t and possibly cause a leak. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the internal pressure of the unit. When vents around the residence are closed, it can lead to an increase of pressure inside the main A/C unit. Higher pressure conditions will cause an increase of condensation, which may be enough to overwhelm your water removal functions.
If you are unable to find the cause of your leak it’s best to consult with a professional with experience with A/C problems like Griffith Energy Services. We’ve have over a hundred years experience in the Baltimore area.
Written by Kevin Spain
