AC Leaking Water? Do This First

What to do right now

Do these in order. They limit water damage and protect the equipment.

• Turn the AC off at the thermostat so it stops making more water.
• Put towels or a pan under the leak and mop up standing water.
• Check the air filter. A badly clogged one can cause icing that melts into a leak.
• Look at the drain pan under the indoor unit. If it is full, the drain line is likely clogged.
• Do not keep running the system while it is leaking.

Why an AC leaks water

Your AC pulls moisture out of the air, and that water is supposed to leave through a drain line. A leak usually means that path is blocked or the coil has iced over. The usual causes are:

• A clogged condensate drain line from algae or debris.
• A cracked or rusted drain pan.
• A dirty air filter or weak airflow that freezes the coil, which then melts.
• Low refrigerant that lets the coil freeze.
• A drain line that is disconnected or not sloped correctly.
• A float switch that is stuck or has tripped.

What you can check yourself

• Replace the air filter if it is dirty.
• Look for ice on the indoor unit or the refrigerant line. If you see ice, let it thaw with the fan on and the cooling off.
• Look for the drain line outlet outside the house and see whether water is coming out of it when the system runs.
• Turn the AC back on after the checks. If water appears again, it needs a technician.

When to call Cool Guys

Call us if the leak comes back, if the drain pan is full, if you see ice and the filter was already clean, or if water is reaching walls or ceilings. A technician finds the cause, tells you the price before any work begins, and fixes it. The dispatch fee is $49 and it is waived with any repair. If the system is near the end of its life, we will show you the repair and a replacement option side by side. Replacement estimates are always free.