Why is my AC leaking water?

If your air conditioner is leaking water, the first thing to determine is where the water is coming from.

A traditional heat pump split system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. During a Jacksonville summer, it is common to see condensation around the outdoor unit. Water may come from the weep holes, which can make it look like the outdoor unit is leaking.

However, what you are seeing may simply be condensation coming off the cold pipes rather than an actual water leak.

If the water is coming from the indoor unit, there are several things you should check.

1. What should I do if water is coming from my indoor AC unit?

If water is coming from the indoor unit, the first thing you should do is turn the AC system off.

Then:

1. Check the air filter to see if it is clogged.
2. Inspect the area for any ice buildup.
3. Inspect the drain line for any obvious signs of a restriction.
4. Inspect the float switch.
5. Inspect the air handler, especially if it is a horizontal unit, and determine where the water is actually coming from.

Is the water coming from the drain pipe? Is it coming from the ductwork? Or is it coming from the cabinet itself?

The most common issue we find when an air handler is leaking water is a clogged drain line.

In most cases, the float switch should prevent flooding. However, float switches can fail, which is why we recommend checking them periodically.

2. What should I do if I find ice on my indoor AC unit?

If you identify ice buildup on the indoor pipes or around the air handler cabinet:

1. Before shutting the indoor unit off, listen to see if you can hear the blower running.
2. Shut the indoor unit off.
3. Check the air filter to see if it is dirty or clogged.
4. If accessible, check the cleanliness of the indoor coil.
5. Clean up any water that may be causing damage to your home.
6. Contact Guardian Heating & Air.

3. What should I do if my AC drain line is clogged?

If you have determined that the drain line is clogged, we recommend contacting an HVAC professional to have it properly cleaned.

However, if you want to clean the drain line yourself using a shop vac, you can visit Guardian Heating & Air’s YouTube page and watch our quick video explaining how to properly clean an AC drain line.

Website note: Link “clean an AC drain line” directly to Guardian’s drain-line cleaning video.

4. How can I help prevent my AC drain line from clogging again?

Once the immediate drain line clog has been addressed, homeowners should consider investing in an HVAC maintenance program.

At a minimum, homeowners should inspect the drain line and float switch monthly.

If you clean the drain line yourself, adjust how often you clean it based on what you are seeing with your system.

5. When should I call Guardian Heating & Air for an AC water leak?

If you find ice buildup on the indoor pipes or around the air handler cabinet, shut the indoor unit off after listening to determine whether the blower is running.

Check the filter and, if accessible, the cleanliness of the indoor coil. Clean up any water that may be causing damage to your home and contact Guardian Heating & Air.

If you determine that the drain line is clogged, we also recommend contacting an HVAC professional to have it properly cleaned.