An air conditioner is more than just a common household item; it is something many of us cannot live without. This is especially true during the summer, when the weather can quickly become unbearably hot, and you spend as much time indoors as possible.
But like any essential appliance, air conditioners can encounter problems — one of the most common being water leaks. These leaks not only damage neighbouring furniture but also create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of accidents. Left unchecked, they can even raise your energy bills and lead to costly repairs.
So, why does your aircon leak water in the first place? Let’s explore the reasons
behind aircon leaks and the steps you can take to resolve them.
MY AIRCON IS LEAKING WATER — WHY DOES THAT HAPPEN?
Whether you have a split system or a multi-head unit, your aircon operates by pulling warm, humid air from inside your home and circulating it over cold evaporator coils. These coils are filled with refrigerant, which absorbs the heat from the air, cooling it down. As the air cools, the moisture in the warm air condenses into water droplets, much like how water forms on a cold glass on a hot day.
This condensation is collected in a drain pan and funnelled outside through a condensation line. Under normal conditions, this system works efficiently, keeping your space cool while removing excess moisture. However, if something goes wrong, the water has nowhere to go, causing it to leak from the unit.
COMMON ISSUES LEADING TO AIRCON WATER LEAKS
- BLOCKED AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
When the air filter becomes clogged, the air movement through the system is slowed. This causes the air to freeze, and when you switch off the air conditioner or reach the ideal air temperature, the ice on the filter begins to melt. The water seeps out, and the air conditioner starts to leak.
- BROKEN PUMP
The pump in your air conditioner is responsible for moving condensation out of the unit. If the pump becomes faulty due to mechanical failure or accumulated dirt, it won’t be able to expel the water efficiently. Over time, this water will build up inside the system, eventually causing leaks. Before this happens, you might notice the aircon isn’t cooling as well as it used to, or you might see small puddles forming around the unit. These signs mean the pump could be struggling and needs attention.
- REFRIGERANT IS AT A LOW LEVEL
When refrigerant levels are low, the air conditioner won’t blow cold air, and the air won’t condense on the evaporator coil, causing your air conditioner to leak water. You may also hear a bubbling or hissing sound, indicating that the air conditioning coolant is leaking and that you require quick air conditioning repair. You will only need an aircon gas refill, but if you believe that the aircon is leaking refrigerant rather than water, then you must reach out to an expert immediately as this harms not only you but also the environment.
- DRAIN PAN RUST
When iron is involved, it rusts as a result of the action of water and air (oxygen). The drain pan rusts fast since it is composed of metal. The unit is prone to getting blocked as a result of persistent rusting in the drain pan, obstructing the flow of water outside. This eventually results in spills and air conditioning leaks.
- CLOGGED CONDENSATION LINE
An air conditioner draws humid, warm air from within and blasts it over frozen pipes. Because the coils are filled with cold refrigerant, they are colder than the air. Moisture vapour in the air condenses on the cool coil and condenses into liquid water. The air conditioner will drip unless the water is properly collected and drained.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE YOUR AIRCON LEAKING
Now that you know why your aircon leaks, the next step is understanding what to do when it happens. While it might seem alarming, following the right steps can help resolve the issue promptly and prevent further damage:
- CLEAR THE AREA AROUND THE UNIT
Remove any furniture, electronics or valuable items near the leaking air conditioner to avoid water damage. Placing towels or a bucket under the leak can help control the water.
- INSPECT FOR VISIBLE BLOCKAGES
Without tampering too much, check if you can spot any obvious blockages, such as debris around the outdoor unit. Sometimes clearing away leaves or dirt can help improve airflow until a professional arrives.
- CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS
Ultimately, it’s best to call a qualified technician to handle the issue properly. They can quickly diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs, ensuring your aircon is back in working order without further risks.
TRUST THE EXPERTS AT KYC AIR CONDITIONING
When it comes to water leaks, KYC Air Conditioning is here to provide the solutions you need. With over 10 years of industry experience and having serviced more than 2,000 homes across Sydney, we understand how to address any air conditioning issue across various models and setups. Our trusted in-house team of 15+ air conditioning and customer care specialists ensures that every job is handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
Get a free quote when you enquire! We’re also here for regular maintenance, professional installation and ducted gas heating services.
