Why is my aircon leaking water?

Is your aircon leaking water and you just aren't sure why? You'll be happy to know, that you're not alone and there are ways it can be fixed. Take a read of the following for some tips, tricks and things to look out for and call All Purpose Trade Solutions for further help.

Should my aircon be leaking water?

It is normal for some water to be coming from your air conditioner when it is on, as long as it is coming from the drain tube outside and dries pretty fast once your air conditioner is off. The amount of water that is leaking from your AC's drain will depend on a range of factors though, including humidity, the temperature outside, and/or the temperature selected on your air conditioner's thermostat.

If, however, water is leaking from the air outlet grille, or any other part of your unit inside (including dripping on your furniture) this is not normal and needs to be addressed.

Signs your aircon is leaking water

Besides the obvious, what other signs should you look out for when it comes to a leaky aircon?

• Your ceiling has stain marks.
• Your ceiling has bubbled paint.
• There is damaged and/or broken plaster on your ceiling (this can include plaster caving in).
• There are pools of water present.

Areas your aircon can be leaking

• Water is leaking from the drain pipe connected to the outside unit: A small amount of water, when your air conditioner is on, is normal. Leakage, when your unit isn't on, can be a sign of a blocked drain pipe, causing it to build up instead of flowing through the drain.
• Water is leaking from the inside unit: This can be caused by a range of things, from a drain line being disconnected to a condensation pump malfunctioning, so call in the professionals to help you out.
• Water is leaking from the bottom of the outside unit: This can occur if you are using your aircon for heating, as opposed to cooling. Not usually a huge cause for alarm but keep an eye on it and call in a professional if you are in any way unsure.

Why is my aircon leaking water?

There is a range of reasons why your air conditioner may be leaking water.

Humid weather

If you are located in a region that has humid weather, condensation can pool from your aircon due to the difference in temperature. Remember, aircons remove humidity from the air, so the more humidity, the more condensation from your system.

Filters and/or finned coil

When your air conditioning unit is on, the finned coil in the system stays moist and collects airborne dust particles easily. If there is a build-up of dust though, the finned coil may become clogged, which stops airflow and results in it being iced over.

Tip: If you are finding that more condensation than normal starts after you turn your ac off, this may be a sign of a blocked finned coil and a more serious problem.

Refrigerant gas levels

If the refrigerant gas levels in your ac system are too low, this means both the finned coil and condenser coil won't be able to create the 'cooling effect' they are required to. This can also cause the compressor to work with longer cycles, which can result in the finned coil ice-ing over.

Tip: If you are finding that your room isn't being cooled as it should, and there is less condensation, is a sign of a more serious issue.

Drain system

If your air conditioners' drain tray is blocked, or any of the pipes are clogged, this can cause leakage from your unit. Even if the drain tray is cracked or leaking, which may not be clear to you when looking at your system, this can still cause extra water to pool too.

Drain line

If the drain line of your ac unit has been disconnected, this can cause leakage.

Installation

If your aircon hasn't been installed correctly, or you have an incorrectly sized system (e.g. too small), this can cause extra water to be produced and cause leakage.

How can I fix my leaking aircon?

Call in an industry expert, as they regularly deal with aircon issues just like yours. They also have the tools and equipment to deal with everything properly and can find any issues even before they occur. You'll thank us later!

How can I prevent my air conditioner from leaking?

There are a few steps you can take to try and combat aircon leakage and prevent it from occurring, including:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean your ac filters - this can help with a variety of aspects, including leaking.
• Time of day: Turning your air conditioning unit on at the right time of day.
• Quality: Having a quality aircon unit and quality equipment and parts ensures that your system remains in good condition for longer.
• Maintenance: Keeping up with regular air conditioning maintenance has so many benefits, so speak to an industry professional about arranging a maintenance schedule (All Purpose Trade Solutions can help too!).

If you need some help, give All Purpose Trade Solutions a call on 1300 370 455 and we can assist with all your aircon needs.

This page is a guide only and should be used as such. Please complete your own research when it comes to your air conditioning and speak to a professional. This page does not replace professional advice.