Why Is My AC Leaking Water Inside the House?
Your air conditioner removes a surprising amount of moisture from the air. On a humid Oklahoma day, a typical home system can pull gallons of water out of the air. That water is supposed to drain away through a small pipe called the condensate line. When something goes wrong with that drain, water ends up where it should not be.
Common causes of AC water leaks
A clogged condensate drain line. Algae, mold, dust, and sludge build up in the line over time and eventually block it. This is the most common cause by far.
A cracked or rusted drain pan. Older systems, especially units in attics, can have pans that rust through.
A frozen coil. When the indoor coil freezes and then melts, it can release more water than the pan can handle. See our post on frozen AC units.
A failed condensate pump. If your system uses a small pump to move water out, the pump can fail and overflow.
A disconnected drain line. Sometimes a fitting comes loose, especially after other work has been done near the unit.
How to clear a condensate drain line
If you are comfortable doing simple maintenance:
Turn the system off at the thermostat.
Find the drain line access point near the indoor unit. It is often a T shaped fitting with a cap.
Remove the cap and pour in about a quarter cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Flush with a little clean water.
Outside, find where the drain line ends and make sure it is not blocked by dirt or plants. A wet/dry shop vacuum on the outside end can help pull out a clog.
Doing the vinegar flush every few months during cooling season helps prevent clogs.
Attic units need extra attention
If your air handler is in the attic, a leak can damage ceilings and insulation quickly. Make sure your unit has a secondary drain pan and a float safety switch that shuts the system off before it overflows. If you see a water stain on a ceiling below your attic unit, call us right away.
Red Rock Mechanical can clear clogged drains, install safety switches, and replace damaged pans. Call (405) 305-3085 or book online.
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