Like other electronics, air conditioners can be troublesome when they don’t function properly.
If you’re wondering, ‘why is my air conditioner blowing out water?’ we’ve got the answer for you:
An air conditioner blows out water if there is a problem with water condensation. Once the coils sweat, this water collects in a pan to drain through vents. If your drain is not working properly, the water blows out.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t fret! It can be solved with a few steps discussed below. After all, it can be avoided with proper maintenance.
Read on!
Why Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Out Water
If you find some droplets on the floor, just below your AC unit, or on the sides of your AC unit, then be aware: Droplets of water from your AC unit are caused by the condensation pan overfilling.
The leaking happens during the last stages of the cooling process.
When the air condition absorbs humidity, the moisture passes through the Freon coils, condensing to form water droplets.
Then these droplets will collect into a condensation pan where they blow out into your plumbing system or outside your house.
However, don’t worry if your air conditioner blows water out of the house – it’s quite normal!
It happens if the slinger ring picks up the water droplets in the condenser pan and then slings it against the Freon coils.
This water cools down the Freon coils and the condenser pan from overheating.
However, it’s unusual when at least 20 gallons of water come out through the condenser pan of the air conditioner.
When your air conditioner blows water from the front and inside your house, then its drainage system must be at fault.
Here are some of the more common reasons why your AC unit blows water:
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line is the most common factor for your leaking air conditioner.
An air conditioner works by getting rid of water vapor from the air.
The water vapor condenses into water droplets and collects into an air conditioner known as an evaporator coil.
These water droplets flow into a drain pan and a condensate drain line that leads outside.
The drain line can get clogged up with dust, dirt, or other debris. The water gets backed up and blows out of the air conditioner when this happens.
You’re lucky if you have a new air conditioner as it has a sensor that alerts you when the drain line gets clogged.
Check your drain pan if you doubt there’s a clog. If your drain pan is full, then there’s a clog in the drain line.
How to Fix It
- First, turn off the power to your air conditioner
- Find the drain line
- Use a thin brush and push it at the end of the drain line to help clear out any clogs
- You can also use a dry vacuum to help clear the blockages further
- Locate the vent tee (a fitting attaching the condenser pan to the drain) and remove its cap
- Pour water down the drain line
- Put a bucket at the end of the drain line. If the water drains out, good news — your blockage has been cleared!
2. Dirty Coils
The condensate can’t flow through the drain line if the coils are dirty.
Instead, the water drips off the coil and drops on your floor.
If your air conditioner has not been cleaned for a while, dust and dirt have likely built up. It’s time to clean up your AC coils.
How to Fix It
- First, turn off your AC unit and disconnect it from the power
- Unscrew the access panel of your AC unit
- Use a clean brush to clean off the coils being keen not to damage fins
- If you have a large amount of dust and dirt built up, use a mixture of water and detergent or either seek the services of a commercial cleaner
3. Disconnected Condensate Drain Line
Your AC unit might blow water due to faulty installation!
Any vibrations in your house cause the drain line to unplug itself from the socket, which causes water leakage.
How to Fix It
This is due to a faulty installation – you’ll need to contact the experts to come and reconnect your drain line.
4. Thawing a Frozen Coil
A leaking air conditioner unit can signify a frozen evaporator coil.
The compressor gets ruined if ice or frost build-up on the evaporator coil and can be a pricey repair. You might even end up replacing the entire unit.
How to Fix It
If your AC is blowing water, turn it off and find out the problem immediately.
If you see frost or ice, act quickly. This maintenance and repair issue is best left to professionals, so contact them immediately.
To prevent the evaporator coil from freezing again, ensure you change your air filters once or twice a month.
If the air filter gets clogged, the air will be restricted, causing the coils to freeze.
5. Damaged Drain Pan
Your AC unit can blow water when its drain pan is rusty or damaged.
The drain pan collects condensation from the evaporating pan. If the drain pan is damaged, it can’t hold water.
How to Fix It
If your AC unit is older, then a rusty or damaged drain pan is causing the leakage. You can easily fix this! Simply purchase a new drain pan and replace it yourself.
Is Water Leaking from My Air Conditioning Dangerous?
By itself, water leaking from your air conditioning is not dangerous, but if uncontrolled, it can cause damage to your house, primarily through water damage and mold growth.
Ensure you prevent your AC from leaking by seeking yearly air conditioning maintenance.
How to Get Water Out of Your AC Unit
1. Check Water Filters
Ensure the water filters are clean. If they are clogged or dirty, clean them, and your problem will get fixed.
2. Check Drain Pipes
Clear any dirt that might prevent the water from draining out. Once the blocks get cleared, the water flows out. Hence, solving the leakage problem.
3. Ensure that it is Properly Installed
Last but not least, ensure the unit is installed correctly. If you notice unexplained leakage from your AC unit or air conditioner blowing water, check how it was installed.
If you observe any irregularities with the unit’s installation, call a professional to correct the issue.
