Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

It’s a hot day, your air conditioner is running, and then you notice a puddle of water forming around your AC unit. While it’s normal for your system to produce some moisture, it should never be leaking water into your home.

Why does this matter? An AC leaking water is more than just a nuisance — it can lead to serious problems like mold, mildew, and water damage from AC leaks. Knowing what’s causing the leak and how to handle it can help you avoid expensive repairs down the line — and that’s where American Vintage Home comes in. As The Older Home Experts, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Chicago and the North Shore troubleshoot AC issues with confidence.

Common Causes of AC Water Leaks

If you’ve discovered water pooling near your air conditioning system, several culprits could be to blame. The most common causes of AC water leaks include:

• Clogged condensate drain: Your AC pulls humidity from the air, and that moisture drains through a small pipe. When this condensate drain line gets blocked by dirt, algae, or debris, water backs up and leaks out of the unit.
• Dirty or clogged air filter: Restricted airflow from a dirty air filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the ice melts, it can overflow the drain pan and cause water to leak.
• Frozen evaporator coils: Low refrigerant or poor airflow can cause your evaporator coils to freeze. When the coils thaw, the excess water may overwhelm the drain system.
• Damaged or rusted drain pan: Over time, your overflow pan can rust or crack, making it unable to catch and funnel water as intended.
• Improper AC installation: If your system wasn’t installed level or the drain line wasn’t properly connected, it can lead to leaking issues right from the start.

Dangers of Ignoring Air Conditioner Leaks

An AC leak might seem harmless at first, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems fast. Water damage from AC leaks can stain ceilings, warp floors, and lead to costly structural repairs. Even worse, pooled water creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can affect your indoor air quality and trigger health issues. If your AC is leaking water, it’s best to act quickly to avoid extensive damage.

How To Prevent AC Leaks

The most effective way to avoid an AC leak is to stay ahead of it with regular maintenance. A combination of simple DIY tasks and professional care go a long way in keeping your unit running smoothly.

Here’s how to prevent AC leaks before they start:

• Replace air filters regularly: Dirty filters restrict airflow, which can cause your evaporator coils to freeze and eventually lead to leaking when the ice melts. Check your filter regularly and replace it every one to three months.
• Keep the condensate line clear: This small pipe drains excess moisture from your system. To keep it flowing freely, flush it every few months or have it inspected as part of your seasonal maintenance.
• Schedule professional tune-ups: Annual inspections by a licensed technician help catch problems early, such as rusted drain pans, refrigerant issues, or blocked lines, which are all common causes of AC leaks.

Call a Professional To Repair Your AC Leak

While some minor issues like replacing a filter or cleaning the drain line can be handled at home, most leaks require professional attention. Knowing how to fix an AC leak starts with proper diagnosis.

At American Vintage Home, we provide 24/7 emergency service and professional AC repairs backed by decades of experience working with both vintage and modern systems. We understand the unique challenges of older homes and provide tailored HVAC services that get to the root of the problem quickly.

Protect your Chicago or North Shore home from unexpected AC leaks! Contact American Vintage Home today to schedule AC repairs and maintenance.