PTAC Unit Dripping Water – Why And What To Do?

Numerous factors might lead to water leaks from an air conditioner. Air conditioners pull in water vapor from the air to transform it into a liquid, and the water flows through a drain pipe that exits your home. We have gathered some information to let you know what you should do if your PTAC unit is dripping water.

Your PTAC unit may be leaking water inside the house or outside for several reasons. These consist of:

  • An unclean air filter
  • Condensate pan fault
  • A clogged drain pipe
  • Incorrect installation
  • Low level of refrigerant

The water will leak if any part of the air conditioning system is clogged or damaged. To fix your AC, you must first identify the source of the leak. Please continue reading as we discuss the things you need to do.

A PTAC unit installed under a window, PTAC Unit Dripping Water – Why And What To Do?

Your AC As a Dehumidifier

An AC acts as a dehumidifier. To maintain the ongoing vaporization in its evaporation coils, it physically draws heat out of the surrounding atmosphere.

Water dripping from the appliance frequently indicates a problem. Below is a list of reasons why your AC is dripping water.

Water leaking on the air conditioner

Dirty Air Filters

The evaporator coils in your air conditioner may freeze if the filter becomes clogged. Even if there's only partial clogging, your air conditioner might freeze.

Removing dirty air conditioner filter for washing

When this happens, additional water overflows from the drainage pan. Cleaning the air filters is one of the numerous things that homeowners frequently forget to do.

Your air conditioner's air filter is the cause of several problems, including water leaking. Coils freeze as a result of blocked airflow caused by clogged filters.

There will be too much water in the system when the ice melts, and the drain pan will be unable to contain it.

Condensate Pan Fault

If the water-holding pan on your air conditioner corrodes or wears down over time, it will leak. With regular maintenance, correct installation, and professional repairs, your air conditioner shouldn't experience water leaking.

You need a condensate pump to transport the water outside if your indoor air conditioning unit is set up in the basement. If the condensate pump is damaged or broken, it won't perform its job properly and will leak water.

Clogged Drain Pipe

When an air conditioner operates normally, water flows through several drainpipes before draining away. A leak in the water system could occur if one of these drainpipes is obstructed.

Any little object, including dirt, mold, insects, and debris, can obstruct the drain line, causing water to build up in the system. Searching for and clearing a clogged drain pipe shouldn't take much effort.

Check for clogged or rusty drain lines and get them cleaned and repaired if you detect water dripping from your appliance.

Incorrect Installation

It's likely that a brand-new air conditioner that is leaking is either not the right size for your house or wasn't installed properly. Inadequate air conditioning leveling puts too much pressure on the system, which results in leaks.

This is why a heating and cooling system's installation is so important, similar to how improper design of your new unit's condensate trap will cause water to overflow because of improper drainage.

Low Refrigerant Level

Your air conditioner loses pressure when the refrigerant level is too low. Coils may freeze, and the water may overflow the drain pan when they defrost. However, there are several situations where an AC leak would require a service visit.

Should You Turn Off AC If It Is Leaking Water?

Leaky air conditioner att home on wall

Condensate does not adequately drain from an air conditioner, which causes water leaks. The effects of a leak can be almost catastrophic depending on where the interior unit of an air conditioner is located.

If your AC starts to leak, turn off your air conditioner right away. This is crucial because it will stop the flow of water. Your air conditioner is more vulnerable to further harm the more water it loses.

There are various issues if your unit has excessive condensation and has water running nonstop or the drain is plugged. The following is a list of actions you should take aside from turning the unit off:

Check For Ice

Air conditioning in ice

A heavy-duty central air conditioning system located on a rooftop that operates at peak efficiency during hot summer days can accumulate ice or become frozen. You need to check for ice buildup in your system.

Next, look for ice on your air handler's evaporator coils. It would be ideal to avoid using your system while it is iced over. If your air conditioner's indoor or outdoor unit is frozen, using it won't do anything to chill your house and might even make things worse.

Resolve Water Leaks

To prevent the spread of dangerous mold and mildew, you should clear up any standing water or leaks as soon as you notice them in your home. To remove any standing water or water in the drain pan, use a wet/dry vacuum.

The affected area should be dried using fans. You should hire a mold remediation expert to clean up the area if you think there is mold growth in your home.

Replace Your Air Filters

You can feel heated air escaping from the back of the device if the filter is too dirty. The air conditioner must work harder to keep the house cool due to a clogged filter.

This will lower the lifespan of the AC unit and result in more frequent AC repairs. Simply changing the AC filter regularly can reduce the workload.

You should change the filters frequently to prevent any problems caused by soiled air filters. You should replace your air filters every 90 days or as soon as they become unclean if you have pets and have more than one person living in your home.

Can A Leaking AC Cause A Fire?

Air conditioners that are broken or malfunctioning can be both expensive and useless. Faulty or poorly maintained air conditioning machines can pose a significant fire risk.

If the AC unit is close to exposed electrical equipment, damage to the drain line might be particularly troublesome. Water coagulation can result in an electrical short, which fuels an electrical fire.

An immediate and serious health risk results from water dropping on exposed electrical circuits.

Due to power loss and regular use, especially in the hot summer months, make sure your AC outlet is normally isolated. Here are some other points you should remember too.

AC Might Explode

The AC could blow up if electricity isn't provided properly. A catastrophe could happen due to load shedding followed by power supply restoration.

In the height of summer, air conditioners may overheat from the intense heat, catch fire, and explode due to pressurized gas.

Gas Leaks

AC fires frequently result from natural gas leaks and explosions, which cause more than a dozen fatalities annually.

If you smell rotten eggs in your home even though none are found, you might have a gas leak. Call for help and leave your house until it the issue is fixed.

Faulty Wiring

Inspect wires for nicks or damage before preparing for warmer weather and setting up your AC unit for the season. To avoid any difficulties with the appliance catching fire, you want to ensure the wiring is entirely undamaged.

Avoid utilizing AC units with wire damage that has been repaired with electrical tape, since moisture that manages to get past the tape would probably result in an electrical surge.

Lack of Maintenance

Without routine maintenance, an air conditioning system risks catching fire, usually when filters are old or collect dust and grime.

Dirt and debris can build up and impede airflow, affecting important components like air vents, coils, and fins, leading to disaster.

Wrong Power Outlet

Fire can also result from connecting a window air conditioner to a power outlet that may not be able to bear the load. People frequently attempt to plug AC appliances into outlets that can't handle that much power.

Match the amperage of the AC unit with the proper size electrical wiring to avoid this problem.

In Closing

If your AC is dripping water, it may have an unclean air filter, condensate pan fault, or clogged drain pipe.

It might also be due to incorrect installation or a low refrigerant level. To avoid leaks, replace your filter frequently, have your ducts cleaned sometimes, and ensure your AC system is fitted and maintained accordingly. 

If you find this article informative, please check out these articles too:

How To Find Car AC Leak [Even Without Dye]

Oil Leaking From AC Outdoor Unit – Why And What To Do?

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