Why Is My AC Leaking Water Inside?

You expect your air conditioning equipment to cool your home, not leave behind puddles of water. If your system leaks indoors, something isn’t working as it should. That water can damage floors, ceilings, and drywall quickly. Whether a clogged drain line or a frozen coil is to blame, the issue usually starts small and worsens quickly. Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford, TX helps homeowners track down the source of the leak and stop it before it causes damage. 

Issues With a Clogged Drain Line 

Your air conditioner pulls moisture from the air every time it runs. That moisture collects on the evaporator coil and drips into a small pan. From there, it travels out of your home through a drain line. That process works smoothly until something blocks that line. Dust, algae, or mold buildup can slow or stop the flow completely. When that happens, the water backs up into the pan and spills into places where it shouldn’t go. 

You might not notice a problem until water starts dripping through a ceiling vent or soaking the area around your indoor unit. If your AC runs more often during hot, humid weather, the pan fills quicker, and the leak may be more prevalent. If your air conditioner starts leaking water, the drain line is one of the first places worth checking.

Issues From Dirty Filters

An air filter might seem like a small part of your AC system, but it can lead to major issues when it gets clogged. The filter’s job is to catch dust and debris before the air moves through your HVAC system. When it gets clogged with debris, the airflow slows down. That reduced flow of air can cause the evaporator coil to get too cold, especially on humid days. When that coil freezes, you might notice the system running longer without much cooling effect. What you don’t see is that ice is building up inside your unit. Eventually, it melts, and that sudden surge of water can overwhelm the drain pan. Instead of dripping through the drain line, the excess water spills over the edge. You might spot water under the unit or dripping from nearby vents. Swapping out a dirty filter can stop this from happening, but once a freeze-up starts, it’s usually time for a technician to look closer.

Low Refrigerant Affects More Than Just Cooling

Refrigerant helps produce cool air, but the evaporator coil in your system doesn’t get cold evenly when levels drop. That uneven cooling leads to condensation that can’t drain the way it should. Instead of a steady drip into the drain pan, water collects in odd spots, often on parts of the coil or the surrounding housing. That water might build up until it drips out of seams or gaps. Low refrigerant can also cause the coil to freeze, which creates the same overflow problem you’d get from a dirty filter. It’s not always easy to spot. Your system might still run but take longer to cool the space or struggle to reach the set temperature. That extra runtime creates more moisture, which means more condensation and a higher risk of leaks. Low refrigerant could be why your system seems slower than usual, and you notice water where it shouldn’t be.

Improper Installation Can Cause Problems

Your AC unit might leak if something isn’t installed correctly. Water won’t drain properly from the pan if the unit isn’t level. It might pool in one corner until it finds a gap to escape through. The same thing can happen if the drain line was installed at the wrong angle or if poor-quality fittings were used. Sometimes installers cut corners by skipping insulation around the drainpipe or using materials that don’t hold up to humidity. Those shortcuts don’t always cause problems right away. However, as the system ages or starts working harder during the summer, those weak spots become more obvious. You might hear dripping, notice wet spots on the floor, or find damage behind the wall near the unit. If the leak seems persistent or doesn’t align with other causes, incorrect installation could be part of the issue.

Potential Drain Pan Damage 

Your AC’s drain pan sits directly under the evaporator coil. Its job is to catch the water that forms as the coil removes moisture from the air. If that pan rusts, corrodes, or cracks, it won’t hold water properly. Even with a clear drain line, water will start leaking out as soon as it forms. This problem tends to happen in older systems where the pan has been wearing down for years. You might not notice the problem initially, especially if the leak happens slowly. As the pan weakens, the dripping gets worse. You may find water stains near the unit or see puddles forming after running the system for a while. Replacing a damaged drain pan usually involves disassembling part of the indoor unit, which a professional best handles. Catching this problem early by way of routine maintenance and inspections can prevent extensive damage.

Condensation Can Build Up in Unexpected Places

Even if your AC system is draining correctly, you can still run into condensation problems. This can occur if the air is too humid or parts of the ductwork aren’t properly insulated. When warm air touches cold surfaces, like an uninsulated section of duct or the housing around the evaporator coil, condensation forms quickly. That moisture can drip off and collect in areas not designed to hold water. You might find wet spots near the unit’s base or feel dampness around the ceiling registers. If the air in your home feels humid or you’ve seen moisture collecting, it’s important that you reach out to our team to check for issues. Small adjustments to airflow or added insulation can often fix the problem without a major overhaul.

Signs You’re Dealing with a Leak

Water from your air conditioning system doesn’t always show up in big puddles. Sometimes it starts as a small stain on the ceiling or a musty smell near the vents. You might walk past the unit and hear a faint drip or feel dampness on the ground. Sometimes, the system shuts itself down if the internal sensors detect moisture, which helps prevent further damage but leaves you without cooling. Pay attention to how the unit sounds when it runs. Gurgling or hissing noises can point to low refrigerant levels. Dripping sounds near the panel might mean water is escaping the drainage system. These clues are often your first sign that something’s going wrong behind the scenes.

How to Prevent Future Leaks

Preventing air conditioning leaks in your home involves keeping the system clean, inspected, and in good shape. Changing your air filter regularly keeps airflow adequate and helps avoid freeze-ups. Routine maintenance allows technicians to flush the drain line, inspect the drain pan, and spot signs of wear before they cause problems. During visits, a technician can check refrigerant levels and confirm that your system is cooling evenly. If you are often faced with high levels of indoor humidity, you might benefit from a whole-house dehumidifier to reduce the strain on your air conditioning equipment. Keeping vents open and ductwork clear also helps your system experience optimal airflow, reducing condensation. Even something as simple as leveling the unit properly after installation can make a difference. Taking these steps won’t just stop water from leaking into your home. They’ll also help your AC work better, last longer, and run more efficiently. 

Water leaking from your AC system doesn’t just create a mess. This is a warning sign that something is malfunctioning. Whether you’re faced with condensation problems, drainage issues, or something more serious, the fix starts with a proper diagnosis. Book an appointment for AC repair with Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford and stop AC leaks before they get worse.