Why Is Water Leaking from the AC Unit Inside My House?

Water leaking from your AC unit inside your home is a sign that something is wrong. Possible causes include a clogged primary drain line, a cracked drain pan, an unlevel unit or evaporator coil, or missing splash guards. If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, turn it off and call your local HVAC company. For residents in Central Arkansas, Seaton Heat N’ Air & Electric can inspect and recommend repairs.

There are a few reasons why you may see water leaking from your indoor AC unit:

Clogged Primary Drain Line

Your AC has a small pipe called the drain line that carries condensation safely outside. If you don’t have the unit cleaned periodically, dust, dirt, and sometimes algae can build up. As a result, the water cannot flow and instead leaks out of your indoor unit. This is one of the most common causes of an AC leak, especially in humid climates like Arkansas, where the AC works overtime to pull moisture out of the air.

Cracked Drain Pan

Your indoor AC unit has a shallow pan that catches water as it drips down and guides it toward the drain line. The pan may crack or rust over time, causing leaks. Until you fix the pan, water will keep leaking, even if the rest of the system is running well.

Unit or Evaporator Coil Not Level

Your HVAC unit and evaporator coil must be level (perfectly flat) for water to drain properly into the drain pan and through the drain line. If the unit has shifted over time or if it wasn’t installed level to begin with, water may pool in the wrong place, leading to leaks. This cause is more common after settling, renovations, or an uneven installation.

Missing Splash Guards

Some evaporator coils require a splash guard, a small part that directs water into the pan and catches water that gets blown off the coil. A missing splash guard, whether it came loose or wasn’t installed, can cause water to splash outside the drain pan and drip. 

If you find water leaking from your indoor AC unit, you should turn it off to avoid water damage. We recommend calling a local HVAC company you trust to inspect the unit. For residents in Central Arkansas, Seaton Heat N’ Air & Electric provides prompt response times with transparent repair options. 

Next, try to dry or clean up the leaked water as best you can. A shop vac, designed to clean up dry and wet debris, can help speed up the process. You can also use a shop vac at the drain where it exits the house.

How Urgent Is A Water Leak from My AC Unit?

Address a water leak from your indoor AC unit as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, it can cause structural damage to your sheetrock, flooring, and more. An HVAC professional can diagnose the cause and recommend repairs.

Is Leaking Water from an AC Unit an Electrical Safety Hazard?

Always use caution whenever water is near electrical devices. Best practice is to call a professional HVAC technician who will disconnect power at the breaker before attempting a repair.

Can It Damage Ceilings, Floors, or Walls If Left Unaddressed?

Absolutely. Ceiling, wall, and floor damage is common if you don’t maintain drains and address the issue promptly. You can save money in the long term by having a professional repair the leak right away, rather than waiting for the problem to worsen and cause structural damage. An HVAC professional can pinpoint the cause and repair it before the leak causes further damage.

Many AC systems have a secondary drain pan, designed to catch water overflow. Generally, this is located under your indoor unit, in a closet or attic. If there is water in this secondary pan, your drain is likely blocked and needs to be cleared. This information will help when you call your local HVAC technician.

The repair time depends on the cause of the leak:

• Clogged Drain: This can normally be fixed in 30 minutes to an hour.
• Cracked Drain Pan: This may require ordering parts, which can take a couple of days.
• Leveling Units: This is generally a two-person job that may take up to half a day.
• Broken or Missing Splash Guard: Replacing a splash guard will require ordering parts. Once the parts arrive, the repair is generally straightforward and quick.

If you are in Central Arkansas and your indoor AC unit is leaking, Seaton Heat N’ Air & Electric can help. We’re a local company in Sherwood, Arkansas, and have been helping homeowners like you with their HVAC systems for over 20 years. When you schedule a repair with us, we’ll let you know our estimated arrival time and which technician to expect. We will recommend solutions based on the leak’s cause and get your HVAC system running properly as soon as possible.