Airconditioner Water Leakage: Possible causes
A common problem faced by many of our customers is water leakage in their A/C systems. There are many reasons to this and our technicians can help find the root of the cause for you.
Evaporator Coil
In every air-conditioning unit, there's an Evaporator Coil that cools down the warm air that's circulating and cool air is blown out by the blower. Condensation takes place on the coil, moisture builds up which is then dripped onto the drain pan and flows out of the entire system through the condensate drain line(PVC pipe).
A leaking problem is present when there is an excessive flow of water due to the system's inability to rid of the water efficiently.
Possible Causes
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Clogged drain pipe
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Insufficient Freon Gas
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Bad, improper installation
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Dirty, unclean Air filters / Coil
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Spoilt Thermostat
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Broken pump / Flow switch
Insufficient Freon Gas
Low or insufficient freon gas will result in lower pressure in the A/C system which will cause the evaporator coil to ice up. When the ice melts, the drain pan will be overflowed with water.
Signs of low freon gas:
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Hissing noise depending on the severity which means there is a leakage of gas
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The Air-conditioner isn't cooling well
Dirty uncleaned Air filters / Coil
Air filters that are dirty will block and restrict proper airflow will cause too much cold air to build up within the A/C which will cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. When the ice melts, over flowing of water will occur.
A dirty evaporator coil which is clogged with impurities and debris will find it difficult to let air circulate and flow within it. Icing of the evaporator coil will happen as a result.
Clogged Drain Pipe
Build up of residual goo or dirt particles will occur over time with frequent air conditioner usage. This build up will congest the drainage system and water will not be able to flow out, hence water leaking will occur. With proper equipment, this residual goo / dirt particles can be removed from the system by vacuuming.
Bad / Improper Installation
The condensate drain line should be installed with a slight tilt to the side so that water that is collected on the drain pan is able to flow out of the system without rolling back into the system.
Spoilt Thermostat
A spoilt thermostat within the A/C system will make errors in regulating the temperature, this will cause the evaporator coil to freeze up.
Broken pump / Spoilt Flow switch
For ceiling-suspend cassette A/C systems, a broken condensate pump will not allow water to be pumped out of the system into the drainage pipe therefore water leaking happens.
A spoilt flow switch will incorrectly read the water level in the drainage pan even though the water level is full so a over flow of water will happen.