Finding water around your HVAC unit can be concerning, but it’s not always a sign of a major problem. Before you call in the professionals, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to determine the cause and potentially fix it yourself.
Since 1983, Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning has been the trusted HVAC expert in Wichita and the surrounding areas.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some common causes of water leaks around your HVAC unit and what you can do to address them.
Improper Installation
Water discovered on the floor around new HVAC equipment can usually be attributed to improper installation. Your unit has many important components, and the improper placement or configuration of any part can result in a leak.
First, inspect the condensate trap to determine if it’s properly designed. An improper trap design can stop the condensate from draining, causing water to build up in the drain pan and overflow onto the floor. Hire a qualified HVAC technician to install your HVAC system to prevent this issue.
Poor Insulation
Air vents and ductwork need to be properly insulated to prevent moisture from escaping into your home. Built-up condensation in the unit can leak from poorly insulated vents and ducts, causing wet spots that may appear on walls, ceilings, and even floors. Consult an HVAC technician who will inspect the ductwork to determine if inadequate insulation is the problem.
At Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning, our background-checked, licensed, and trained technicians have extensive experience handling these types of calls. We offer satisfaction guarantees, ensuring you’ll be satisfied with our equipment and customer service.
Clogged Condensate Pipe
Dirt and dust can accumulate in condensate drain lines over time. If not regularly cleaned, these pipes can become clogged, preventing condensation from traveling from the unit to the drain pan. When the pipe is blocked, water backs up into your home.
To determine if a clogged condensate pipe may be the problem, consider the volume of the leak. Clogged condensate pipes generally result in a slow drip. If there is a constant flow of water, it could mean that the condensate pipe has been punctured or disconnected.
Dirty Air Filter
Regularly changing the air filter in your HVAC unit can help keep your unit running smoothly, lower your utility bills, and promote good air quality in the home. When you forget to replace the air filter, it can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris.
Clogged air filters prevent proper airflow over the evaporator coils, which causes them to get too cold and ice over. Ice accumulation on the evaporator coils then thaws, leading to more water than the drain pan can handle. The excess water may then overflow the drain pan onto your floor.
Ideally, air filters should be cleaned about every two weeks, especially during peak cooling and heating seasons, and replaced every three to four months. More frequent replacements may be required in homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or homes located in dusty, dry climates.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Frozen evaporator coils are generally caused by inefficient airflow. While a dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of ice accumulation on evaporator coils, ice buildup may have other underlying causes, such as backed-up drain clogs or a low fan speed.
The unit’s evaporator coil can get covered in dust, dirt, and grime which prevents it from getting enough airflow to transfer heat, causing the system to freeze over. That is why regular evaporator coil cleaning is a key component of any AC tune-up service.
Hanan Heating & Air Conditioning makes maintaining your heating and cooling systems simple by offering our VIP Home Maintenance Program that helps protect against costly breakdowns and includes perks like two annual tune-ups a year, priority service, and more. Give us a call at (316)945-3481 or visit https://www.hannainc.com/vip/ to learn more.
Damaged Drain Pan
As your HVAC equipment ages, it will show signs of wear and tear. One of the most common signs of an old unit is a damaged or rusted drain pan. This usually occurs when the equipment reaches 12 to 15 years of age. As the drain pan is constantly exposed to moisture, it can degrade over time.
If you see rust inside the drain pan, you may spot weak spots where water is leaking onto your floor. Closely examine the drain pan for cracks or holes and decide whether it should be repaired. Minor cracks can often be patched with a quality water-resistant sealant. More extensive damage may require a drain pan replacement.
Broken Sump Pump
In a typical setup in which the furnace and indoor AC unit are located in the basement or attic, there is a condensate pump that pumps water outdoors. Once the water level in the condensate pump reservoir rises to a certain level, the float switch inside the pump is triggered, forcing the water to drain outside the home.
If this pump breaks or is malfunctioning, water can leak onto the basement floor. If you suspect that your condensate pump may be broken or malfunctioning, contact an HVAC technician to test and replace the pump if needed. At Hanna, we offer only quality replacement products.
Low Refrigerant Levels
HVAC systems contain a chemical called refrigerant, which helps prevent the pressure inside the unit from dropping too low. This can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. When the coils thaw, they can cause the drain pan to fill and overflow. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by a leak.
Several signs could indicate that your refrigerant levels are low, such as hissing, bubbling, or gurgling noises that come from your refrigerant lines. In addition, you may notice that your unit is not effectively cooling your home. Low refrigerant levels require an HVAC technician to repair the leak and recharge the system.
Drain Line Disconnect
In some instances, water around the floor of an HVAC unit may be due to a disconnected drain line. When the drain line is not properly attached, water can leak from the connections. Drain line disconnect is most commonly caused by improper installation, improper repair, or a line that has become loose over time.
If the drain line is disconnected, call in an HVAC technician to inspect the condition of the drain line and reconnect it.
Problematic Humidifier
Some homes are equipped with whole-house humidifiers, which are designed to add moisture to the air to prevent dryness and irritation. These systems are often configured with furnaces and rely on water to increase the amount of moisture in the air.
However, when the lines attached to the humidifier are poorly fitted, cracked, or otherwise damaged, the excess water that is supposed to travel into the drain line can end up leaking onto the floor. Leaks can also develop when clogs form inside the drain line. Contacting an HVAC technician can stop the leak and related problems, such as water damage and mold growth.
Lack of Routine Maintenance
The best way to prevent water leaks and associated damage to your home is by having your unit regularly maintained by an HVAC professional. Regular maintenance to-do lists should include replacing dirty air filters, inspecting vents and ductwork, cleaning evaporator coils, flushing the drain line, and diagnosing potential problems with the unit.
For worry-free routine maintenance, sign up for our VIP Home Maintenance Program and let the professionals at Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning take care of it. Visit https://www.hannainc.com/vip/ or call us anytime at (316)945-3481 to learn more.
Contact Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning for Prompt Service
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still noticing water around your HVAC unit, it’s time to call in the experts. At Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been providing trusted HVAC service in Wichita and surrounding areas since 1983.
Whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious, we’re here to help keep your system running efficiently. Contact us today at (316)945-3481 for professional assistance and ensure your home stays comfortable and worry-free.
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