You may have noticed for the first time that water is coming out from the outdoor unit of your AC. Now, you are worried about this phenomenon. Naturally, you will ask “should AC drip water outside?” If yes, how to fix the leaking?
There is nothing to bother about. All air conditioners drip water from the outside unit. However, a certain amount is normal.
Leakage can become abnormal and leads to incidents. So, you must understand the whole phenomenon, the normal amount of water, the reasons, and solutions if it is a problem.
What is the Normal Amount of Water Dripping?
Water is produced as a natural part of the cooling process. Air conditioners drip a large amount of water in extra hot or humid weather.
The normal amount is 5 to 20 gallons per day. If your AC is dripping more than this, it may have some technical issues. Otherwise, expert says that it is quite normal for an AC to drip water in full swing summers.
What is Abnormal Amount of Water Dripping?
Water should leak only when your AC is turned ON and working. Normally, the puddle of water dries up on a hot day.
However, if water drips the whole day and the puddle keeps on growing, there is something wrong. In short, an unusual amount of water indicates some issues.
How to Drain out Excess Water?
You can drain out the water from the outdoor AC unit. A drain kit comes with most AC brands. It is installed under the outdoor unit and then a drain pipe is connected to it.
Another way is to install a drain pan under the air conditioner. The pan is then connected to the drain pipe.
Then, the drainage system can be released into the garden or backyard. Hopefully, your air conditioner has a good drainage system.
AC Drips Water Outside: Major Causes
Two factors explain why your AC drips water outside. It happens due to condensation when the weather is too humid or hot. The AC struggles hard to lower the temperature of your home.
So, outdoor temperature directly triggers this process. Moreover, the wrong thermostat setting also causes water to drip. If the thermostat is set at a lower value on an extremely hot day, condensation occurs.
Fix Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside
Do not worry if your AC is dripping too much water. Last summer, I also faced a similar problem. But, I fixed it easily by checking a few basic things. You must perform primary checks before calling a technician.
Because the air conditioner is now part of your home. So, you have to learn to deal with minor issues. However, if nothing helps you then you can call the mechanic.
Fix #1. Unblock Drain Line
The drain line is responsible to remove extra water produced as a result of the cooling process. This drain can be blocked by rust, dirt, or mold. Use a thin wooden skewer and chlorine bleach to clean the drain.
If the drain line is too dirty or blocked completely, water will not get its way. As a result, it will leak from the outside of the unit and can also damage it.
Fix #2. Change Dirty Air Filter
Dirty or clogged air filters are another cause of water dripping. You should check the AC filters every 30 days. Clean it to avoid dirt or debris build-up. Ideally, the filters should be replaced every 3 months.
Moreover, you must check the filters before starting ON the AC in summer. It is better to protect your appliance with a dust cover.
Fix #3. Inspect Condensate Pan
AC water goes into a pan. It can rust or crack over time. The signs of damage may not be visible apparently. You can spot them with a flashlight.
If the cracks are minor, the pan can be repaired. But, a severely damaged condensate pan should be replaced.
Fix #4. Inadequate Temperature
Outdoor temperature also affects the functioning of your AC. For example, below 16°C is too cold. Your cooling system will not work properly.
Instead, the drain pan will overflow and leak. Check the thermostat if it is working well or not. Keep it away from any heat source.
Fix #5. Low Refrigerant Level
Refrigerant is the liquid that is responsible to cool the AC. It absorbs the heat from its surroundings. The refrigerant passes between the condenser and the compressor to cool down.
If the refrigerant level is low, it can cause leakage. Because the pressure drops and the evaporator coils cannot work properly. This problem can be solved by an AC mechanic only.
Fix #6. Defrost Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can also cause abnormal water leakage. Poor airflow is the main cause of freezing the coils. This happens due to dirty air filters.
So, when the ice from coils melts, you notice excess water. Follow these tricks to solve this issue;
- Shut down your air conditioner and turn ON the blower fan.
- The temperature will drop at the thermostat.
- Resultantly, warm air will flow over the coils. Hence, the ice will melt draining out all the water.
- Moreover, clean the air filters and replace them if necessary.
Fix #7. Incorrect Installation
A minor fault in the installation process can lead to several issues. If you are facing a water dripping issue with the brand new AC, check its fitting. Another reason is that the AC is not compatible with the room size.
Either it is too big or too small. Before choosing the AC size, you should consult an expert. Now, you can contact the company/dealer or a mechanic to check out the installation.
FAQs About AC Dripping Water
Read the following frequently asked questions for more information.
Why my indoor AC unit is spraying water?
If the indoor unit of AC is spraying water, it has some issues. For example, the base pan may be clogged or the air filters are dirty. The solution is to thoroughly clean both parts. Another reason may be the improper installation.
Should I worry if my AC is not dripping water?
Under some conditions, no condensation is normal. But, it can indicate a problem also. Too dry air lacking any moisture causes the AC not to drip any water. Further, hot coils also cause it. You should check the thermostat and coils should not be below the dew point.
How to know if my AC drain line is clogged?
Certain signs indicate that the drain line is clogged. The vents give off a musty or moldy smell near the indoor unit. Water drops or sprays from the indoor unit. Further, the unit stops cooling your room. In extreme conditions, the air conditioner shuts down or stops working at all.
You may also like: How to Turn ON an Air Conditioner Manually
Final Words
Briefly speaking, your AC should drip water outside but up to a normal level. If you notice any abnormality, apply the basic troubleshooting steps. However, if nothing works, consult a mechanic or the manufacturer for professional assistance.
