An air conditioner leaking water inside your home can catch you off guard. You might notice a puddle forming under the indoor unit, or worse, signs of water damage on the floor or walls nearby. While it may start as a small issue, it’s a sign that something inside the system isn’t working right. AC units are built to remove moisture from indoor air, but when water starts leaking inside the house, it throws off your comfort and can even damage property.
This problem is more common than most people think, especially during peak usage in the warmer months in West Des Moines. Water leakage from an AC should never be ignored. Left alone, it can lead to mold growth, damage to drywall or flooring, and even electrical hazards. If your AC is acting up and leaving water where it shouldn’t, that’s a sign it’s time to take a closer look. Knowing what causes these leaks and what steps you can take next can help protect both your home and your AC.
Common Causes Of AC Leaking Water Inside
When an air conditioner is leaking water indoors, several components could be to blame. Most leaks come back to blockages, damage, or problems with airflow or refrigerant levels. Some causes are easier to spot than others, so identifying the source early can help avoid larger problems later.
Here are three common causes to check:
1. Clogged Drain Line
One of the most common reasons for water leaks in central AC systems is a clogged condensate drain line. This line carries water pulled from the air during the cooling cycle out of the home. Over time, dust, dirt, and mold can build up inside, blocking flow.
– Watch for standing water around the indoor unit or water stains nearby
– A musty smell around the unit could also signal mold in the drain line
– In some cases, your AC may shut down completely as a safety measure when the drain is backed up
2. Dirty or Damaged Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the part of the AC that absorbs heat and moisture from air inside your home. If it’s coated in dust or debris, that moisture can’t drain properly off the coil and may drip down into parts of the system where it shouldn’t be.
– Ice buildup on the coil is a common sign. When it melts, the water can overflow
– Water may leak from strange areas near your unit, rather than just from the bottom
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant helps the AC remove heat and humidity from the air. When levels are too low, the evaporator coil may freeze. After a while, the ice thaws, leaving excess water behind.
– You might notice less airflow and poor cooling, along with visible frost
– Hissing sounds from the unit can also suggest a leak in the refrigerant line
For example, in a home in West Des Moines, a family noticed their AC dripping water onto the carpet and couldn’t figure out what was wrong. After inspection, it turned out to be a clogged drain line filled with dust and algae buildup. Once it was cleared, the leaking stopped immediately, and the unit worked like normal.
Each of these issues affects how your AC handles moisture. If left unresolved, they can lead to both comfort problems and fixing costs. The next section outlines what steps you can take once you notice water where it shouldn’t be.
Step-By-Step Troubleshooting to Stop the Leak
Once you’ve noticed water leaking from your AC, taking immediate action can help lessen the damage. While troubleshooting can help identify where the issue starts, it’s best to use caution. AC systems involve electrical parts, moisture, and refrigerant, so knowing your limits is just as important as knowing what to look for.
Start with these steps:
– Turn Off the AC Unit
Always begin by shutting off power to the unit at the thermostat and breaker. This helps prevent further damage and lowers the risk of electrical hazard
– Locate and Inspect the Drain Line
Find the drain line near the indoor unit, often a PVC pipe. If water is backing up, that line may be blocked. Use a flashlight to look for visible clogs at the opening. A wet/dry vacuum can help pull out buildup from the pipe’s end, if accessible
– Check the Evaporator Coil
Remove the front panel of the indoor unit to see if the metal coils are dirty or frozen. If the coil looks dusty or there’s ice forming, airflow may be restricted or the refrigerant may be low. Do not scrape ice off the coil. This can cause damage
– Examine for Refrigerant Problems
If you’ve noticed weaker airflow or inconsistent cooling before the leak showed up, low refrigerant could be a cause. This condition will often lead to frozen coils, followed by water once the ice melts. At this point, the refrigerant level needs to be tested and sealed if leaking. That’s not something to try on your own. This work requires proper tools and should be handled by licensed professionals
These steps can give you a better idea of where the problem comes from. While some homeowners may try short-term fixes, a leaking AC often points to a larger issue that needs professional support. Addressing small damage early reduces the chances of water stains, mold, or high energy bills later. Prevention goes a long way, which is where routine maintenance comes in, and we’ll cover what that involves next.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future AC Leaks
Stopping a current leak is one thing, but making sure it doesn’t happen again requires some routine attention. Many AC leaks in West Des Moines homes happen due to neglect—clogged lines, dirty coils, or unnoticed drops in refrigerant. Staying on top of maintenance can reduce the chance of water leaking indoors and help the system run more efficiently.
Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk:
– Keep the area around your indoor unit clear. Dust, pet hair, and boxes can block airflow and increase debris
– Change your air filters regularly. Dirty filters strain the system and affect how well moisture drains off the coil
– Check your thermostat settings. If it’s set too low during humid weather, the coil can freeze over and leak once it thaws
– Pour a small amount of vinegar into the drain line monthly. This can help break down algae or slime that might build up inside the line
– Visually inspect for signs of water. Look for early warning signs like moisture around the base of the unit, mildew smells, or wall discoloration
Most importantly, schedule regular inspections with trained technicians. They can catch clogged drain lines or refrigerant problems before they spiral into bigger issues. A technician will clean the evaporator coil and flush the drain line during routine tune-ups, making sure your AC continues to drain moisture correctly and cool your home efficiently.
When To Call A Professional For AC Repair In West Des Moines
There are times when checking the basics isn’t enough. If your AC continues leaking water inside even after you’ve taken small steps like replacing filters or turning the thermostat off, that’s a clear sign the issue needs expert attention. An ongoing leak might mean that internal parts are damaged, refrigerant levels are off, or the system is aging and developing secondary issues.
You should call a technician if:
1. Water keeps returning around the indoor unit after cleanup
2. Ice keeps forming on the evaporator coil
3. Your AC isn’t cooling the house like it used to
4. Strange smells or sounds come from vents or the unit
5. The drain pan is cracked or looks rusted
Having a licensed technician inspect and repair the system ensures the problem is fixed safely and doesn’t come back. Leaking water can lead to mold or structural damage, and delaying repairs often costs more down the line. A technician who works with AC repair in West Des Moines will know how local housing setups and summer conditions affect your system’s performance, offering solutions that fit your home specifically.
Ensuring Your Home Stays Cool And Dry This Summer
When an AC starts leaking water inside your home, it quickly becomes a problem you can’t overlook. What begins as a small puddle could lead to damaged flooring, stained drywall, and unhealthy indoor air. Knowing how to spot early signs like clogged drain lines or frozen coils is the first step in protecting your home.
Addressing leaks early and setting up a regular maintenance schedule can prevent a lot of future aggravation. It’s always better to catch a small issue before it turns into a larger repair. With reliable support and routine inspections, you’ll keep your AC system running smoothly and most importantly, keep your home in West Des Moines cool, dry, and comfortable through the summer heat.
If your unit continues to leak or show signs of other issues, professional care can restore your home’s comfort and help prevent further damage. With careful inspection and repair from True Comfort LLC, you can count on reliable service that addresses the root of the problem. If you need expert help, our team is here for dependable AC repair in West Des Moines. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
