A water leak inside your home during summer is the last thing anyone wants to deal with, especially when the source turns out to be your air conditioner. Many Edmonton homeowners are surprised to find small puddles of water near indoor AC units, often wondering what caused it and what it means for their system. Leaks like these might seem minor at first, but they can lead to bigger issues if ignored, such as water damage to floors, ceilings, or drywall, and even mould growth.
In most cases, these leaks do not just appear out of nowhere. They are usually a sign that something has gone wrong inside the system. Acting quickly can help avoid more expensive repairs in the future. If you notice dripping water or feel that your AC is not cooling the way it used to, it is a good time to learn what is behind the problem and what steps you can take. Summer is short in Edmonton, and being without proper cooling during a heatwave is not worth the risk.
Common Causes Of Air Conditioner Water Leaks
If your indoor air conditioner is leaking water, one or more of these issues could be the cause:
1. Blocked or Clogged Drain Line
When the water your AC removes from the air cannot drain away properly, it backs up and escapes from the unit. Over time, minerals, dirt, and even mould can clog the line where condensation should be draining. If the drain pipe stays blocked, that water will find another way out, often onto your floor. This is one of the most common sources of indoor AC leaks.
2. Dirty or Damaged Air Filter
Your AC needs clean air to flow freely through the system. If the air filter is packed with dirt and debris, airflow gets restricted. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When that ice eventually melts, the water may overflow the drain pan instead of draining as it should. A bent or damaged filter can also cause similar problems.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
When refrigerant runs low, the pressure in the system drops. This can cause the evaporator coil to get too cold and ice up. Much like with a dirty filter, when the coil defrosts, it can flood the drain pan. If the pan is already full or tilted, water might end up leaking into your house instead of going down the drain.
4. Damaged or Disconnected Drain Line
Sometimes the drain line becomes loosened or even disconnected due to poor installation or years of wear. Other times, the line could crack or split. When this happens, condensation does not reach the drain properly and leaks directly from the damaged or disconnected point.
Dealing with the source of the leak early on makes a big difference. Waiting too long can lead to building material damage that takes longer and costs more to repair than fixing the air conditioner itself.
How To Identify Water Leaks In Your AC System
Spotting a leak early can make a big difference. Here are three ways to find out if your air conditioner is leaking and where the problem might be coming from:
– Visual Inspection
Take a look around the unit, especially near the air handler or indoor AC cabinet. If you see any standing water, damp flooring, or water stains on walls and ceilings, there is likely an issue. Rust marks on vents or fittings can also point to previous water flow.
– Checking the Air Filter
If your filter looks clogged or dusty, it may be a contributing factor. A dirty filter can affect cooling performance and cause moisture issues. Replace the filter if needed and observe whether performance improves.
– Monitoring Performance
If your AC is not cooling as expected, or you hear gurgling, hissing, or dripping sounds, these could indicate a leak or related issue. A sudden increase in indoor humidity or a change in how often the system cycles on and off may also point to a leak.
Being alert to these signs can help prevent further damage. One Edmonton homeowner noticed a recurring damp spot below the AC register in their hallway. After checking the air filter and spotting ice buildup on the coil, they called our technicians. A blocked line had caused the water to back up. A quick repair helped avoid ongoing floor damage.
The faster a problem is spotted, the better chance you have at avoiding serious home damage. If you feel unsure, it is always better to get it checked.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Water Leaks
Preventing leaks starts with basic care and a little awareness. Keeping your AC in good shape can help avoid water problems and reduce future repair costs.
Here are simple ways to help prevent water leaks from forming in your AC system:
– Get Regular Maintenance
Set up seasonal maintenance visits with trained professionals. These checks help identify small issues before they become major problems such as cracks in drain lines, poorly sealed joints, or insulation that needs replacement.
– Replace and Clean Filters on Time
Blocked or overused filters are behind many cases of coil freezing and water leaks. Switch out your filter every 1 to 3 months depending on use. If you have pets or live in an area with a lot of construction dust, changes might need to be more frequent. Use filters that match your system requirements.
– Keep the Drain Line Clear
Build-up inside the drain line can stop water from draining. Ask your technician during maintenance visits to check and clear the condensate line. You can also find out whether the slope of your drain or the condition of your drip pan could be affecting drainage.
Following these habits helps protect your cooling system and your home. Neglecting basic care could mean spending more later on cleanup and repairs.
When To Call Our Professionals
Small signs such as dampness or short puddles might be easy to overlook, but repeated leaks should never be ignored. If you have already changed the filter and cleaned up water more than once without improvement, bring in our professionals to examine the issue further.
If water starts pooling near your AC and the system stops cooling efficiently, turn it off and request a repair. Continuing to run the unit can make things worse. Potential causes like cracked housings or disconnected drain pipes behind walls cannot be seen or fixed without proper tools and experience. Trying to do this alone may create additional problems or even safety risks.
Call our technicians right away if water is near electrical components or leaking through the ceiling, as these can pose major hazards. Water around wires or power sources can trip breakers or cause electrical faults. These are urgent signs that professional service is required.
Fixing the cause of the leak the right way helps prevent it from coming back. Our technicians are trained to inspect, diagnose, and resolve cooling system water leaks in Edmonton homes safely and properly.
Stay Ahead Of Leaks This Summer In Edmonton
It is possible to avoid air conditioner leaks with timely care, but they do require quick action when they appear. Waiting too long often leads to bigger concerns like lost comfort, high humidity, and structural damage. Edmonton summers already bring their fair share of heat. Addressing leaks early reduces problems and stress.
By paying close attention to signs of trouble, changing filters routinely, and scheduling professional AC maintenance, you can lower the chances of indoor leaks and keep your system running smoothly. If you notice water near your indoor unit, strange sounds, or cooling problems, do not ignore them. Early action can turn a minor repair into a simple fix.
Whether this is your first experience with a leaking AC or you have dealt with repeated issues, help from experienced technicians can solve the problem for good. Keeping your Edmonton home cool and dry will make your summer far more comfortable.
If water leaks persist and you start noticing signs that your AC system isn’t performing at its best, it may be time to address the issue with proper care. Acting promptly can help keep your cooling system running smoothly during these hot Edmonton summers. Rely on our team for expert AC repair in Edmonton by letting our technicians assess and resolve the problem before it leads to more serious damage. Mobil Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is here to provide support when unexpected issues arise, ensuring that your home stays comfortable and dry. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.