AC Leaking Water: Why It Happens in Miami
Water around your indoor unit or dripping from the ceiling is usually a drain problem. Here's what's going on and what to do.
Air conditioners remove moisture as they cool, and in Miami that adds up to a lot of water. It's meant to leave through a condensate drain line. When that path is blocked, the water has to go somewhere else.
Why AC units leak
Clogged condensate drain line
The most common cause. Algae and sludge build up in warm, damp drain lines until water backs up into the pan and overflows.
Cracked or rusted drain pan
Older pans can corrode or crack and leak even when the drain is clear.
Frozen evaporator coil
When a coil ices over, it can melt faster than the pan can handle, producing sudden leaks. Weak airflow and low refrigerant are common reasons for icing.
Dirty filter or poor airflow
A very dirty filter can restrict airflow and contribute to icing, which then leads to dripping.
Disconnected or poorly sloped drain line
Lines that have come loose or lost their slope won't drain properly.
What to do right away
- Turn the AC off at the thermostat so it stops making more water.
- Place a towel or container to catch the water and move belongings out of the way.
- Check the air filter and replace it if it's clogged.
- Look at the drain pan and the drain line opening if you can reach them safely.
- If you see ice on the coil or lines, leave the system off until it thaws.
- If the leak is from a ceiling, avoid standing under it and keep the power off to nearby electrical fixtures if water is getting in.
Many systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off when the pan fills. If your AC suddenly stopped and there's water nearby, that may be why.
When to call
Call for service if the leak returns after you clear the filter, if there's ice on the coil, if water has reached the ceiling or walls, or if you can't find the source. Water damage can spread quickly, so don't wait it out. See AC repair, or use emergency service if it's an active leak outside normal hours.
Condos and shared buildings
In a multi-story building, a leaking AC can damage the unit below. Tell your management office if the leak may affect neighbors. We cover this more on our Brickell condo page.
Preventing drain problems
Regular drain line cleaning, filter changes and a working float switch go a long way. Our maintenance visits include drain line checks.