May 11, 2022
Summer Maintenance in Las Vegas, NV

The continued use of your AC system causes regular wear and tear that may lead to problems over time. Among the most common problems, you may encounter with the system is leaking water. The cause of water leaks may arise from an unprofessional installation, drain pans that are either broken or faulty and at times, dirty air filters.

While it is not always easy to ascertain the main cause of the water leak, it is recommended that a qualified technician conduct an assessment of your system and recommend an appropriate solution. Here is a highlight of some of the main reasons water may be leaking from your AC system.

1. Condensate Drains That Are Clogged

The condensate drain line helps move water to the outside of your home. This drain line may develop a buildup of mold or mildew since it provides the perfect environment for their growth. When mold, mildew, or debris builds up in the drain line, it can become clogged and cause a backflow of water.

Having scheduled maintenance of the entire AC system is instrumental in keeping the condensate drain from clogging due to sludge. If this problem is not detected early enough, water will leak from the AC system. Hiring a skilled technician will help resolve the problem. They can even advise you on how to clean and maintain the drain line to prevent further blockage.

2. Dirty Air Filters

The air filters are instrumental in cleaning the air that flows through the heating and cooling system. They trap contaminants and particulates that may be detrimental to your health. Over time, your air filters can become caked in dirt, pet hair and dander, and other debris. When this happens, air cannot properly flow through your AC, and this can lead to various problems, including leaks.

The evaporator coils of your AC system rely on the supply of adequate airflow to function appropriately. When the system’s air filters get dirty or clogged, the evaporator coil will start freezing, and ice will form. Once the ice starts melting, you will see water leaks from your AC system. It is important that you maintain a monthly care routine for the filters and ensure that they are changed at least every 90 days. If you have pets, you may need to change your filters monthly. Doing so will help you prevent frozen coils and other issues.

3. Broken or Faulty Condensate Pump

The condensate pump is instrumental in pumping the water in the condensate line outside your home. If this pump malfunctions or gets broken, it will not drain the water from the condensate line, leading to water leaks. If you suspect that the condensate pump is causing your AC leak, it’s important to reach out to a qualified technician to diagnose the problem and repair or replace the pump.

4. Low Refrigerant

It is important to maintain adequate refrigerant levels in your system so that your AC can function properly. Very low refrigerant levels cause the internal AC pressure to lower, leading to the freezing of the evaporator coil. This will cause the condensate to leak from the AC. Typically, low refrigerant is caused by a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system.

It should be noted that low refrigerant is one of the less common causes of water leaks from your AC. However, it does happen, so it’s important to keep your eyes out for other signs that you may have low refrigerant. A combination of inadequate cooling, frost on the condenser unit, and hissing sounds from the unit points to a refrigerant problem. If you notice these signs, exercise caution since exposure to the refrigerant can be hazardous. Call a licensed technician immediately to handle the problem safely.

5. Broken or Rusted Drain Pan

If your house is extremely humid, your drain pan may start rusting. Aided by gravity, moisture drips into this pan, and the moisture is then directed to the outside of your house through the drain pipe. If this drain pan gets damaged, the condensate droplets meant to fall into it will start leaking out of the AC.

Drain pans are mostly made from metal and may experience corrosion over time, creating holes through them. When this problem persists, a technician may recommend that you purchase a new one, especially if there is extensive damage to the drain pan. The replacement is a simple task for an experienced technician. You must maintain a regular maintenance schedule with a reputable company such as Polar Air & Heating, Inc. to help detect such problems early so that they don’t lead to other issues requiring more significant repairs.

6. Improper Installation

The installation of an AC system needs professionalism and due care to prevent it from tilting to one side, which may cause the condensation to leak out. If your system is still new or was recently installed, the most likely reason for the water leak is a faulty installation. If the drainage pipes and the AC are not proportional, it is most likely that your system will experience a water leak. The lack of proportionality will disrupt the flow of water to the outlet through the drainage pipes.

You need to contact a licensed and reputable company with qualified technicians to conduct the installation in your home. A diagnosis by a competent technician may reveal water flowing backward or stagnating and not able to flow forward. It is important that the pipes lie lower than the main unit so that the water can move downwards to the drainage.

An AC installation is considered a major investment in your home or workplace, and its functionality should provide a comfortable environment for your family or business. Having a team conduct professional installation, repair, and maintenance services will enhance its efficiency and guarantee the longevity of your system. An inspection from a qualified technician representing a reputable company such as Polar Air & Heating, Inc. will help ascertain the cause of the leak and recommend the appropriate solution.

Contact a Reputable Company Today

At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we have been serving Las Vegas and the surrounding area since 1998. Our team specializes in providing a full range of AC services, including AC maintenance, repair, and installation. We are a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor and a Lennox Premier Dealer and only install quality products meant to last. Our team offers maintenance plans to keep your AC operating optimally, and if you find yourself in need of repairs outside of regular business hours, you can count on us for 24/7 service.

In addition to cooling work, we provide heating services. We can work on heat pumps and ductless systems, as well as commercial HVAC units. You can even turn to us for indoor air quality solutions, light commercial refrigeration services, and HVAC design for new construction projects. Reach out to Polar Air & Heating, Inc. today for more information or to set up your appointment in the Las Vegas area.

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