If you are one of the homeowners in Aumsville, OR, facing problems with a leaking AC unit, you are not alone. During summer, it is unusually hot and the AC is working overtime to sustain your home’s comfort. However, you start noticing small puddles around the AC and sludge on the wall beneath the HVAC system. What starts as a non-issue soon becomes a serious concern as the basement area has a large water puddle, and the ceiling is leaking water.
The AC unit usually directs the condensate to the outside, and should you notice water puddles or a pungent mold smell, contact Woodward Heating Air Plumbing immediately. We provide same-day solutions to residents of Aumsville and work 24/7 to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Because many reasons cause water leakage in the AC unit, we have compiled the following list.
A Jammed Condensate Drain
A clogged condensate drain is the most prominent reason for leaking AC. The condensate drain on your air conditioner collects water that drips from the air handler and evaporation pans. When it gets blocked, water backs up into your air conditioner, so you are finding so much moisture in unwanted places.
Blockage in the drain is due to the buildup of dirt composed of hair, pet dander, debris, and other particulates. Removing the drain and clearing the obstructions will solve the problem. However, be keen on the type of washing detergents you use. Some contain harsh chemicals that destroy the material and cause respiratory issues. The best way to avoid any issues is to have an HVAC specialist from Woodward Heating Air Plumbing complete the job for you.
Damaged Drain Pan
The blower pushes hot moist air over cooled evaporator coils during the dehumidification process. The refrigerant in the coil does heat exchanges to cool the air while the moisture consolidates to form water that drips on the drain pan. As more water accumulates, it moves down the condensate drain via gravity for removal.
The drain tray is made of three types of materials:
- Galvanized steel: Most popular lasting about 15-20 years
- Stainless steel: Lasts about 25 years
- Polymer: Not common but never holds microbes
Prolonged use of galvanized steel and stainless steel brings forth wear and tear due to rust formation. Since the polymer is made of plastic, it can easily break, making the pan leak. A damaged drain tray cannot hold water for removal. Instead, water seeps through the patches or cracks unto the AC unit, causing a leak.
Luckily, replacing the drain pan will restore the proper functioning of the AC and counter leaking problems. You can rely on Woodward Heating Air Plumbing for affordable and quick replacements. In addition to a replacement, we advise our clients to install a float switch. When triggered by a leak on the drain pan, the switch shuts down the AC to avoid damage to your property. The majority of the old AC units do not have a float switch. However, the simple technology can save you money that would otherwise go to repairs and mold removal.
Insufficient Refrigerant
The refrigerant is a compound used in most HVAC units’ compressors and evaporator coils. It is because the chemical changes form very fast from liquid to gas and vice-versa based on the temperature changes. This property makes it ideal for heating and cooling the home.
In AC units, the refrigerant runs in the copper coils of the evaporator. When warm moist air passes over the coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat turning from low-pressure gas into high-pressure liquid. Because the coils are chilled, the vapor turns into water droplets that fall on the drain pan.
Insufficient refrigerant makes the copper coils too cold, which makes the water droplets become ice. It overflows from the drain tray when the ice melts, making a water puddle around the AC. The refrigerant may leak because of loose connectors or damage to the pipes.
The AC has inadequate refrigerant if you notice higher energy bills than usual, hissing or bubbling noise, and failure to reach the set temperature. Waiting for the ice to melt will not solve the problem. Contact an HVAC technician from Woodward Heating Air Plumbing for repair, refill, or replacement.
Defective Condensate Pump
The ac removes water through the condensate drain or the pump. The drain relies on gravity to move the water outside the home. However, in areas such as the basement where the sink drain lies above the AC or gravity is insufficient, the pump does the job. Water from the drain pan flows down into a tank that has a float switch.
When water fills the tank, it pushes the float switch to trigger the motor, which pumps the water outside. If the pump has a problem, it is difficult to activate the switch making water overflow from the reservoir. The issue’s root can be mold blocking the float switch, a clogged hose, or wear and tear.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filters trap dust, debris, pet dander, pollen, hairs, and other particles from the air. They soon become filthy and require a replacement once every three months. However, homeowners who love pets, smoking, or scented candles, need a replacement every 30 days.
Grimy air filters block proper air circulation, which is vital to prevent the freezing of water droplets on the evaporator coils. The water soon melts and overflows from the drip tray, causing a mess. The solution to this problem lies in routine air filter replacements. We encourage you to book regular appointments with us for maintenance, where we rectify all AC issues for optimum operations and home comfort.
Improper Installation
As the population in Aumsville continues to grow, so does the number of HVAC companies. Unfortunately, the rise in demand attracts unscrupulous firms chasing profits. With little bother to excellence, they hire people with zero skills or training in heating and cooling systems. Consequently, it is not long before you start having recurring problems with the HVAC unit.
A leaking AC unit may occur if the contractor fails to use snug-fit pipes with the drain sockets. Sometimes, an HVAC technician may fail to reconnect the drain line after a replacement or maintenance session. Failure to consider the level of the AC unit may lead to flooding problems. At Woodward Heating Air Plumbing, these issues are unheard of because we ensure our technicians have the proper training and perform tasks with utmost professionalism.
Conclusion
Water leakage from your HVAC system signals something is amiss and needs immediate attention. For residents of Aumsville, you can rely on Woodward Heating Air Plumbing for all heating and cooling system installations, repairs, and maintenance. We provide other services such as gas piping, indoor air quality, thermostat upgrades, zoning systems, furnace, and ductless installations. We also sell heating and cooling accessories such as air filters, climate replacement, humidifier water panels, and steam canisters. Fill out our online form for further inquiries or call us for an appointment today.
