Finding water pooling near your air conditioner or dripping from the ceiling can be alarming. Many homeowners search “why is my AC leaking water inside my home?” as soon as they notice moisture where it shouldn’t be.
An air conditioner leaking water is never normal. While some causes are minor, others can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly HVAC repairs if ignored. Understanding the most common reasons helps homeowners act quickly and protect their home.
Air conditioners remove humidity from the air as part of the cooling process. That moisture should safely drain away from the system. When something goes wrong, water can back up and leak into your home.
Ignoring AC water leaks can lead to:
The most common cause of an AC leaking water is a clogged condensate drain line. Dirt, algae, and debris can block the line, preventing moisture from draining properly.
When the drain line is clogged, water backs up and overflows into your home.
Dirty air filters restrict airflow across the evaporator coils. When airflow is reduced, coils can become too cold and freeze. As the ice melts, excess water can overwhelm the drain system and leak inside.
Replacing air filters regularly helps prevent freezing and water leaks.
Frozen coils are a frequent cause of indoor AC leaks. When the system shuts off and the ice melts, large amounts of water can spill into areas not designed to handle it.
Frozen coils are often caused by:
These issues typically require professional AC repair.
Over time, the condensate drain pan can crack, rust, or corrode. When this happens, water leaks out instead of flowing into the drain line.
Older AC systems are especially prone to drain pan issues.
If an AC system isn’t installed level or the drain line isn’t positioned correctly, water may not drain properly. Installation issues can cause ongoing leaks even if the system appears to be working.
A professional inspection can determine whether installation errors are contributing to the problem.
Low refrigerant reduces pressure inside the system, causing coils to freeze. As with other freezing issues, melting ice can lead to significant water leakage.
Refrigerant problems always require licensed HVAC professionals.
Allowing an AC to leak water inside your home can result in:
What starts as a small leak can quickly turn into a major repair if left unresolved.
If your AC is leaking water:
Running a leaking system can worsen the damage.
Routine HVAC maintenance helps prevent leaks by:
Homeowners who schedule regular maintenance experience fewer moisture-related issues.
You should schedule professional AC repair if:
A trained technician can identify the cause and fix the problem correctly.
Water leaks often involve multiple system components working together. Professional AC repair ensures the root cause is addressed—not just the visible symptom.
TX Air Mechanics provides honest AC repair services designed to stop water leaks, protect your home, and restore reliable system performance—without unnecessary upselling.
If your AC is leaking water inside your home, TX Air Mechanics can help diagnose the issue and prevent further damage. Scheduling professional AC repair or requesting a free second opinion with TX Air Mechanics ensures your system is evaluated thoroughly and repaired the right way.
