When water pools and pours onto your floor, it can be a problem. However, there are solutions to avoid this. Knowing the reason and how to prevent a portable air conditioner from leaking can allow you to get more use out of your device while saving money on repairs. Solution plumber 2022.
WHY DOES PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER LEAKING WATER?
A portable air conditioner is an excellent purchase, particularly if you do not have a suitable window for an air conditioner in your home. A leaking portable air conditioner, on the other hand, indicates that something is amiss with your machine.
Figuring out the problem can be difficult, especially if the weather is humid and you need it to work right away. Using a defective air conditioner can result in a variety of problems, including paying needlessly high energy expenses. That is why, in order to develop a solution, you must first identify the problem.
Below are the reasons that may be possible of the cause why does your portable air conditioner leak water;
8 REASONS PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER IS LEAKING WATER
You Just Bought The Portable AC
The cause for this could be due to high relative humidity in your location, but it could also be related to the fact that you recently purchased a new unit. After a while, when you air condition your living space, the humidity is removed from the floor, walls, ceiling, furniture, and other items, including the air. This could lead to a lot of water accumulating in the water pan.
So, if your water pan continues to fill up while testing your new portable air conditioner, give it some time before returning it. If it keeps filling up, it's either a malfunctioning air conditioner or one that's not designed for the climate you live in, such as a high average relative humidity. As a result, you might wish to look at a partially evaporative or totally evaporative portable air conditioner.
Clogged Drains
One of the most common reasons of water leaks in portable air conditioners is this. The smooth passage of water through the drainage pipes is hampered by clogged drains. To maintain the water in the system, you must treat the issue right away. Unclogging the drainage system can be done in a variety of ways.
Clean the pipe that drains water into the reservoir first, then blow it out to clear any obstructions. Second, you can use a wire to clear any obstructions in the drainage system. To accomplish so, insert a wire into the drainage pipes, then twist until the wire can freely move back and forth. If neither of these methods works to unclog the pipes, call an AC repair service to diagnose the problem.
Cracks
Cracks in the air conditioner could also be a source of water leaks. If they are dropped while being relocated or if they freeze up, portable air conditioning units can develop cracks. Cracks should be looked for in the condenser and condensate pan. Temperature swings in these two places are common. Repair any cracks in your air conditioner with a resin poly sealer.
Dirty Heat Coils And Filters
When airflow is not obstructed, an air conditioner performs best. The air conditioner will cool down if dirt is found in the heat exchange coils or filters. As a result, the air will condense, causing water leaks. Clean the filth from the heat coils with a hose, showerhead, or spray bottle. To eradicate germs and mold, add an antiseptic to the cleaning water. If you're unsure how to proceed, consult the user handbook.
Lack Of Refrigerant
Your portable air conditioner should create enough airflow and cold air if the filter and heat exchanger are clean. If the air conditioner is still unable to chill the room and is leaking water from the air vent, it is most likely low on refrigerant.
If this is the case, you'll need to engage an expert to fix the problem and get it back up and running. A competent AC expert will detect the leak, repair it, and recharge the system with more refrigerant.
Old Drain Pan
During the cooling process, your air conditioner absorbs heat and draws moisture from the heated air in your home. The heat in the evaporator coil is absorbed by the coolant. In any case, the moisture drips down the coil and gathers in the drain pan. As the drain pan ages, it may break and rust, allowing water to flow into your home. The remedy is simple: switch out the pan.
Disconnected Drain Line
Drain pipe fittings may be secure if air conditioning systems are poorly constructed. They can loosen with time, allowing the condensate to flow through the ceiling or onto the floor once the drain pipe disconnects from the air conditioning unit. The location of the leak will depend on whether the leak is in the primary or secondary drain pipe and whether your central air conditioning system is in the attic or in your home, just like a clogged drain line.
Faulty Condensate Pump
If you have a condensate pump and the water tank is constantly filling up, there is almost certainly an issue with the condensate pump arrangement. Either the condensate pump is malfunctioning, or the drain hose entering or exiting the pump is clogged or bent. This obstructs the flow of water. Checking the line running before and after the condensate pump is a good idea.
HOW DO I STOP MY AIR CONDITIONER FROM LEAKING WATER?
If you find out your portable AC is leaking water, you need to check on the following lists below to stop your AC from leaking water;
- Make sure the air conditioner filters are clean. Clean them completely if they are unclean or clogged, and your problem should be resolved.
- After that, check the drain pipes for any obstructions that may be preventing the water from draining. There will be no leakage problem once the barriers are removed and the water flows freely.
- Check for any cracks throughout the system. This can happen if the system is dropped or if the unit freezes. The condensate pan and the condenser area are good locations to look. These are the areas where the temperature fluctuates the most.
Make sure the area is totally dry before applying a resin poly sealer to the crack. Allow at least four hours for the resin to cure completely before turning the machine back on.
IS WATER LEAKING FROM AIR CONDITIONER DANGEROUS?
Water is formed when water vapour in the air condense on the cooling unit's cold copper fins. Technically, this is the same as rain drops forming, therefore the water is completely pure.
However, the fins and filters may be polluted with a million bacteria/microorganisms. Because it has been distilled, it is devoid of salts and is extremely hypotonic. If someone drinks it, they will have a severe ionic imbalance, which could result in death.
On the other hand, it depends on whether it's water or refrigerant that's spilling. Although a water spill is not harmful to people, it can cause damage to the home over time. Humans are at risk from coolant leaks, which can cause headaches, nausea, and discomfort. It's also not good for the environment.