Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Draining Water?

Air conditioners strip excess moisture from indoor air to deliver a more comfortable atmosphere inside the house. The extra moisture will go into the drain line and leave the building. But sometimes, problems may happen that cause your AC to not drain water like that. If this happens, it can lead to unpleasant consequences like a clogged AC or water leakage. In addition to regular maintenance, you can do a few things to prevent your AC unit from leaking water.

So what should you do when your AC is not draining water?

Here are some possible reasons:

• Disconnected Drain Line

The drain line is the first thing you must check out when your AC is not draining water. Some connections might get loose due to improper installation or vibration. Once you’ve tightened it up, your AC might normally drain again.

If the drain line is completely blocked, you need to unclog it so water can flow through. The most common reason for a blockage is dirt and debris buildup inside the pipe.

• Clogged Drain Line

Another possibility is a clog in the drain line caused by dust or debris from the condensate. You can try flushing the line with bleach or sucking the clog using a wet/dry vacuum to unclog it. Try poking the clog out using a thin wire brush if those tricks don’t work.

If your system is still not draining properly, you may need to replace the entire drain line. This can be a tricky repair, so it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to handle it for you.

• Rust in Drain Pan

If your AC is old, there is a chance that your drain pan has been worn out. First, see any rust or damage because those can prevent water from flowing to the drain line. In this case, you must replace the pan with a new one.

Clean the pan with a brush and soapy water if there is no damage. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before putting it back in place.

• Malfunctioning Condensate Pump

A condensate pump is an element that pushes the moisture from the condensation to the drain line. If your indoor AC unit is located in the basement, it has a condensate pump. Unfortunately, if this thing doesn’t work correctly, there are possibilities that your condensate pump doesn’t work well.

• Frozen Evaporator Coil

Evaporator coils can freeze due to many possible reasons. First, frozen coils lead to water damage, causing the water to leak instead of flowing through the drain line. This problem requires immediate action to avoid more extensive damage because the leaking water might damage your wall and furniture. Second, the ice buildup can cause your evaporator coils to malfunction. When this happens, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your room properly, and you might even experience some health problems due to the excessive heat. Finally, if the ice on your coils melts, it can lead to a short circuit, which can be dangerous.

• Dirty or Damaged Coils

Dirt buildup in the coils might prevent water from flowing to the drain line. The same cases happen if the coils are broken. The water will stay at the coils. Eventually, the coil will not be able to contain the accumulating water, causing the water to leak and fall through uncontrollably.  If you notice any leakage, make sure to check the coils and clean them if necessary.

The most effective way to prevent this problem is by regularly maintaining your AC. The service includes cleaning and inspecting all the parts. All of the points mentioned above will less likely happen and cause your AC not to drain water accordingly. However, suppose you have never given your AC regular maintenance. In that case, it is time to contact an HVAC contractor to schedule the service.

When you find that your drain line does not send out water from your AC, you must first turn off the system. Then, inspect the drain line, pan, and coils to see if you can spot the culprit. If you are unsure what causes the issue and how to resolve it, contact a professional technician to finish the job.