If you have an air conditioner that you use often, then you should inspect the appliance daily to make sure there is nothing wrong with it. There are many signs of AC problems that you may notice, and a puddle of water under the unit is one of these issues. The water may or may not indicate a serious issue. Keep reading to learn about some non-serious issues, why they happen, and how you can address them.
Humid Weather
If you have had a bout of humid weather in your area, then the humidity is one common cause of excess water inside your air conditioner and the pooling of water on the ground. Many heating and AC systems have outdoor air intake vents that pull air into the system so it can be cooled or heated. When the appliance cools, water from the humid air deposits on the cooling coils. The water drips into a tub and exits the house through your sump pump, a basement drain, or an exterior drain. A small drain line helps to move the water away from the air conditioner.
In some cases, there may be too much water for the drain tub and drain line to handle. If it is humid in your basement as well as outside your home, then condensation may be forming on the inside of the metal casing that holds the components of your air conditioner. This water can add to the fluid in the drain tub and cause it to overflow.
Water will typically stop pooling on the floor once outdoor humidity drops. In the meantime, you can add a dehumidifier to your basement. The device will stop condensation from developing on the AC unit so the drain pan is less likely to overflow. Make sure to choose the right dehumidifier for the space. If the basement is quite large, then opt for a large capacity device that can remove 75 pints of fluid a day. If you have a smaller space, then a medium capacity unit that can remove about 45 to 50 pints of water a day is a good choice.
If you see some water on the floor even after you add the dehumidifier, use a clean rag to wipe up the water multiple times a day. Allowing water to sit on the floor can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Clogged Drain Line
If your AC unit has been working overtime under humid and hot conditions, then mold may have had a chance to grow in and around the drain tub and drain line. This can cause clogs to form in the the drain tube. To check to see if this is the case, locate the drain pan at the bottom of the air conditioner. You will need to take off the the lower casing from the AC unit to find it. Look to see if the drain pan is full of water. If so, turn off the AC unit for a few hours. Look at the pan again. If it still contains water, then fluid is not draining properly.
To remove the clog, dip a clean cloth in the water that sits in the drainage pan. Once a small amount of water is removed, pour one to two cups of vinegar or bleach in the water. Both of these things will help to dissolve the mold so water can drain normally. Allow the bleach or vinegar to sit in the pan and check on it periodically to see if the water has drained away. If it does not, then you have a stubborn clog. You should replace the clogged drain line with a new one.
The drain line that connects from the drain pan to the exterior of your AC unit will be a small rubber hose. The hose will connect to the back of the unit with a hose clamp. Remove the clamp and take the hose to your local home store to find an exact replacement. Cut the hose to size and reconnect it by tightening the clamp over the new hose. Test to see if the replacement allows the drain pan to empty. If it does not, the you will need to replace the PVC drainage that attaches to the back part of the AC unit. Speak with your HVAC professional to replace this drainage line. A professional will help to ensure that the piping is angled downward correctly so water can drain properly.
For more information and assistance with your pooling water issue, talk with a professional air conditioning repair service, such as #1 Air Source.
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