Why Is My Air Conditioner Spitting Water?

What Is Causing My AC To Leak?

Suppose you see water collecting around your air conditioning and heating system. In that case, you may ask yourself, “Why is my air conditioning system spitting water?” or, “Why is my furnace leaking water”?Suppose you see water collecting around your air conditioning and heating system. In that case, you may ask yourself, “Why is my air conditioning system spitting water?” or, “Why is my furnace leaking water”?

Water leaking through the ceiling from an AC spitting water

If your air conditioner, outdoor condenser, heating and air conditioning system, HVAC system, or air conditioner spits water in the Dallas, Texas, metroplex, your AC unit needs an AC repair service call.

Putting an end to the leak immediately is very important not only to repair your air conditioning system but also to avoid any additional damage the air conditioner spitting water will do to the interior of your home. Either way, identifying the source of the spitting water is critical to repairing your AC system.

A trained air conditioning repair technician will troubleshoot an air conditioner that is spitting water by testing for a clogged drain line, a frozen evaporator coil, a dirty air filter, a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant levels, improper air conditioner installation, or even a leaking coil.

Clogged Drainage Line

Properly functioning air conditioners produce condensation as they cool the air in your home, and this moisture is usually collected and drained away in the drain line. Over time, the drain line in your HVAC system can become clogged with dirt, dust, mold growth, algae buildup, and debris.
When the drainage system that carries water from your AC system away from your home becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, water can back up into the unit and eventually overflow, causing it to spit water. To fix this issue, you must unclog the drain line or have a professional HVAC technician do it.

Dirty Air Filter

Air filters play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency of an air conditioning system. Although the air filter, by nature, restricts airflow to filter out particles and contaminants from the air you breathe, maintaining proper air flow is crucial to a properly functioning AC system.
If the air filter in your HVAC system is dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze over. When the coil thaws out, your AC will start spitting water. Regular cleaning or replacing your residential HVAC air filter can help prevent this from happening.

Frozen evaporator coil leading to an AC spitting water

Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil in an air conditioning and heating system cools the air by removing heat and humidity. If the airflow over the coil is restricted or the refrigerant levels are imbalanced, the coil can freeze.

When the frozen coil melts, excess water can accumulate and be spit from the unit. Having an AC repair technician address airflow or refrigerant problems, such as low levels or leaks, can help prevent the evaporator coil from freezing.

Low Refrigerant Levels

If the refrigerant levels in your air conditioner are low, the evaporator coil can freeze over and eventually thaw out, producing excess water and splitting the unit. The presence of excess water is a more serious issue requiring a professional AC repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Improper Air Conditioning Installation

An improperly installed air conditioning system could cause water to build up in the unit and eventually be spit out. If the AC unit tilts or the drainage system is set up incorrectly, water can accumulate and be expelled.

This issue will require a professional to inspect the installation and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. This is just one reason to insist that your HVAC company pulls permits from the local authorities before installing your AC system. A permit will ensure that a city or county inspector will certify that your heating and air conditioning system was properly installed.

A Leaking Coil

The evaporator coil, located inside the air conditioner’s indoor unit, absorbs heat from the air and cools it. When the coil becomes damaged or develops a leak, the refrigerant inside can escape, causing the evaporator coil to freeze up. As the ice on the coil begins to melt, excess water can drip and leak from the unit.

If you suspect that your air conditioner is leaking due to a leaking coil, it is essential to have it inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and potential safety hazards.

Contact a Licensed AC Repair Technician

If you are experiencing water spitting from your air conditioner and you are unsure of what is causing the issue, it is recommended to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the problem.  They can identify the underlying cause and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance to ensure your air conditioner operates properly and efficiently.