The summer climate in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle often sees temperatures reaching into the upper 90s, with some days hitting over 100 degrees. If you live in this area, there’s a good chance you use your air conditioner frequently throughout the summer months. However, if you suspect that your AC unit in the attic is leaking water, it’s important to understand why this occurs and what to do about it. The experts at Frank’s Repair Plumbing have some information about signs your AC unit is leaking water, common causes of these leaks, what to do about the problem, and more.
Signs Your Attic AC Unit Is Leaking Water
Not all AC units are located in the attic, and it largely depends on how your system is set up. However, if your air conditioner is placed in this space, some very distinct signs may indicate that the AC unit is leaking water in the attic.
- Stains on the ceiling: If you see obvious water stains or discoloration on your ceiling, there’s a very good chance that your AC unit is leaking in the attic.
- Wet insulation: Slightly damp or soaking wet insulation in the attic, or insulation that looks or feels heavier than normal, may indicate an AC leak somewhere in your attic.
- Pooling water: Any signs of pooling water around the AC unit or near your condensate drain line are clear signs of a leak.
- Musty odor: If you suddenly notice a musty smell in your home, it may be due to mold or mildew growth in the attic, which can be caused by an AC leak.
- Strange noises: Hissing or gurgling sounds coming from the attic could be due to a refrigerant leak or a clogged condensate drain line, while bubbling sounds often indicate there’s a refrigerant leak.
- Higher humidity: An increase in humidity levels in your attic and home, or if the attic feels generally musty or damp, may indicate an AC leak.
Common Causes of a Leaking AC Unit in the Attic
An AC unit leak in the attic can cause serious ceiling damage and extensive damage to the rest of your home, which could cost you thousands of dollars to repair. While a small amount of water from the AC due to condensation is normal, any other leaks are not the norm and should be addressed right away to prevent further damage.
These are some of the most common causes of water leaking from an AC unit in the attic.
- Clogged condensate drain line: A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common causes of an AC leak, occurring when dirt, algae, and other debris block the line, causing water to back up and eventually overflow.
- Damaged or disconnected lines: When the drain line or other plumbing components become loose, disconnected, or damaged, it can lead to serious leaks.
- Frozen evaporator coils: Most evaporator coils freeze due to low refrigerant levels, improper airflow, or a dirty air filter, which can cause leaks once the ice on the coils starts to thaw.
- Low refrigerant: If your AC has low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak, it causes the evaporator coils to freeze and start leaking as they thaw out.
- Issue with the condensate pump: If the AC condensate pump malfunctions, it can no longer remove water from the drain pan, causing it to overflow and leak water.
- Improper installation: If your air conditioner was not installed correctly, or if you have the wrong AC size for your home, it can lead to a variety of issues, including low efficiency, poor performance, and leaks.
What To Do If You Notice Water Around Your Attic AC
If you notice any amount of water near or around your attic AC, it’s vital to take measures immediately to prevent further damage to your air conditioner and your home. Follow these steps to address a leaking AC unit in the attic:
- Step one: Turn your AC unit off at the breaker box and verify that it’s turned off before taking the next steps to ensure your safety.
- Step two: Locate your condensate pan (usually underneath the evaporator coils) and check to see if it’s overflowing, which may mean that you have a clogged drain line.
- Step three: Carefully inspect the AC drain line to look for any signs of clogs or blockages.
- Step four: If the drain line is clogged, you can attempt to remove it by sucking it out with a wet/dry shop vac or by using compressed air to try and force the blockage out of the line.
- Step five: To dissolve excess mineral buildup, pour a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar down the drain line.
- Step six: Check to make sure that the drain pan is not rusted or cracked, and if it is, it should be either sealed or replaced right away.
- Step seven: If the AC evaporator coils are frozen, let the ice melt before turning the AC back on. If this issue occurs more than once, call the experts at Frank’s for professional repairs.
- Step eight: After you’ve tried each of the steps above and the problem isn’t resolved, contact the team at Frank’s Repair Plumbing to schedule a professional diagnosis and repair.
How To Prevent Future AC Leaks in the Attic
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent future AC leaks in your attic. Remember these tips to keep your AC unit in the attic from leaking:
- Clean dust, algae, and debris from your unit, particularly the drain lines, to prevent blockages that can cause backups and leaks.
- Change the AC air filter regularly to maintain good airflow, and replace the filter whenever it’s dirty or per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Regularly clean the evaporator coils and condensate drain line to support proper drainage and good airflow.
- Flush your condensate drain periodically with a mixture of vinegar and hot water to prevent mold and algae buildup.
- Check the drain pan regularly for signs of rust, cracks, holes, or other damage, and replace it as necessary.
- Make sure the condensate drain line is positioned and sloped correctly to allow for proper drainage, and confirm that it’s securely connected to the unit.
- Insulate the ductwork and refrigerant lines to minimize condensation and reduce the risk of leaks.
- Ensure your air conditioner has the correct refrigerant levels by consulting an experienced HVAC technician, who can inspect for leaks and refill the refrigerant as necessary.
- Provide adequate insulation in your attic to help regulate temperature and humidity levels, which improves efficiency and reduces condensation buildup on the ductwork and AC unit.
- If there are any air leaks in your attic, seal around vents, pipes, wires, and light fixtures to control condensation and improve efficiency.
- Schedule regular preventative maintenance with Frank’s for a professional inspection, cleaning, and system tune-up.
Contact Frank’s Repair Plumbing Today!
If you suspect that your AC unit in the attic is leaking in your Texas Panhandle area home, Frank’s Repair Plumbing is here to help. Our licensed technicians are available to help with all of your home comfort needs. To learn more or schedule a service or repair, contact us today!
